Zannie | ExpatWoman.com
 

Zannie

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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 June 2012 - 00:11
The course most recognised is CACHE. I'm currently a TA at a nursery training for my level 2 at EYES at Knowledge Village. I'm loving it! Ideally you should be working or able to get a couple of mornings works a TA in a nursery. The one I'm working at offers a payment plan to spread the cost and are looking for more TA to come on board willing to do the course as is compulsory from September. You can email me; zannie 1 at mac dot com Also contact Bev Burne Early Years Educational Services  Tel: +9714 446 5820 [email protected] www.eyes-me.com
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Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 19:56
GBP100k would be a big salary anywhere.... It would be a huge salary... most senior managers in major corporations in London are earning in the £60-80k bracket! To get that in Wales you'd have to be the CEO of a very successful company. A more realistic salary expectation as an expat would be in the £30-40k range. The average annual salary in Wales is £26k. If you're taking home £2000 per month in Wales, you're doing very well indeed.
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Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 18:00
Shocking price! That's over £50 for one stall! However, I have a lot to sell, but not willing to lease a table for myself, hoping to share with someone.
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Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 18:46
No way would I give him 300aed. 100aed is enough and warn him if he pulls a stunt like that again, you will not pay him. He shouldn't do this. Be firm otherwise he will do this again.
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Latest post on 28 May 2012 - 18:27
Make sure you make all payments on time and don't full into arrears. When leaving, ask your company to pay your final salary by another means, I.e. a cheque you are able to cash over the counter. Not into your bank account the loan is secured against, as your company by law has to inform the bank this is your final payment. The bank will therefore hold all the monies owed to them and freeze your account. They may also put a travel ban on you. They may also cash your guarantee cheque if they feel you may just 'do a bunk'. There is no guarantee your company will do this, but check with them.
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Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 21:16
April, have you already flown the first leg of the flight? If yes, then it should be £75 per date change per ticket. However, if the tickets haven't been used yet, then you may be subject to the cost difference the ticket is now, as Dupsee has mentioned. Depends on who to speak to there, I've had different info given over the phone. Go down to Dnata.
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Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 21:02
We've had to change our Emirates flights a few times in the past originating in the UK. Should be only £75 as you mention. However, never did over the phone, always went down to the Emirates desk in the Dnata building on SZR. If you can, go there. Will save hassle in the long run.
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Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 20:01
:) Debenhams, Marks and Spencer, Monsoon/Accessorise, Aldo....
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Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 19:53
Karama! Might be opening another can of worms :\: <em>edited by Zannie on 27/05/2012</em>
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Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 19:52
We're flying back to the UK this summer with Gulf Air. Still get the 30kgs allowance, same as Emirates. Downside stopover for an hour in Bahrain. However, family of four return is approx. 11k all in. 8k less than Emirates, flying the same dates...shocking!
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Latest post on 27 May 2012 - 19:11
My DD has just got a place at Safa School too. They are expanding, but places are going quickly. Star closed their Year 1 list last year and have already closed their waiting list for 2013-2014. They have a one day enrolment day, which was the 8th May. The best bet with most schools, it to call around them early September as movement in waiting lists will change. Schools like JESS, Jebel Ali will be very oversubscribed and almost nil chance of getting a place for this year I'm afraid. My DD has been on waiting list for JAPS for two years, still no chance. A lot depends on your budget. Is your employer paying school fees? Ours doesn't, so although some schools said they had places, their fees we far higher than most. Raffles maybe an option, also Greenfield the Green Community. Regent School in the Greens maybe a good one to try too.
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Latest post on 26 May 2012 - 10:23
We tried Brick Lane in Barsha. They were OK, not much meat. My Korma had about four cubes of chicken! Also the dishes were very sweet, maybe my palate has changed since being here? Quite pricey, 165aed for a basic meal for two. Will try them again, but will stick to where the local Indian/Pakistani's get their takeaways. Much cheaper and lot more flavour IMO.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 25 May 2012 - 09:47
We had the Shakshuka last time we went there. Was delicious.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 April 2012 - 14:05
Just literally had a lady and her daughter knock on our door begging for money. Security obviously let them in, so will have words. Both well dressed. Very polite, but had laminate pages with hand written note as to their reasons. She seemed to have a few of these, so same note written in several languages no doubt. TBH, didn't read it properly, saw something about her having 5 children to support. But was so thrown by it, told them I was sorry I had no cash (which was true), and she seems to put on a cry. Daughter didn't make eye contact at all. Was sure it was a scam, but still felt awlful afterwards.
