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[around the world]

I will be visiting a school in Sharjah. Is there anybody with experience in that part of the world, that kind of school (whatever kind it is)? Can you comment on teaching, research, students, living conditions?

[worldlyAc]

I imagine you're visiting AUS - American Uni of Sharjah is a very new university that has been setting itself up to be one of if not the premier insitution in the Arab world - has excellent funding, beautiful campus, and very attractive compensation to attract int'l hires. I've not been to the univ myself but have friends who teach there - I hear it may be difficult to compare to US in terms of students, but it is again shooting for the most promising of the gulf as well as the rest of the region, but in a sense that also means the children of the elite for the most part - since it's new it may be still working towards that goal, but since it has been outplaying most of the competition (Amer Unis of Beirut and Cairo, for the most part) it does seem to be emerging as a very good school - not all students are Arab, btw, as I understand some come from South/Southeast Asia etc. The living conditions... well Sharjah itself is an older and more traditional town in the UAE - Dubai is the flashy international face of the Emirates, while Sharjah is the older and more conservative (but to many more beautiful) face - but it's quite easygoing and the uni has excellent housing facilities for faculty, and it's only a short drive to Dubai if you want to go to a bar or fancy restaurant, etc. I think it's well worth considering for a job, but see what you think on visiting, and do let us know after you get back...

[another expat]

You did not say which university in Sharjah you are visiting.  There are several in the "university city."  You might want to see if you can find out about turnover.  AUS has had many faculty leave recently - they have had a high turnover.  You also might want to see how you feel about being in the spotlight all the time in regards to administration and other faculty.  Faculty and administrators live in row houses or in apartments very close together.

Teaching in the UAE is challenging.  So try to negotiate the best possible package for yourself if you wish to take the job.  My understanding is that AUS is trying to hire single people or people with no children to avoid school fees etc.  If they offer enough it may work for you - but costs can be hidden.  

Have you lived in a very conservative Muslim country before?  Dubai is close it is true but you will be living in Sharjah which is indeed conservative in terms of dress, behavior etc.  for everyone.  In other words - cover your shoulders, knees etc and NO touching between male and female in public places.  

While the housing is really beautiful in Sharjah- I am glad I work at a different institution in Abu Dhabi.   We do not live in such close quarters but are scattered around town so it is possible to have friends and see them as much as you wish without living on top of them.

Finally - as in any expat community but perhaps more so in the Mid East - you can form really close friendships but problems are magnified.  

Good luck.

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