Job Discussion Forums

Kaymay · Joined: 16 Sep 2013 Posts: 4

I have recently completed my CELTA qualification and have a job offer working for Princess Noura. What I would like to know is would newbie ESL Teachers feel out their depth teaching PYP? I have been working in education for 7 years, and teach Functional Skills in English which is very different teaching it as a foreign language.

Any advice would be very much appreciated Very Happy

hocus pocus · Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 12:51 pm Post subject:

I think functional English is perfect fro ESL in Saudi. You'll do fine.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Functional Skills in English is not the same as functional English, as the OP notes. I think she's correct to be a bit concerned about the transition. Likely some of the old hands will be around shortly with more direct info about how PNU will support (or not) the transition.

teachr11 · Joined: 23 Aug 2012 Posts: 39

It's my understanding that PNU gives each teacher a detailed lesson plan that they can use, and that it's so easy a robot could do it. I wouldn't be worried at all.

CANDLES · Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 5:02 pm Post subject:

Don't worry about it...PNU students are not the most enlightened bunch on the planet.
Worry about where you'll be based, whether you'll form friendship, etc, etc.

With your experience it'll be a walkover.

myohmy · Joined: 31 Jul 2013 Posts: 119

By the time you get here, most of the kinks will be ironed out. However, this semester has been anything but a walkover even for the most seasoned among us. BTW, my students are delightful and intelligent. CANDLES is a jaded and cynical individual. Pay him/her no mind.

CANDLES · Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2013 7:47 am Post subject:

Actually Teacher11 I liked my students at PNU. Some of them were delightful and studious, whilst some were arrogant with crap mentality.

I'm not 'jaded', on the contrary I try and find something positive in all things, including Saudi administration even when they used to lock their doors to have coffee and nourishments, whilst the teachers stood outside impatiently.

I'm also aware that PNU had/have mega problems with administration, staff leaving, accommodation, etc. etc....

So please after years of working, one should be able to at least try and cope with new problems. Rolling Eyes

As for assuming that I am a HIM/HER......What do you think? Some PNU students would be delighted to have a HIM!/ or HER!

Kaymay · Joined: 16 Sep 2013 Posts: 4

Thank you everyone for taking the time to reply.

Myohmy, can you tell me if teachers get semester breaks off? Or will I be working all the way through till Eid in July/August?

Also, do they allow you to go out the country before you finish your probation period? I have asked the recruiter this, which he said no you don't, but I wasn't convinced by the way he said it. I'm not sure if he even knew the answer.

FYI my recruiter is Edex

CANDLES · Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2013 8:08 am Post subject:

Kaymay...

If EDEX have brought you in on a 90 day employment visa, it'll be difficult for you to leave without getting an exit/re-entry visa.

PNU decide the semester breaks, and like all the other universities around, wait till the last minute to notify the teachers. Semester breaks are usually around January and then in April. Some teachers leave for their holidays in June or July and don't do the summer school, if such a thing is still going on.
Technically, July, August should be your holiday.

Eid break is in October- teachers with residency visa (Iqama) will probably go out the country. Rest of us stay put, because the Iqama is being processed.

With the 90 day employment visa---I think you get only an exit visa, because of the new Law...everyone has to have an Iqama.

Kaymay · Joined: 16 Sep 2013 Posts: 4

Thanks Candles. I will be getting an Iquama but I know that takes a while to come through.

Thanks for the info Very Happy

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

AJ88 · Joined: 05 Sep 2013 Posts: 99

Kaymay,

How do you know you will be working at PNU if your working for EdEx. As far as I know they're contract states 'anywhere in KSA'.

Kaymay · Joined: 16 Sep 2013 Posts: 4

Yes AJ88, you are right. I quizzed them on this and was told I would be more or less going there. This is why I am uncertain as there are a lot question marks over a couple of points. I got told today by another recruiter that it would be unlikely I would be placed at Princess Nora by Edex as they have a strict requirement of teachers having 2 years ESL experience at the university, and that I could be sent to the back of beyond. They also added that Edex could be using it as a carrot to get me there then send me some where else.

This recruiter was working on behalf of SBC. Does anyone else know if this info is correct?

AJ88 · Joined: 05 Sep 2013 Posts: 99

Lächeln · Joined: 06 Aug 2013 Posts: 8 Location: Riyadh