Job Discussion Forums

desert_traveller · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 335

Saudization

(also Saudisation)

1 (of the workforce) The replacement of foreign workers with Saudi nationals in the private sector as the official national policy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

2 (of foreign workers) The gradual acquisition of behavioural traits and patterns of thought stereotypically associated with Saudi nationals

(source: Desert Traveller's Advanced Expat's Dictionary)

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

You would have to be lacking in some of the more basic personality strengths to fit into selection number 2. In Thailand there are many foreigners that try to fit in (flakes and all sorts of types) and do a pretty good job of it, but in Saudi Arabia you would really have to be bonkers. The greeting Salam Malikum never passed my mouth ever.

johnslat · Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2016 5:23 pm Post subject:

Don't know about "being Saudiized" (Number 2), but I'd say my time in the Kingdom was at least partially responsible for these, all of which I regard as pluses:

1. A dramatic increase in my patience level.

2. Much more inclination not to try to control what's beyond my power

3. My current 13 years of sobriety

4. My financial status- which allows me to work/not work (I prefer to teach)

Regards,
John

gregory999 · Joined: 29 Jul 2015 Posts: 372 Location: 999

The Magic Kingdom is not for anybody, it is only for people with the Seven Ss characteristics:

Sound mind
Sober
Sympathetic
Sensible
Synergic
Style
Strategy

If you do not have the above 7 Ss characteristics, do not waste your time! Smile

johnslat · Posted: Tue Feb 16, 2016 9:09 pm Post subject:

I wasn't sober when I went there; I'm not so sure I've ever been of sound mind; and I have no style.

Guess I was lucky. Very Happy

Regards,
John

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

johnslat · Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2016 12:42 pm Post subject:

Dear bigdurianthesecond,

"What about sauve, sexy, and sophisticated?"

Well, I assume that it was unnecessary to add those since all EFL/ESL teachers possess those qualities, anyway. Very Happy

Regards,
John

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

There needs to be another S added to the list: Superficial and Shallow.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Gee... how many adjectives starting with 's' can a bunch of English teachers come up with???

Seems a bit simplistic...

VS

johnslat · Posted: Wed Feb 17, 2016 10:42 pm Post subject:

For at least some who post of the Saudi Forum, this is mandatory:

Schadenfreude Very Happy

Regards,
John

Hatcher · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 602

Style? Strategy?

The biggest thing is patience!!!!

I think you need to be smart to weave your way through the BS... for example, my boss went crazy on me and other staff to be strict on attendance... I was...

Students complained I was too strict on attendance and I didnt get OT the next semester as a result.

The next teacher was able to see through it...

If you care more than the students, you dont make it.

Xie Lin · Joined: 21 Oct 2011 Posts: 731

In the heat of the moment · Joined: 22 May 2015 Posts: 393 Location: Italy

"The gradual acquisition of behavioural traits and patterns of thought stereotypically associated with Saudi nationals."

I can't come up with a reply to that.

I'm doomed.