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Latest post on 17 April 2012 - 10:47
You beat me to it! DVLA confirmed if you are not a current resident of the UK, it is illegal to use your UK driving licence. When we've hired cars, they always prefer to use our UK licence, which we refuse. If there was an accident, you wouldn't be insured as well as other legal issues. We always have our UK licenses with us, but if any problems, the UAE driving license should be the one you produce if required. My parent's also have me down as a named driver on their car. They had to inform their insurance company that I can only drive in the UK in my UAE License and their premium clearly notes this. Their insurance company did say if they weren't made aware of this situation, even though I was a named driver and had an accident, they wouldn't have covered me if driving on a UK license not being a UK resident, they would also need to know at the time my name was added to the insurance that I'm using a foreign license as the premier cost slightly more. <em>edited by Zannie on 17/04/2012</em>
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 10:09
Forgot to mention, she has an open day at her house tomorrow morning from 10am. Just come up for a coffee and a chat and see all the lovely things she has on offer. She'll be able to explain exactly what she does and how she can help you. All the details are on the F/B page.
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Latest post on 15 April 2012 - 10:05
Janet from Dubai House of Colour would be perfect. https://www.facebook.com/houseofcolourdubai She's a UK expat living in the Ranches. I and several people we know have used her services and it's completely transformed our life, giving us so much more confidence in the way we dress, the colours we should be wearing to suit our complexion and make-up. She charges approx 600-700AED for a make-over. Really highly recommend her.
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Latest post on 09 April 2012 - 18:44
Lovely hotel. Have stayed there twice in the last few months. If you have kids, the ground floor rooms overlooking the swimming pool are the best, as you can sit on your own terrace and the kids can come and go as they please. Rub al Khalil is about a 50km drive from there, but very easy to find and the scenery is lovely.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 20:05
Doubt it for that amount. If you don't have an overdraft, if maybe easier to do it that way and apply for one.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 April 2012 - 19:58
If you have a good credit rating, then it's a good idea to transfer your card to an introductory 0% interest on balance transfers. This will help with the interest. Also, check your card insurance,myou may find if you aren't a resident in Aus at present, they wouldn't cover you anyway. So if this is the case, you may as well cancel it.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 17:39
Maybe put the expected rent amount down, and what the next year's lease amount will be.
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Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 17:38
No way should you be expected to paint the walls, especially if he hadn't before you moved in. As you say, the villa should be left in the same condition you received it in. Speak to RERA and refuse to give the LL back the keys until you have the cleared deposit amount.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 17:32
Just wondered if it would be cheaper, compared to the brilliant cattery we use. Churchwoods in Al Barsha is 80aed per day inc. food etc, so much better value. Our cat has been going there several years now and is very happy there, but does get stressed out over the journey to and from there. Luckily, it's not far from us. So was interested in HP, however, when we add the consultation costs, food, litter, visit costs etc. it will work out much more expensive. Thanks everyone.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 15:54
Does anyone know how much they charge for cat sitting? Been trying to contact them to ask, but can't get through. Thanks.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 April 2012 - 11:24
If you're at fault and the other persons involved only suffered minor injuries, then you will not be immediately locked up. As long as you weren't drinking, obviously. Also the reason for the accident will also be considered. The police in most cases will just hold your passport until the judgement is decided and fine (in most cases) is paid.
