Job Discussion Forums

[Cleopatra]

They are advertising on Dave's. Anyone know anything about them?

The ad doesn't make clear if it's a male-only gig, though since (I think) the training is geered towards preparing students for study abroad, you would expect them to be all male.

Also seems like they want only,or mainly American teachers as they interview in Colorado and talk about "Peace Corps" experience.

They also want applicants to include "A statement on teaching philosophy"! Ooh-er!

[johnslat]

Dear Cleopatra,
Do you mean Al Yamamah College in Riyadh? Don't have any personal knowledge but here are some web links:

http://www.alyamamah.edu.sa/

http://eslus.com/yamamah.html

Regards,
John
P.S. I couldn't find any mention of whether the place has women students but I guess you could contact them. And it wouldn't surprise me if it was strictly male, despite what would then be the unintended irony of the college's name:

"The region was named after Al-Yamamah, the beautiful, blue-eyed daughter of Sahem Ben Tassem, leader of the Tassem tribe. Legend has it that when Toba, the King of Yemen invaded the region, he was warned to use caution when approaching Joa because Al-Yamamah had special vision which allowed her to see in the distance, way beyond ordinary men and women.
The soldiers approached with great caution and covered themselves with tree branches to avoid detection, but they still could not escape observation by the keen-sighted girl whose vision was equally accurate by day or night. Al-Yamamah saw the men coming and she told the tribe leaders that the Yemeni army was close to their home, but there was no time to defend their land. Toba and his army conquered Joa, and captured blue-eyed Al-Yamamah. Toba was so impressed with the girl's character and powers that he ordered his tribes to name Joa after her. From that day on, the region has been called Al-Yamamah.
In the Arabic heritage, Al-Yamamah, the girl with blue eyes and extraordinary vision, is a symbol of prudence and vision. Al-Yamamah College, intent on creating a campus that is an oasis for learning, is proud to bear the name of this legendary figure known for her keen insight and vision and dedicated to the protection and maintenance of her ancestral home. Al-Yamamah College is committed to expanding the knowledge, prudence, and vision of its students for the welfare and prosperity of the community and country."

[Cleopatra]

Thanks for the links,John.

Appears to be a male-only gig though I couldn't be sure. The only photos were of thobes and schmaghs but, of course, they wouldn't have photos of female students even if they existed - which does not appear to be the case.

And what was that Al Yamanah slapper doing flashing her baby blue eyes at those men, anyway? where are the muttawwain when you need them?

[johnslat]

Dear Cleopatra,
What was she doing? Probably the same thing all those veiled girls/ladies at the malls do - checking out males on display. Not even the Society for the Preservation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice can curb human nature. As for your question:

"where are the muttawwain when you need them?"

Can't say, I fear. I've never needed them.

Regards,
John

[Belmont]

[Cleopatra]

"Teaching couples" eh?

Well that would indicate that they do have some female students.


As for that "vision" lark, well, Isuppose it looks good on paper! I would doubt they're only looking for Muslims, though, as Interlink is an american company.

[Mark100]

Interesting, there are a few jobs posted for Saudi and all of them avoid mentioning salary.
This rings alarm bells for me.
They also mention a 45 age limit.
I am already over the hill at 46!

[Belmont]

[Bindair Dundat]

Just some added info that recently trickled into my ken:

Note that the $35-40k is for *40* weeks of teaching. They want you to do an 8-week summer session in addition to two full regular semesters.

There is an option for a housing allowance for second-year teachers: 30,000 riyals p.a. for rent, furniture, utilities, everything. That's $8,000 USD per year, or $666.67 per month.

They are, IMHO, way over the top with the teaching-ideology bit. It sounds to me as though they are trying to do a cultural-missionary trip on the Saudis.: Going to teach them how to think and all of that Great timing, huh?

They also have expectations re. extra, vaguely specified duties in addition to the normal 0800-1600 on-site times. They want YOU to be flexible.

All in all, the deal does not seem to compare favorably to IPA, KFUPM, or the Royal Commission gigs on a what-you-get-for-what-you-do basis.

They do give you a hefty baggage allowance and a few perks such as rides to work.

BD

[Bindair Dundat]