Job Discussion Forums

WD40 · Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 104

I choose the Middle East especially the Gulf because of the benefits package. If I had the choice, I would never have taught in the Gulf for more than two years because the average studentGeneralization)is
lazy
unmotivated
dependent

lacks
experience
world knowledge
interest in issues outside of a limited box

prevents
discussion of broad issues
political debate
ability for freedom of expression
equality of the genders
freedom to practise your religion

The gulf has been very kind to me and family but given the reasons why I am in the ESl field - to travel and experience cultures and the world, my goals and ambitions have been put on hold. Getting money was not my objective when I took on career - they have changed as my family has grown. We would prefer to go East, West, North or South and perhaps after this next gig, we will.

miski2 · Joined: 30 Jul 2007 Posts: 52 Location: Kuwait

lacks
experience
world knowledge
interest in issues outside of a limited box

prevents
discussion of broad issues
political debate
ability for freedom of expression
equality of the genders
freedom to practise your religion

Sounds a bit like the USA under George Bush to me.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

When I see an Irish lawyer trying to sell me Wallachian Real Estate I wonder if I am in the right place ! (No offence Mr Bebsi !)

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

Please, don't equate the USA with what George Dubya would like to make of it. He's managed to nibble at the edges of the Constitution, but the latter is far stronger than he can ever dream to be. Wait till we thrown out a lot more Republicans in the next election...it will be a sea change.

Bebsi · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 958

Scot, didn't you know there used to be a sign (before the Muttawin removed it) at the arrivals lounge in all Saudi airports, specially in English for expats:

"Abandon all hope of any semblance of sanity, all ye who enter here"

Laughing

Bebsi · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 958

.........but of course, by its nature it was superfluous anyway!!!!

Laughing

Bebsi · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 958

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

Some people on the previous page are really splitting hairs about my original post and my subsequent elucidations. I posited that if you own your house in your home country, you are NOT PAYING RENT if you live in it. That is almost the equivalent of not paying rent in a Gulf position with free housing. I say "almost" because we're still reponsible for property taxes and maintenance.

The fact that you can rent out your house while enjoying rent-free accommodations in the Gulf is irrelevant to my topic. My point was simple and obvious: does the Gulf package become less attractive if you don't have to pay rent at home..because for some of us, life can be other things besides just accumulating as much money as possible. That's not so bizarre. I know lots of EFL people who returned to the UK and USA after a couple of years in the UAE because they said they would rather "struggle" at home or elsewhere than spend any more time in the Middle East.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Anyone who chooses to live in the UK is certifiably insane. Since the End of Empire that place really has gone into a tailspin.

globalnomad2 · Joined: 23 Jul 2005 Posts: 562

That sounds reasonable to me. At least in the US there are so many climates, topographies and attitudes of people--although if you take a road trip around the country, just about everyone is equally polite and friendly, in my experience. Choosing northern Calif or Miami or western Montana or the New England countryside...they're all like separate countries.

WD40 · Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 104

Compared to the Middle East, the UK is heaven -
freedom of speech
freedoms all over
great education
health (does not cost an arm or a leg)
variety of opportunity
ability to express opinions
nature
green pastures
water
trees
rivers and lakes
snow
rain
family
real friends
music
little censorship
no dress code
less discrimination
women given opportunity
libraries
seasons
bicycles
Scotland
fresh air

Bebsi · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 958

Urban overcrowding
Crime
Ridiculously high living costs
REEEALLLY crappy weather Crying or Very sad

Overcrowded roads
Taxes on everything Evil or Very Mad

Substandard cash-starved health system
Busy frenetic lifestyle that usually doesn't offer appropriate or adequate financial reward, bearing general living costs in mind
No opportunity to post on this forum Wink

Losing touch with KSA and thus not being able to keep up-to-date with this forum Laughing

No Bahrain Twisted Evil

The list goes on!!

sheikh radlinrol · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 1222 Location: Spain

WD40 · Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Posts: 104

Urban overcrowding (don't live in the city then!)
Crime (don't live in a city)
Ridiculously high living costs (only if you have a high mortgage and low salary)
REEEALLLY crappy weather (variety is better than none at all)
Overcrowded roads (use public transport)
Taxes on everything (and you get support for everything)
Substandard cash-starved health system (still the best)
Busy frenetic lifestyle that usually doesn't offer appropriate or adequate financial reward, bearing general living costs in mind (work less)
No opportunity to post on this forum (oh dear!)
Losing touch with KSA and thus not being able to keep up-to-date with this forum (sounds like you are beginning to live again)
No Bahrain (no loss there)

The list goes on!! (any more reasons?)

Cleopatra · Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2007 6:26 pm Post subject: