cymraes | ExpatWoman.com
 

cymraes

cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 December 2016 - 13:52
why not contact schools in your area directly? If you're here at college in the UAE doing your course don't they help? I know if you're doing a PGCE then your college can help with the placement
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 December 2016 - 13:50
Spinneys or Park and Shop - you can order whatever size, smoked or unsmoked then cook it yourself. I soak mine for 12 hours in water, change the water, bung in the slow cooker with a can of coke or a can of ginger ale and cook for about 12 hours
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 September 2016 - 14:35
Welcome, public transport is great if you live in the main parts of Dubai, however Sports City isn't geared up for public transport, apart from I understand an infrequent bus service and if you don't drive you could feel out on a limb. As others have said get the Entertainer books, the app is brilliant as you always have it on you. And hook up to Cobone etc for lots of offers. Sadly Dubai is getting more and more expensive and entertaining teens can get quite pricey, I've been here 8 years and every few months I feel I am getting less and less for our money, I shop mainly at Carrefour and if you can take advantage of their offers (washing powder, tinned goods, toiletries etc) then you can save quite a bit. Also get their loyalty card. Stay away from Waitrose and Spinneys as they just are way to expensive for everyday stuff.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 September 2016 - 09:32
Schools generally start recruitment for the following years around January - however I would advise you to apply directly to schools as soon as possible. The best teachers are snapped up early in the year. I work in a school, not in HR, however we advertise heavily in TES. GEMS have a recruitment website - Google GEMS Education careers. Entry requirements will depend on your nationality, where you gained your degree/teaching quals and experience, and different curricula have different entry criteria. At our school teachers on an overseas package get housing, medical and two full places for two children within our group of schools. Good luck!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 August 2016 - 17:04
EMDI they are in knowledge village, they do a wedding planning course, as well as event management etc http://emdiworld.com/
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 August 2016 - 23:39
Just looked at the website and it says landlord or his agent, in the past we have never had one as we didn't need as we have AUH visas...... Which dont need an Ejari to renew
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 August 2016 - 19:21
Who is responsible for getting the Ejari - landlord or tenant?
cymraes
1430
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 July 2016 - 16:49
I met with Dr. Britt clausson and she is great in terms of knowledge- she is the head of the department but her waiting list is way to long and the first appointment is in 3 months! The hospital booked me to see the new south African dr. Joining at the end of the month so I will keep you posted. thanks Realist_sz :-)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 July 2016 - 16:44
Not to late to apply, many schools are still looking to fill spaces. If you are going to be the overseas contract (ie not under your our husband's sponsorship) I am aware that GEMS schools (premium) will give you two free children's places, if you are on a local contract I believe it is one child place. [u'>[i'>[i'>[/i'>At the school I work at[i'>[/i'>[/i'>[/u'> Overseas contract - you are the head of the family, will get all the benefits: visa for self, normally medical for self and one family member, school places, housing, flight home for you each year. You then sponsor your own family at your own costs. Local contract - you will get only medical for self, one school place, no accommodation or flights I would directly mail the HR departments at the schools, they are now frantically setting up contracts accommodation etc so I doubt they are spending much time trawlling on Linkedin etc. Hope this helps, and as I say the information I provide is for the GEMS premium school I work at (I am not in HR!)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 July 2016 - 13:43
30K per child for education is good but won't cover most schools. Ours is about AED 45,000 per year. Be aware that although school fees and housing allowances are paid they generally do not go up as the years go on .... our benefits package has remained the same for 7 years - school and rent has gone up massively.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 July 2016 - 13:39
Hi, my son has just finished Year 13 and is high functioning autistic - he had a bad two years Year 7&8 at one of the prestigious non-profit schools here who said they were unable to help. He then started at GEMS Silicon Oasis, managed one year then we needed to pay for an LSS - (45,000 AED per year on top of school fees) worth every penny, although the journey was far from smooth he has achieved his IBCP and is now a confident and qualified boy! GEMS WSO is very inclusive, but you may have left it very late in the day to apply and get the support you will need in place for next year. I would apply to GEMS WSO or GEMS First Point - I can't recommend them highly enough. I have also heard there is a great Inclusion team at Kings Al Barsha, but don't have any personal experience of school life. Good luck. Be prepared for a long battle, Dubai is only just getting on the Inclusion Bandwagon!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 June 2016 - 16:03
American Eagle my teen loves them! Gap also have
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 June 2016 - 16:50
When I worked in HR a 0.5 contract meant every benefit was divided in half, except for your medical insurance cover, I'd just ask them to outline the benefits you'll receive on this type of contract. Salary, well that depends on type of school/curriculum, your teaching experience (some don't pay for supply experience, or gaps in teaching) and their own pay scale which varies school/company Will also depend if it's a local or overseas contract too - especially in relation to flights and child places
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 14 May 2016 - 08:07
