Job Discussion Forums

wainwright · Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Posts: 7

I wonder if anyone can help. I've got a job teaching cadets for BAE in Dhahran. The level is probably elementary to pre-intermediate. I understand that resources are going to be limited, so I wonder if anyone working in a similar situation recommends bringing text books, and which are the most useful? Thanks.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

"..resources are going to be limited.."

The BAe contract in Saudi Arabia was one of the largest export contracts in British History. I hardly think that "resources are limited".

Are the unfortunates employed through Warton now required to provide their own stationery and textbooks ? They will have to pay for meals in the NCO's Mess next !

wainwright · Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Posts: 7

Scot47, thanks for the reply. I realise that BAE is a big set up, but that doesn't necessarily mean their knowledge of English teaching is great.

I'm worried that I'll be handed a wad of technical information and a dictionary and told to go in and teach. During my interview, I was also told it may be helpful to bring my own materials.

So if anyone works for BAE and can let me know if this is the case, I'd be grateful. Thanks.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

BAE has been teaching EFL in Saudi for donkeys years. It also has one of the highest proportions of MA TEFls in the world.

The material you use might be crap for various reasons but lack of expertise will not be among them.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

The material is provided. Most of the teaching is NOT Technical English but low-level General English.

BAe people tend to be very focussed on that paycheck. What happens in class is of limited interest.

Let me hasten to add that I am not now and I never have been in any way associated with BAe. (Although I did visit the bookmaker on their compound once.)