Job Discussion Forums

[plumpy nut]

[Motorcycleman]

I am pleased to report that my first impressions are very good. Despite an initial delay of about 1 hour at immigration (due the fact I was entering for the "first time" (again) rather than returning on Iqama), the company driver was patiently waiting at arrivals, with a sign with my name on it. Despite this long wait, he kindly gave me 10 minutes and helped me to get a SIM card at the airport (there are booths right next to the exit) and I was signed up with an id number which does not correspond to my work visit visa or passport number. With Zain it cost me 30 credit for the SIM plus 50 sar for 1 gb data.

I was then taken to a very decent hotel apartment suite with living room kitchen and bedroom. The HR people have since agreed to extend my stay for 2 weeks and possibly beyond to give me time to find my accommodation, and the teachers I have met have been very helpful with details of accommodation they have found is available. My first choice is probably a very small unfurnished apartment for 1500/month within a short walk of college.

My induction includes 7 days of training, with a couple days spent learning how to the use the iPad Pro they have furnished the teachers and students with. I have mixed feelings about being at the sharp end of the introduction of this technology but the use of an iPad Pro is a definite plus.

The big test is going to be what the students are like. I am used to slightly older students as my age group last year were 21+ whereas I think these students will be 18-21. Hopefully they won't be too immature. At least the class sizes won't be larger than 20 (last year my classes were as large as 38 and often 30+). Also, of the 8 periods each day, 3 are are non teaching, which should make things more manageable.

[siologen]

[bigdurian]