If I remember rightly it's a week in year 12 and the same in year 13, although DS did more than that as he wanted to go to see more, so he's volunteered in the holidays. For the extra time in exams you need an assessment, yes they do CAS and a reflective project, but not the TOK (theory of knowledge) or extended essay which the DP students do. http://www.ibo.org/programmes/career-related-programme/
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 May 2016 - 15:29
Hi my son is graduating from the CP programme at Wellington Academy, Silicon Oasis this month, they have regular info events or you could arrange to meet with the Head of Post 16 for any questions you have. He had a specific work placement that we arranged ourselves, students are encouraged to do the research themselves but am sure they can assist with placements
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 May 2016 - 17:54
Just to give you perspective, we moved DS from DESC to WSO in year 9, as DESC could not support his low level needs - he's now graduating from year 13 WSO with a very bright future
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 April 2016 - 19:00
Try Claus Olsen in Mirdif City Centre - they do affordable Kilner jars so may do Mason jars also
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 30 April 2016 - 18:58
If you plan to teach in the UAE then in my experience from last year - on line degrees are not acceptable by the KHDA- can you believe they don't recognise Open University degrees - this was the case last year, so I would check before embarking on your studies
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 03 April 2016 - 15:00
To be really honest I don't think it will make much difference unless you are really lucky and find someone wanting to do a quick deal at either time, there are hundreds of new places coming on line, or shortly coming on line, this could also decrease the price. Although someone I know is buying and was told by their developer that they are delaying release to keep prices high and not to saturate the market so that rents will drop! (up to you if you believe that or not). From our experience, it's harder to get things done in the summer, often LLs are away so things slow down, DEWA etc can be slower, people are more frustrated because of the heat. Plus Ramadan is due to start 6 June for 30 days which will have a huge impact on getting things done. Personally I have never known of a huge fluctuation of highs and lows in rent during the time of year, we've been here 7 years - currently LLs want as much as they can possibly get from a new tenant. I would say organise yourselves as soon as you can, you will feel more settled with everything in place, you will have hurdles put in your way but given time you can easily overcome these. We have just moved we found a place really quickly and everything turned around quickly however with our previous house it took a very long slog, it was a new property and we were gazumped 2 days before moving in, found a new place at more money but was the only one in the location in our price range (just over!) then had lots of snagging issues - it was very stressful. The house we've left is priced at the rightish price, it's been on the market for rent for over 2 months and is still empty as LL won't reduce the price, not open to negotiation - lots of same villas at same price .... yet still won't reduce his price - he is not alone it appears. Good luck :-)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 March 2016 - 13:35
Buy it Sell it Swap it Dubai is great we sold lots of things on it, easier than Dubizzle. Also lots of communities have a FB pages, I sold lots of stuff on Villa Mums (The Villa community group) they are closed groups but work well if you live on a community am sure they have for Ranches, Silicon Oasus, Springs etc Good luck ?
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 15 March 2016 - 15:23
Hi there, I know it seems hard but please be aware that living in Dubai is very expensive. If your husband is earning 11,500AED a month will you have to pay accommodation out of that? I know that lots of families on this type of salary share accommodation - whether this is legal is another issue as sharing villas is still, I believe, against the law. To sponsor you and any other family members you will need to have a tenancy contract in his name. Also if you are able to sponsor your mother (yes you will need the paperwork they request - they love rules and paperwork here) you will probably also have to prove that you have adequate medical insurance cover for her, again this can be expensive. You do not mention any children, if you do have children of school age this will also be an added expense for you. Firstly find out if you can sponsor you mother, and if it is possible then you need to be very aware of the living/accommodation/visa/emirates ID/medical costs involved in a move here. I wish you every luck, Dubai is getting more expensive by the year, I have been here 7 years and costs have just risen every year.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 February 2016 - 17:54
Thanks SD123 - hope it's going to be OK as now I have to go a day earlier .... But doubt they will respond to my emails! Hope all goes well, long way to go to be turned around at MEL! Left the paperwork at work but don't think it actually states I have the Evisa, will check in the morning!!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 February 2016 - 19:36
I work in the education world and I could safely say receptionists may potentially (western educated on husband visa) will command a salary of approx 8,000-9,000k a month with only medical insurance included.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 February 2016 - 20:21
This website gives salaries, don't know how reliable it is. But knowing Dubai there are other factors, nationality, valuable/relevant experience, and what's the lowest they can get away with paying you. Also many jobs like this don't come with a visa so they look to hire cheaply those on husband's visa, or a lower salary which includes a visa. https://www.salaryexplorer.com/salary-survey.php?loc=2426&loctype=3&jobtype=3&job=13
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 February 2016 - 17:27
Hi how did you get on with your enquiries for training for undertaking the Cache 2/3 qualification? Did you get in touch with someone from GEMS eventually?
