Advice Appreciated!
Dec 7th 2017, 5:26 pm
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2017
Location: West Midlands, England
Posts: 5
Advice Appreciated!
Hi there
My husband and I are considering moving and working abroad, as we've decided that it's time for some new adventures and experiences!
He is currently an assistant head in a secondary school (maths teacher by background), and I am a clinical lead for school aged speech and language therapy services.
We are looking at UAE/Dubai/China areas for employment, but are open to other destinations. However, we wanted a little bit of information that we haven't yet come across elsewhere. I found this site and thought it would be a good place to start!
1. What would the typical working week look like in UAE/Dubai/China? Is it 9-5, Monday - Friday, or some variation on this? (I know Dubai weekends are Friday & Saturday)
2. Do school terms follow a similar pattern to that in the UK, e.g. 3 terms and a long break in the summer, or is it different?
3. Is there a "typical" amount of annual leave given to employees in these areas?
4. Do you have any information/guidance re. tax on wages & pension contributions, or know where to look for this information?
5. Is there an average salary for a speech & language therapist working in these countries? And are salary payments typically weekly/monthly?
6. What happens with regards to driving/getting a driving licence in UAE/Dubai/China? Is the UK licence transferable?
7. In terms of medical care, do these countries offer an NHS-type service, or more paid for, privatised care?
Thank you in advance - and sorry for the essay!!
Any form of guidance/advice/tips would be greatly appreciated
Amy
My husband and I are considering moving and working abroad, as we've decided that it's time for some new adventures and experiences!
He is currently an assistant head in a secondary school (maths teacher by background), and I am a clinical lead for school aged speech and language therapy services.
We are looking at UAE/Dubai/China areas for employment, but are open to other destinations. However, we wanted a little bit of information that we haven't yet come across elsewhere. I found this site and thought it would be a good place to start!
1. What would the typical working week look like in UAE/Dubai/China? Is it 9-5, Monday - Friday, or some variation on this? (I know Dubai weekends are Friday & Saturday)
2. Do school terms follow a similar pattern to that in the UK, e.g. 3 terms and a long break in the summer, or is it different?
3. Is there a "typical" amount of annual leave given to employees in these areas?
4. Do you have any information/guidance re. tax on wages & pension contributions, or know where to look for this information?
5. Is there an average salary for a speech & language therapist working in these countries? And are salary payments typically weekly/monthly?
6. What happens with regards to driving/getting a driving licence in UAE/Dubai/China? Is the UK licence transferable?
7. In terms of medical care, do these countries offer an NHS-type service, or more paid for, privatised care?
Thank you in advance - and sorry for the essay!!
Any form of guidance/advice/tips would be greatly appreciated
Amy
Dec 10th 2017, 8:55 am
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 344
Re: Advice Appreciated!
I can only speak for Hong Kong. See responses below against each question
1. What would the typical working week look like in UAE/Dubai/China? Is it 9-5, Monday - Friday, or some variation on this? (I know Dubai weekends are Friday & Saturday)
In teaching it would be based on a 5 day week Mon- Fri
2. Do school terms follow a similar pattern to that in the UK, e.g. 3 terms and a long break in the summer, or is it different?
Depends on the School. But many based on a system similar to UK. Australian International school follows the Aussie terms etc.
3. Is there a "typical" amount of annual leave given to employees in these areas?
Based around School Holidays +/-
4. Do you have any information/guidance re. tax on wages & pension contributions, or know where to look for this information?
You will pay a max of 15% tax and a small amount towards the government imposed mandatory provident fund (max HK$1,500 per month)
5. Is there an average salary for a speech & language therapist working in these countries? And are salary payments typically weekly/monthly?
No idea but it will probably be higher in than in UK
6. What happens with regards to driving/getting a driving licence in UAE/Dubai/China? Is the UK licence transferable?
If you have a UK licence its transferable in HK
7. In terms of medical care, do these countries offer an NHS-type service, or more paid for, privatised care?
Nothing like the NHS but there is a good local state hospital system where you pay a nominal charge. However, most expats have medical cover / insurance provided by employer.
Any form of guidance/advice/tips would be greatly appreciated
Accommodation and Schooling (if you have kids) are very expensive in HK. If you are teachers you may get a substantial discount on schooling.
You will be nearer to a UK system of living and working in HK than you will in the UAE or mainland China
1. What would the typical working week look like in UAE/Dubai/China? Is it 9-5, Monday - Friday, or some variation on this? (I know Dubai weekends are Friday & Saturday)
In teaching it would be based on a 5 day week Mon- Fri
2. Do school terms follow a similar pattern to that in the UK, e.g. 3 terms and a long break in the summer, or is it different?
Depends on the School. But many based on a system similar to UK. Australian International school follows the Aussie terms etc.
3. Is there a "typical" amount of annual leave given to employees in these areas?
Based around School Holidays +/-
4. Do you have any information/guidance re. tax on wages & pension contributions, or know where to look for this information?
You will pay a max of 15% tax and a small amount towards the government imposed mandatory provident fund (max HK$1,500 per month)
5. Is there an average salary for a speech & language therapist working in these countries? And are salary payments typically weekly/monthly?
No idea but it will probably be higher in than in UK
6. What happens with regards to driving/getting a driving licence in UAE/Dubai/China? Is the UK licence transferable?
If you have a UK licence its transferable in HK
7. In terms of medical care, do these countries offer an NHS-type service, or more paid for, privatised care?
Nothing like the NHS but there is a good local state hospital system where you pay a nominal charge. However, most expats have medical cover / insurance provided by employer.
Any form of guidance/advice/tips would be greatly appreciated
Accommodation and Schooling (if you have kids) are very expensive in HK. If you are teachers you may get a substantial discount on schooling.
You will be nearer to a UK system of living and working in HK than you will in the UAE or mainland China
