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PeterParvo
Joined: 18 Dec 2011
Posts: 103
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 Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 3:58 pm Post subject: Accurate? |
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| English teacher in Saudi Arabia = Bangladeshi of the Westerners |
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johnslat
Joined: 21 Jan 2003
Posts: 13859
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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| Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 4:20 pm Post subject: |
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Dear PeterParvo,
I never felt that way - but maybe that's because I don't measure my worth by how much I get paid.
Is that the main factor in your equating English teachers with Bangladeshis?
Also, if it refers to how the Saudis treat English teachers, well maybe I was fortunate. I was almost always accorded respect - actually, most of the time, more respect than I've gotten from many here at home.
Regards,
John |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
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| Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 4:27 pm Post subject: |
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Not my experiece either. Teachers have a special status in this part of the world - even if they were traditionally slaves. rather like teachers in Ancient Rome !
The OP has a bee in his bonnet. Maybe his wife is hooked on that salary of his and won't let him go back home ? |
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PeterParvo
Joined: 18 Dec 2011
Posts: 103
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| Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 4:49 pm Post subject: |
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I'm on a downward spiral, and yes we need to think about getting out of here. It's just that in the past two months some things have happened that have shown us the true colors of this place, regardless of how much respect we've gotten up to this point.
And Mr Scot, for my wife we can't get out of here fast enough; the salary just isn't enough anymore to put up with the BS. |
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cmp45
Joined: 17 Aug 2004
Posts: 1475
Location: KSA
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| Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2012 5:04 pm Post subject: |
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| scot47 wrote: |
Not my experiece either. Teachers have a special status in this part of the world - even if they were traditionally slaves. rather like teachers in Ancient Rome !
The OP has a bee in his bonnet. Maybe his wife is hooked on that salary of his and won't let him go back home ? |
Unlikley senario, since the OP stated in another post that he was tired of 'them' treating his wife like a farm animal....
Westerners will never be a real part of KSA society, but if you have a decent employer you do get free accommodation, tax free salary, medical insurance, free flights back home, extensive paid holidays, decent working hours, travel allowance to and from work... you may not be part of the society like back home, but I think most decent employers try to give you a comfortable life as much as possible within limits. However, 'happiness' is not part of the package deal, you will have to take responsiblity for that part of it.
In my opinion 'most' decent Saudis will usually treat you much the way you treat them. It is a two way street.
Maybe the OP needs to be more appreciative of what he has. If perhaps you feel your situation is unbearable then yes, it is time to move on. If not, then better give your self a hard slap and find some way to enjoy life while in KSA. Of course unforeseen s**t can happen...which can cause one to reassess the situation. Sounds like the OP and wife are ready to move on. |
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desert_traveller
Joined: 28 Nov 2006
Posts: 335
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| Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 9:45 am Post subject: |
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| it would be interesting to know for this thread and in general for all saudi arabia threads in what era posters got their individual experience in saudi. i left the ksa a couple of years ago after a relatively long continuous stint and am being told now by friends who are still there how much things have changed since then and not for the better. i was looking for jobs in saudi recently and i didnt find anything comparable to the deal i had there a while ago, even though my cv is the same or actually it got more competitive as i gained more experience and a new relevant professional qualification. salaries seems to be a lot lower, direct hires a rarity, workload higher, long and tedious office hours the norm, less paid leave holidays granted etc etc. so im beginning to realize my own experience from say 5 years ago is hardly applicable any longer. would be interested in other opinions on this |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
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| Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 4:22 pm Post subject: |
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I was there
1970-1972
1990-1991
1996-2002
2003-2004
2005-2012
On none of these contracts was I made to feel 'inferior'. |
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ultraman111
Joined: 17 Sep 2011
Posts: 148
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| Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 4:16 pm Post subject: |
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Well Im here now at one of the better employers, and as a direct hire.
The benefits and conditions are great. However, I consider this part of the compensation package.
The job, teaching 18/19 year old males is a joke. How to keep them focused on task is a big challenge.
Hands above the table.....no phones.....gimme that I pad....stop talking, wake up etc
what can they actually learn in a 45 min class?
sheesh! |
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Betrayer of Hope
Joined: 08 Aug 2011
Posts: 72
Location: in a dark place
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| Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 5:36 pm Post subject: |
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| ultraman111 wrote: |
Well Im here now at one of the better employers, and as a direct hire.
The benefits and conditions are great. However, I consider this part of the compensation package.
The job, teaching 18/19 year old males is a joke. How to keep them focused on task is a big challenge.
Hands above the table.....no phones.....gimme that I pad....stop talking, wake up etc
what can they actually learn in a 45 min class?
sheesh! |
Some countries pay big bucks for expensive babysitters  |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
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| Posted: Thu Aug 23, 2012 8:46 am Post subject: |
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| The "Golden Days" of EFLing in KSA are over. conditions are not as gods as they were in the past but IF YOU GET A REASONABLE employer ity can still be an okay place to salt away a few riyals. |
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trapezius
Joined: 13 Aug 2006
Posts: 1670
Location: Land of Culture of Death & Destruction
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| Posted: Sun Aug 26, 2012 12:21 pm Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| English teacher in Saudi Arabia = Bangladeshi of the Westerners |
Not with regards to respect or working conditions, but most definitely with regard to pay.
Westerners working in managerial positions in banks and multinational companies earn anywhere from SR. 30,000 at the very least to up to SR. 500,000 per month.
(Yes, you read that last figure right) |
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