Expert: Andy Mendyk - 6/28/2008

Question
QUESTION: Dear Andy,
I am from India, and presently i work in Korea, South.
I am a PhD in Pharmacology and doing research in Seoul.
Recently i got an opportunity from Xavier's Medical University,Aruba as a faculty member.
I would like to know what are the important things that i should negotiate with the employers. ex: salary, accommodation, insurance etc etc.
I would also like to know how much would be comfortable to live in Aruba. I am married and have a 2 years son.
I am not coming for enjoying but i would like to save some money as well.

Please reply me as much as you can as to wether to decide to come to Aruba as a faculty in Medical school


ANSWER: Hi Koppula!  Though I do not know the salary range for your position there, I would assume it would be above average for the field you are in. The most important thing I would inquire about is living quarters. Renting and owning can be high there. Food prices are not too out of hand there, although energy ( electric & water) is above normal. As a family, you should do faily well if you watch spending as most of us do wherever we are. As stated earlier, housing would be your main concern, and with that out of the way, things shpuld go smooth for you. Good Luck!!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear andy,
thank you for the info.
Apart from the housing any other thing you would suggest.
please let me know about any amount of salary usually they offer. Or if you have any one in this particular field let me know. thank you

Answer
Hello again!!  First , I have to admit that I do not know what the pay scale for your profession commands. What I can tell you is that you will be paid in Aruban Florin. 1.80 Florin (AFL) equals 1 American Dollar at the current rates. It has been pretty stable for the past 15 years.

I would think they would be competitive with their pay scales, as if they were not, it would cause them to lose people in that field.
Aruba is known to have better then average medical/health care.

Sorry I could not be more precise, but if you have anything else, feel free to get in touch!