Job Discussion Forums

desertstorm · Joined: 04 Oct 2014 Posts: 16

Having decided to plung myself into teaching in Saudi Arabia, I ask my more learned and experienced colleagues for what they think are the bare necessities to survive my stint.
In terms of:
1) What I need to take with me from the UK, for quicker adaptation.
2) What English teaching books, if any.
3) What should I do when I arrive in Saudi.
4) How best to keep oneself busy.

Thank you.

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

A representative from your employer will very likely meet you at the airport and handle things, answer your questions from that point on. Email your HR point person to confirm.

Assuming your wife and young child will eventually be with you, there are family-friendly activities, but it depends on where in KSA you're heading. Otherwise, there are bookstores, the usual shopping malls with large children's play areas, international restaurants, gyms, museums, etc. Obviously, there's the Internet and cable tv.

There are books in addition to very helpful expat forums/websites about living in KSA (do an Internet search on expat forum saudi). Also check out:

"Customs: What you can bring vs. leave at home" (locked)
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=107959

"YouTube videos offer a glimpse of KSA"
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=110929

desertstorm · Joined: 04 Oct 2014 Posts: 16

Thank you Nomad Soul.
What English teaching books do you recommend? Those that you feel a newish teacher will benefit from and will be a source of great help.
By the way, I've accepted the job with the IPA. The first year I
will be based in Riyadh.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Wait until you are there. Your employer will have copies of any books you need.

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

Here's the link to IPA's English language curriculum: http://www.ipa.edu.sa/English/About/Centers/EnglishCenter/Pages/Courses.aspx

You can certainly pack your favorite books (mine was Zero Prep: Ready-to-Go Activities for the Language Classroom), but that might not be necessary. As Scot47 suggested, wait until you get to KSA to see what's availiable and useful for your teaching situation. Plus, in my experience, teachers usually share their books with each other, whether in ebook or hardcopy form. And there's always good ol' Jarir Bookstore (http://www.jarir.com/).

desertstorm · Joined: 04 Oct 2014 Posts: 16

Thank you to you both! Helpful and insightful as always!

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

IPA has an extensive library where you can probably find many English language resources as well; maybe bring your favorite grammar reference book.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

My standby for years was Thomson and Martinet "A Practical English Grammar". This was more for my edification and enlightenment than for teaching purposes !

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

I'd say lots by Rinvolucri would work well as would much by Thornbury.

nwtefl · Joined: 20 May 2015 Posts: 148 Location: England

A small, portable usb hardrive with scans and documents would be a good thing too.

currentaffairs · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 828

I would download or buy some good TV shows before you go.. Often, especially in company accommodation, the internet is slow.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

A copious supply of dehydrated water could be useful.

Gamajorba · Joined: 03 May 2015 Posts: 357