Job Discussion Forums

Haroldisacc · Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 3

Hello, my partner and I are looking at positions with the Sabis school in Homs, Syria. We both recently graduated from university with teaching degrees.
If anyone could pass on any information about the school, the sabis program, or about living in Homs and Syria, it would be much appreciated,
Cheers! Very Happy

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

Have you done a search? There is lots of information about the Sabis system which is all around the Middle East - and some information about life in Syria. They use the totally test-based/teach to the test system that most modern professional educators dislike. Someone else mentioned applying to the Syria school, but I don't believe that they have posted any information about that branch. Conditions naturally differ by branch management.

It seems to be a system which is OK for entry level teachers who need to get that first job. It will give you something to put on your CV to get something better.

I'm not sure what you mean by 'partner' but remember that this is a smallish town in Syria which is probably quite conservative and if you are not a married hetero couple, discretion is required. Also, if you only speak English, you may have difficulties. Even in Damascus, French is more useful than English if you are off the tourist track at all.

VS

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I concur with VS. Improve your French. Learn Arabic. You need to be married if you are going as a couple.

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

Since you're qualified teachers I would look elsewhere. Search SABIS/Choueifat and you'll get a good idea of what you're up against.

Longton · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 148

Having lived in Damascus for a couple of years (2000-2002) I can say that English is by far the most commonly spoken second language. Only those aged 70+, or those coming from Lebanon, will know some French. Very few young people speak French. Pupils now learn English in all schools from an ealy age. The President speaks good English and his wife is British!

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

Interesting... I spent a month in Syria at about the same time and rarely encountered anyone who spoke any English. But they all tried out their French with me... and they were of all ages... mostly young.

I was actually glad that I knew enough survival Arabic since there were so few English speakers about. It was almost as difficult as Morocco in this area. (Loved both places BTW)

But, English teaching seems to be booming in both places, so it was obvious that English will soon replace French as it has in Egypt.

VS

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

The OP. having read news that she does not want to hear. has now disapeared into cyberspace. Or did she go to Bangalore ?

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

In Morocco everyone who has graduated from primary school (translated: the majority of the population) speaks excellent French.

French is also used in the media and law courts and has many official uses in Morocco as well as other countries in the Magrebi area (Algeria and Tunisia).

The Syrians who move to Montreal, are mostly English speakers.

Ghost

Haroldisacc · Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 3

Hello,
Yes, I have decided on Bangalore?? You seem very informed scot47!
This was not because of any information about the school in Homs, it was simply more to do with timing of the positions being offered and the appeal of India. I have actually found the information on Syria to be very appealing, while i must admit some of the information in regards to the sabis system is not altogether positive, i would still have had no qualms joining the school.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond,
cheers Smile

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

scot47 is well informed about many things !