Job Discussion Forums

[plumpy nut]

[plumpy nut]

[scot47]

Sicklyman wishes to intimate to anyone who is interested that he is earning more than US$100,090 a year and is VERY RICH !

[Trips]

[Trips]

[veiledsentiments]

[Trips]

[sicklyman]

[TheFellow]

Update:

I've just started teaching (the higher level track) at Aramco.

Here are my thoughts so far;

1. The workload and prep is extremely easy, probably the easiest teaching load I've ever had but I'm getting paid a lot more than previous jobs. We don't have to make or mark any tests. The only thing we need to grade are assignments (submissions), which doesn't take long.

2. My class sizes are much smaller than previous universities I've taught at. My classes now are 8, 12, 10, 20, 21 students. A piece of cake! Everything is laid out by admin in terms of tests (prepared and marked by Aramco), curriculum etc. You are of course free to add your own materials.

3. Some teachers have problems with their students and classes. So far, I'm developing good relationships with all of my classes and I actually enjoy teaching each class! Be firm but fair and if you're a confident teacher with a strong classroom presence but also possess an ability to get on with them, you will do more than fine. Any teacher who tries to look down their nose on the students, will have serious problems! Manage your classes yourself and don't go crying to admin or you will look weak.

4. For anyone moving to work at Dhahran and looking to bring a wife and kids, I strongly recommend you move as close as possible to Al Rashid Mall. Then your wife will be free to go to the mall, to eat/grab a coffee/go to the supermarket, etc, when you're at work.

5. Yes (but what's new overseas) there are admin issues, with frequent schedule changes, etc. Some people seem to get very worked up about it, I don't! As mentioned, prep isn't difficult and too time consuming and you have 3-4 hours free time, every day to prep, so I don't see schedule changes as a biggie.

6. Some of the materials aren't great but as I said above, you do have freedom to add your own materials. Again, for an experienced and confident teacher, no biggie!

7. So far so good with my contractor but let's see what the future holds! I've heard of some issues with every contractor, so none of them are perfect but I haven't heard of any major issues yet.

Overall, I'm really happy so far. Early days but so far so good.

That's about all for now, if anyone has any questions fire away.

[Trips]

[DLIguy]

[TheFellow]

DLI guy - what's your agenda fella? I gave an honest update of life with Aramco so far. Then you post a load of gibberish from presumably another poster.

Best way to be unhappy in Saudi is to hang with the negative people - those people would be negative and miserable no matter where they work and live.

Trips - know your stuff on grammar for the interview.

I was made an offer straight after my interview. I was also paid 400 usd in cash within 30 minutes after the interview. (travel expenses)

I had to finish my old job (interview was in March), which ended back at the end of June, so it took longer for me. Then I took a vacation and arrived home just as Ramadan started, so the Saudi embassy was closed. Once I handed in my paperwork for the visa, I was on the plane almost 4 weeks later.

I'm very happy with the package I was offered. Salary is based on interview performance, qualifications, experience, salary at previous job - which needs to be proved with pay stubs.

[babur]

[TheFellow]

^ Each to their own but I'm happy here.......as are others.

As for the red light district - haven't seen it but in any case it doesn't matter because wives wouldn't be going alone at night time.

Thanks for the advice though - will check out your recommendation for sure.

Cheers.

[DLIguy]