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 11 February 2016 - 17:16
We're on the move this year due to living closer to DH's work, our villa is out for rent at nearly 20k more than we pay, same villas up for rent at the higher price and they're being snapped up at that price! Where were moving to are 15-20k more than last year too. In the 7 years we've been here our housing and school allowance is the same .... surely somethings got to burst?
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2016 - 17:11
Not sure what you mean about publicity tactics and risks, I know of at least two GEMS TAs that have completed the course and the now have jobs as FS1 practitioners, however they can only teach FS1, and to my understanding are classed as UQTs (unqualified teachers) on that pay scale. Good luck Thnk u so much!!! Actually i dnt understand why EYES charging double the amount Gens offering for the same course ( cache-2). Gems claims tht the course can b done as fast as an individual can do... Will it b worthy doing like that?? That's why I originally suggested contacting GEMS directly, I only know those who did the Cache 3 qualification (not Cache 2). Contacting GEMS would mean they could advise on what the realistic timeframe would be. Also, please don't take this the wrong way but you may also have to brush up your written communication, as they require a reasonable written English level for entry into the programme. I have worked in HR at a school, so I can back up my point. Things done quickly and cheaply aren't always the best solution for long term gain. I hope you find what you are looking for.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2016 - 16:42
Hi there, firstly yes schools can choose who they take if you are an expat. Many Dubai schools have only very recently started to include children with disabilities, you don't state your daughters disabilities. My son is at GEMS Wellington Academy DSO, he was accepted with mild autism, he had learning support (at an additional cost) for 3 years from year 9, and is just about to graduate year 13 with a good qualification!!! There are children in the primary school with various learning and physical disabilities - supported 1-1 with a learning support assistant (full time in primary this can be approx 65,000aed on top of the school fees). I believe the variety of disabilities cover, global delay, cerebral palsy and Down's syndrome, and physical disabilities. A couple we know had a severely disabled daughter, although they have returned to the UK, she attended the Al Noor centre in Al Barsha. I hope you find your daughter a suitable place, perhaps some of the therapy centres may be able to offer good advice. Good luck and I hope this helps
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2016 - 15:39
Not sure what you mean about publicity tactics and risks, I know of at least two GEMS TAs that have completed the course and the now have jobs as FS1 practitioners, however they can only teach FS1, and to my understanding are classed as UQTs (unqualified teachers) on that pay scale. Good luck
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2016 - 15:21
Which employment area are you looking for and what is your salary expectation? LinkedIn is a great place to start. Have you visited agencies? But don't ever pay an agency to help you! I assume you mean a reference? If so then any job that doesn't ask for references, looks a little dodgy! Do you have good references?
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2016 - 15:18
Why not contact GEMS directly?
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 January 2016 - 16:53
Hi :) We've been with TDCC for almost a year now and they do have issues with management but I find the therapists excellent. But I hate the nursery, they shout a lot and are strict but parents ( which I meet there) are happy and say the children are really improving. I do not believe in AbA therapy and don't have any recommendations but my child does OT at TDCC and she's improving. She also takes speech. I've never considered a special diet, there's not enough research to support this practice, I hope a mom here can share her thoughts, I'd like to know more about it. With regards to school, you need to find one with a good learning support, jps, wellington, Repton, victory heights and japs are the one I reader he'd and found them supportive, I do not believe in special needs nurseries and special needs schools, our children are part of the society and should be accepted as they are as long as you give her or him the proper support. I know it's very expensive so good luck, it's a long journey but at the end it works out somehow :) I have a friend in the UK. Who has a severely autistic child and diet has made a huge difference. Eliminating dairy specifically. I am concerned that the nursery shout a lot - no child should be shouted at autistic or otherwise!! Be prepared in a Dubai fir a long and expensive journey.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2016 - 22:08
Rents are going down now aren't they? Not in our experience, our villa can command a 10% increase according to the Rera calculator this year ....
