Job Discussion Forums

[Jizzo T. Clown]

I'm getting two students in from Saudi pretty soon, and was curious whether or not there is anything particular to this type of student in terms of attitudes, ethics, etc.

So far I've only had Japanese, Hispanic, Indian, and Taiwanese/Chinese students. Can anyone give me some insight into how Saudi students might differ from the ones I've taught?

Thanks in advance!

--j

[younggeorge]

As my old Physics teacher used to say, "The only true generalisation is that all generalisations are false". Probably the only thing you could say about Saudi students that's likely to be true across the board is that their speaking and listening skills will be more developed than their reading and writing. Beyond that, there's probably a tendency for young men ("shebab") to be more interested in cars, football and night life than in their studies - that's pretty much universal, of course, but Saudi lads released from their restrictive home life tend to go over the top. In the unlikely event that your students are Saudi girls, you'll probably find them much better and more dedicated students.

Male or female, you can be pretty sure that they'll be very courteous and pleasant.

[ocha]

I am teaching an ESL class in California, and a few of my students are Saudi Arabian. I am not at all familiar with this culture, and I don't know if its just these particular students, but I get the feeling that teachers are not very respected in their culture. They tend to order me to do things rather than ask me politely to explain things. This could just be their communication style, and not a respect issue.

I would be interested in hearing opinions from others who have taught Saudi students.

[YanquiQuilme�o]

Ocha, are you a woman?

[Jizzo T. Clown]

[valley_girl]

[Gold Rush]

My favourite students were Saudi. Yemeni's are the nicest. I had the pleasure of teaching many Yemeni/Saudi international students in Malaysia. They are not disrespectful at all. They are, in fact very different from East Asian students, yes. However, of all the students I've had, I found the Saudi's the easiest to get along with. They love doing favours for their teachers. They are direct and inquisitive, just like their teacher

If you spend time out of class with a Middle Eastern student, you'll for sure see many different sides of his personality. The best side is his hospitality and warm inviting nature.

Don't be fooled by the superficial exterior (which is almost always misunderstood) - ignorance, maybe?

Anyways, go teach Saudi's in Jeddah and then move over to Yemen.

[dmb]

Just to add to the generalisations. Arabs have a great sense of humour.

[Stephen Jones]

[Kaspar Hauser]