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Latest post on 31 March 2012 - 22:17
Wizadora or T bag are the only witch kids programmes I remember, vaguely. I'm more from the 70/80's era for kids TV.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2012 - 22:06
Was the second one you mention called GreenClaws or something like that?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2012 - 16:15
Thanks Plum. Didn't know that. Will remember for next time. X
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 March 2012 - 15:36
Ta Jill xxx They won't accept words three letters or less, so "van" or "man" doesn't work. Tried other options, nothing related come up.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 12:12
Just spoken to Robert the owner, he confirms the wood treatment also contains a UV protection and the decking doesn't need to be treated with varnish or stain. This G Techniq product can be painted straight onto untreated wood. Most boat deaking is made from Teak Wood, but can be used on any type of wood. So can help anything wooden you keep outside such as garden furntiure. If you're interested, please give him a call on 050 659 3368 and tell him you get his number from Suzanne. FYI, he's from the UK.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 28 March 2012 - 12:06
As regards to treating the wood for decking. I know a company that supplies a great product that helps with mainataining the wood. It is used on decking on boats and yachts, which are in contant contact with water and harsh sun/heat. I'm not sure if it 100% can be used on garden decking or wooden furniture, but can check. We used them to coat our car with one of the products and it has come up fantastic and really protects the paintwork.If helps repel water, dust etc, so our car after the recent rain and sandstorms doesn't look half as bad as it used to. My DH spoke to the owner of the company who ihas just started to supplyi it to the UAE at length about the product and was dead impressed! There are several products available that can be used on glass, wood, metal (so ideal to protect paintwork on cars, planes, boats etc) and the woodwork and windows. Cuts down a lot on cleaning cost. The product is called G Techniq and the company selling it is Prodent. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gtechniq-Middle-East/282295351841515
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Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 14:41
I would assume if sending the cash back to the UK, the best rate is the closest to the exchange rate the Bank of England has set. I'm guessing it will be a pain, however, if it's a large sum of money based in your Lloyds account, I'd personally go in and speak to them. You should be able to negotiate a good rate with them considering the size of the transfer.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 14:33
m_king....I'm afraid you asked a sensible question on the wrong site and became a victim of the classic EW pack/lemming mentality. The problem is most posters on here think exercise is getting out of the car to go to MacDonalds rather than using drive through. You only have to read some of the threads asking why they are overweight and what they can do about it to realise that. You sound like a dedicated athlete who takes her running seriously but the vast majority of women on here cannot understand where you are coming from with that unfortunately. Happy running and good for you for having the dedication. Lol, Funny when a poster has no decent reply to the argument/debate in question, the personal assumptions are always the best way forward.:) I do agree though, the OP is certainly dedicated and I do really admire her for that. I just hope she looks at jogging somewhere safer in future. Afterall, she did ask the question on this forum for opinions.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 14:03
In which country is it the sensible thing to do to run on the road when there is a pavement or a running track available? in many countries it is perfectly safe to run on the road...I do it most days...the roads round me don't always have pavement and if they do there are often pushchairs etc which is fine...and there is certainly no running track...but I'm fortunate that I live somewhere surrounded by (on the whole) considerate drivers and that is the key point. Let's face it, courtesy and Dubai don't go together, nobody cares about anybody else. It's not until you get off the merrygoround that you realise that. But we're not discussing running on the roads in other countries, we're discussing jogging on the roads here. As as already pointed out several times, the driving practises here are apauling on most occasions. Why anyone would chose to run in the road, when a pavement is available is dangerous to both jogger and driver. And sorry, IMO, no road is safe, no matter what country we live in. Just because the driving skills maybe better and more considerate in another country, you are still taking a risk. Just ask family of our friend who lost her niece on a very quiet and *safe* country road in the UK.
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Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 13:50
Last time it tried it got over-ruled by Europe !! Agreed! Although I think France has successfully deported extremists. In theory, they were stopped, but chose to stand their ground and go ahead regardless of what the EU rules are. I'm guessing they would have faced a huge fine? Obviously felt it was money well spent! That's the difference between a weak willed Government such as ours and a stronger one, such as the French that are prepared to stand up for what they feel is right for their Country.
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Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 13:25
Me too, I cannot believe what these people are saying in this video. Yes, they are entitled to their opinion, however, when chanting hatred on this scale in a country that gives them the freedom that any Muslim State would not give them, is very frightening. I'm not one to spurt the type of vile the Daily Mail would print, but I would agree to say, why would they chose to live in the UK, when they are saying they want to live in a country that rules under Sharia Law. Most of them have been born and brought up in the UK and would probably hate the thought of giving up their rights, Freedom of Speech and the other luxuries and benefits the UK offers. These people will never integrate with society, and as their own population grows, so will this hatred, and this is very concerning. The problem is, the UK Government is very weak, and has been for years. They need to take the blame for a lot of what is happening and the extremism that is festering in these areas. What can they do? No idea! Putting them in prison won't help, will probably fuel the problem. Or deportation? I'm betting most of these people were born in the UK. However, I agree the Government needs to make a stand and definitely deport those that are immigrants that openly preach this sort of hatred or commit serious crimes, regardless of their religious background.