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2016 - 19:42
We're going into year 7 not had a rental allowance increase since we arrived - DH has had holiday allowance reduced too! No increase in any allowances, sch fees etc
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2016 - 19:34
My son, borderline high functioning autistic, was is in mainstream school - 45,000aed on top of school fees for support (had he been in younger years 65,000aed on top of sch fees) if you need ELL support that could be extra - think very hard before you bring a child who needs additional educational support, the bills can mount and if the school can't cope then they can withdraw the place, tough I know but additional support for even mild spectrum children can work out expensive. We're at the end of nearly 5 years of school fees and additional support costs I wish you good luck and supportive thoughts x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2016 - 19:28
It's easier to find a job when you're here on the ground, however if you are co-habiting with an unmarried male, that's illegal.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 12 January 2016 - 19:24
I like the quirky cards at Gallery 1 - in most malls
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 December 2015 - 10:04
At our school - part of a group, without a bachelors degree you would only be able to teach preschool but on a local contract, ie no visa/housing package. However I don't know about nurseries and other schools. Based on my experience, salary would be in the region of 6,000-8,000AED
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 December 2015 - 20:13
Dr Andrew Devine at City Hospital - what a gem, love him! Proper UK GP
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 November 2015 - 09:36
Thanks not trying to make it difficult but if we are going to live somewhere for a few years we want it to be somewhere nice and we have very limited experience of the various area of Dubai. I doubt many of us who have been here at few years are actually living in our first location, we started in Arabian Ranches for two years, then moved closer to DH's work and DS's school at The Villa, Dubailand - been at The Villa 5 years and as DH's work has moved we're looking to relocate further towards Abu Dhabi ... if you want your perfect location it will be easier to choose when you're here, so I'd stay in a furnished apartment for your first month or so if you're unsure if location.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 November 2015 - 00:11
I seem to recall you have a reasonable budget, have a look at Al Barari .... however I'd always opt for as close to DH's work ... Traffic is getting worse all over Dubai
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 November 2015 - 20:58
Fish, chips and mushy peas oh and Prosecco, just because it's Dubai ;) Loving your style GE!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 November 2015 - 19:30
....just wondering (possibly completely off piste!) what happened to Izzyontheseat ...? Just asking ... Oh and the one with the expensive cat?! Ps loving this thread, oh haven't we all got a 500k housing allowance??!!! I certainly do (don't!)
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 November 2015 - 18:30
Big bowl of creamy bacon pasta with lots of Parmesan cheese mmmmmm
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 November 2015 - 17:41
Dr Elsa has an awesome reputation, I know several who have delivered with her and many who couldn't book her due to her being in demand. I have not delivered with her but have had gyaenae surgery performed by her - as I said, awesome! And such a lovely bedside manner. Good luck x
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 November 2015 - 03:25
It depends on which role you're applying for.
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 November 2015 - 16:19
thanks ! I have her details
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 November 2015 - 12:52
I think my friend knows her, have given them a buzz so will report back
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 06 November 2015 - 12:48
I have a aquaracer Tag bought in the UK about 8 years ago, had it serviced in the UK (well it was sent to Tag) after about 5 years when the battery ran down, can't remember the cost but it was fair considering the value of the watch. I twisted the bracelet clasp and it was a battle with the Dubai agent to get them to replace the clasp only and not the whole bracelet, they also told me it needed servicing - I declined the service and held my ground in just replacing the clasp. I would contact Tag directly next time, they also appeared clueless about any questions I asked in store in Dubai Mall! ETA I expect it to last a lifetime, and pass it on to my child at some point - I love it!
cymraes
1430
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 November 2015 - 21:12
I've had experience of both and I can tell you that the ethos of non-profit schools comes through in their communication with parents, facilities and general manner towards education. I would not want to go back to a for-profit any time soon. GEMS schools, in particular :) We switched from a (very sought after) non-profit to a GEMS school and for us the experience was 100% beneficial - wish we'd started at GEMS, my child has a bright future compared to 'no hoper ' as quoted by DE**... but that's my own personal experience ... my child will graduate from GEMS this year with an awesome qualification and a very bright future Which Gems school did you go to if I may ask? Silicon Oasis, many mock it for being 'big' but I can say hand on heart, my son is flourishing, engaged and very well prepared for his future. They have some awesome teachers and fabulous support teams
 
 
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