Job Discussion Forums

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Many teachers have problems in KSA. Some of these problems are of their own making. I learned a lot about myself and about the world in my years in KSA. The place has a magnetic attraction for strange people, misfits and the downright psychotic. I reserve judgement on which category I was in.

On my first contract I was a performing drunk. On subsequent contracts I was a reformed drunk.

Reformed was easier.

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

paul.conlong · Joined: 31 Mar 2015 Posts: 84 Location: Rochdale, UK

Thank you NS for your reply, in regards to providing reference. The original staff that were at the ESOL centre have since moved on. How would I go about providing a reference? as my employment with them ended in 2013.

I am still in contact with my former supervisor, he would be happy to provide me a reference. however would this be acceptable?

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

MissSuleiman · Joined: 31 Oct 2015 Posts: 1

Allahtellya1 · Joined: 11 Jan 2016 Posts: 43

I think saying people have had a rough time here is not saying people hated it or couldnt cope. Many do struggle because of the restrictions. others , take time to adjust. still others fit right in.

Myself, my first job in ksa was a struggle due to the location of the job and the category of students and adjusting to wasta and the carefree attitude of some students.

Once I adjusted to that and learned from it I have managed fairly well. Given I am of another faith than islam, not having access to a place to practice my faith has always been a struggle but a recent aquaintence reminded me that your faith can be practiced always in your heart and you can pray or meditate anywhere.

Aside from religion though, some people just cant make in any completely different environment

Hatcher · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 602

Lets list the how the KSA compares to other nearby countries.

Tell us what makes the KSA so amazing.

paul.conlong · Joined: 31 Mar 2015 Posts: 84 Location: Rochdale, UK

Hi, all.

Now going back to the topic of Jeddah.

Has anyone here taught at the University of Jeddah?

Also what kind of questions would you ask recruiters? what should you watch out for etc?

Any info provided will be appreciated Smile

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

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

One of the interesting aspects of life in KSA is that the population is actually very diverse. Under those thobes there are in fact people from very different backgrounds - especially in Jeddah which has been a melting pot for centuries.

Hatcher · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 602

I know several guys and UJ and they all came from KAAU.

They said its fine and are happy in north Jeddah where you are closer to the beaches and malls.

Management is more hands off. Show up on time and dont leave early. Follow the syllabus and do what is asked.

One Brit was fired a month ago for being rude to everyone.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Maybe Hatcher would sooner be in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Eritrea, Sudan ?

Best to stick with KSA where at least things work.

bigdurianthesecond · Joined: 16 Jan 2016 Posts: 62 Location: The Base

bigdurianthesecond · Joined: 16 Jan 2016 Posts: 62 Location: The Base

[quote="Hatcher"]Lets list the how the KSA compares to other nearby countries.

Tell us what makes the KSA so amazing.[/quote]

I can honestly say that when we lived in Riyadh we had a great social life. Parties every weekend, events at different compounds, pool parties, bbq, live bands sometimes, embassy piss ups, a good circle of friends, down to earth people, children have loads of friends.

The only reason I left was that my current job pays me nearly double.