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Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 00:30
"Getting a month's salary in advance is common practise in any other job"? Err, no! Not in 99.9% of jobs it's not. I think the OP is being fair, she is giving her maid the time off she asked for. Also by giving a month's salary in advance, what happens when the maid returns and has to work with no extra money for two months? I would be concerned about that.
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Latest post on 27 March 2012 - 00:14
Personally, I think to start a post with your original statement and not expect everyone to agree with you was daft! Also to say the replies made assumptions, sure some did, but then you said the same below with us "having no life". To also say that a driver that hits a jogger on the road you jog along shouldn't be behind the wheel in the first place and deserves to go to prison, What??? There is no such thing as a "safe road". Sure, if you are wearing the right attire to be easily seen by the driver coming towards you helps them safely avoid you. However, you haven't mentioned you do. Just because this road is quiet and has a low speed limit, doesn't make if safe to run along. Other factors have to be considered and taken into consideration by driver whilst you're out on this road. Poor street lighting? Parked or cars waiting at the side of this road or any other potential obstruction preventing a driver seeing you, the behaviour of other drivers, all can be a factor in another driver not seeing you until it's too late. These are scenarios you are not in control of on the road. I'm not being nasty, just practical in pointing out the obvious. Where I live there is a very long, straight road which at certain times of the days (mostly evenings) is very popular with joggers (i'm assuming a similar road where you may jog). I might add, there is a very decent pavement on one side which runs along desert waste ground, so no roads for a jogger to cross) and an ideal running track. This road is fairly quiet during the day, but during peak times is very busy, and this seems to be the most popular time for people to jog up and down this road. I consider myself a careful and considerate driver and several times have been caught out by joggers running along the road, no reflective gear, headphones on, so no obvious awareness of what is happening around them. They are extremely hard to see and have had to take avasive action to avoid them. I'm not saying you are like these joggers, but making a statement that you have as much right to be on the road as a vehicle is wrong IMO. Also you cannot compare yourself to a cyclist, as a driver, I would expect to see them on a road, I would be angry to see them riding on a pavement putting pedestrians at risk. You say below your safety is your business, however, when this action could cause a car to serve out of the way and possibly hit oncoming traffic, it is my business if me and my family are in either of the said cars. I know it sounds far fetched, but, from what I've seen it will happen one day and someone will be seriously hurt or worse. I understand the driving here is bonkers at the best of times and cars speeding or drivers using their phone are a bigfactor for road safety here, but even with these idiots driving, they also would not expect someone running in the road, that could be a one of a number of contributing factors for a terrible accident. The point I'm making here is, you point out, you are aware of the terrible driving here, but you still maintain you are not the one at fault by running in the road. It's different when there is no pavement available, but you seem happy to continue to jog in this manner knowing these facts. If you want drivers to give you respect to use the road, then in return you need to give it back and be aware of the consequences that can happen. For all I know, you maybe one of those joggers that has equipt yourself with the appropriate attire so you are well seen for drivers to see you well ahead at night, or when the light is low. Good! You are few are far between, and this is the point I'm making regarding other joggers like yourself, not directed at you personally. Before you criticise me further for my opinion, a family friend's niece was killed last year in the UK whilst out jogging one evening on a quiet road. One of the contributors to her death was the use of wearing headphones, which stated she didn't hear the car approaching and she jogged out more into the road to avoid running over a pothole in the road and didn't hear the car behind her, which was also trying to overtake at a sensible speed, but not expecting her to swerve out as suddenly as she did. She died instantly and left a devastated family behind. She was in her late twenties. I hope you can now understand my reasons for my replies. This is by no means a joke, but maybe the RTA or whoever is responsible for road signs in residential areas, should but up a "Caution, poss Joggers on Road"!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 21:18
Try painting it on his thumb nail whilst he's asleep. He should have no knowledge of you doing it.
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Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 21:07
Another thing to consider, what if the jogger in question manages to stumble and fall whilst running in the road. What chance does a driver have if they fall across their path. OP, I think your question is well and truely answered! ;) <em>edited by Zannie on 26/03/2012</em>
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Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 21:07
Is anyone else reminded of the lady who insisted on jogging round Meadows 9 and some Springs with her baby in a jogging stroller ON THE ROAD NEXT TO THE PAVEMENT? I haven't seen her for a while, not sure if it's because my timings have changed or because she has stopped doing it.. Or she's in hospital!
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Latest post on 26 March 2012 - 12:58
Can ask the OP or any other runner that insists in running in the road. Do you wear reflective clothes so cars using the roads can easily see you? Whether you do or not, the large majority do not and it's basically the most stupid thing to do. Cyclists also make me mad, more the expats here that should know better riding with no reflective or lights on their bikes (day or night), but that's another argument. Many joggers around my way run this way and it's utter dangerous. No reflective clothing (especially at dusk/night) which makes it terribly hard to see them. Also they don't run very close to the pavement as you think, so drivers have to swerve out causing potential accidents to other traffic. Especially when they can't see them until the last minute, no matter what direction they are running in. Personally, I think it's dangerous and should be illegal if it isn't already. I can understand your reasons, but having lived in the Springs myself, I know there are several big lakes you can run around away from any traffic and danger to both sides.
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Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 19:18
No, not for the arrangement I have. Have checked.
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Latest post on 25 March 2012 - 16:38
At HSBC it's by 9am if you want a cheque to clear the same day. Or, can you cash the cheque at one of branches the cheque is from? I usually cash my salary cheque at any branch my employer banks with. I just take some photo I.D and they cash it there and then.
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Latest post on 22 March 2012 - 19:13
We went to the Palace Hotel near Burj Khalifa for their Easter Afternoon Tea. Utter chaos, badly organised and no table and chairs to sit at. lots of things for the kids, but very badly thought out and very over crowded. Nice idea though and the kids got several bits to take home, but it was a major scum to get anything.
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Latest post on 22 March 2012 - 19:06
A good friend of mine looks after rental properties in that area. She is very reliable and will hopefully be able to assist you. Her name is Anoushka and tell her Zannie recommended her: 050 936 6762
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Latest post on 22 March 2012 - 11:12
I'm guessing she'll also have to pay Income Tax if she earns over a certain amount?
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Latest post on 22 March 2012 - 10:46
If you pay monthly, they also take payment in advance of the 12th month. When I joined early last year, it was 1000aed joining fee, 250aed (some other fee, can't remember now), and 1st and last months monthly fee, so nearly 2000aed upfront costs! Btw, unless you join FF at any of the original Hayya clubs, you're not able to use these.
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Latest post on 22 March 2012 - 10:41
Why would you want to do this when there are plenty of women in the UK that would suitably fill this role? I would imagine the rate of a housemaid absconding at their first opportunity is very high!
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Latest post on 19 March 2012 - 09:05
We're in the same position. Had DD down for 2 school waiting lists for year 1 for almost two years. She is still quite a way down the lists and according to the schools has very little chance of getting in. So again they have rolled her over onto the list for 2013. Funny, they never mention this when they're happy to take your 500AED non refundable fee just to get on the waiting list. It really annoys me, as they say, try and put her name down on as many schools as possible, errr, how much will that cost me? I cannot afford to do that, as do many parents I know who are experiencing the same problems. Maybe, if schools weren't so greedy here and actually refunded the waiting list fees to those who no longer want to be on that school's list, parents would have to inform the school they no longer want a place there to get their money back and hence helping the cloged up situation of the waiting lists . Instead of having to ring around all the schools in early September and having to compete with hundreds of other parents doing the same. I've noticed the only schools still accepting applications for 2012-2013 are the ones with the over inflated school fees. Average term fee I'm expecting to pay on average for Year 1, From 11-12k per term. One school is asking over 17k for the first term and then 13k for the following two? :\: