Job Discussion Forums

[anthropologist]

A trivial question, but it's bugging me. When did the term "ESL" fall out of use?

Is there any difference between "ESL" and "EFL"? Just wondering.

[Zoot]

I think there is an overlap usage of the terms, but just the same, there is a distinct difference. ESL - English as a Second Language generally when English is being learned in an English-speaking environment, e.g., the US, UK, Ireland; EFL - English as a Foreign Language - generally when it is being learned in an environment that is not native English speaking, e.g., Germany, Japan, Poland.

[anthropologist]

[veiledsentiments]

Actually, I hear from friends working on new MAs in the US that both of these are moving out of use. At the moment I can't recall what the new letters are... but I'm sure that they will make the field sound much more 'important.'

VS

[Zoot]

Ha, my sentiments exactly, veiledsentiments. Two of the newer terms just to make it sound 'different' from the TEFLers I'd imagine - NESB - Non-English speaking background, TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

[Miss TESOL]

[johnkg]

NBES - Non-Bilingual English Speaker - those who can speak English reasonably well but it is not their first language

- Jenifer Jenkins

[Sharjawi]

I just left AUS after six generally very happy years. It was a difficult decision to leave, and one not generally related to the work conditions. AUS just got a new chancellor who seems a HUGE improvement over the previous one. The previous chancellor seemed to be intent on alienating every faculty member possible. The new chancellor has made a lot of very positive steps to rebuilding morale.
In general, AUS is a good place to work. They have a strong library (by Gulf standards) that is getting stronger and there is lots of support for online work. People still have things to complain about, but from my talks with faculty at just about every other institution, it's still the best place to be in the Gulf.
Students are co-ed and multinational, which gives a lot more spice to the classes. There are plenty of the usual studying problems which characterize Gulf students, but there are also some incredibly smart and talented students.
Some departments, unfortunately, have the same political infighting problems familiar to academia everywhere.
All faculty live on campus and things are getting crowded. That of course brings the problems of living where you work, but it also has advantages, especially if you have kids. I hope this sheds some light.
Generally, if you're planning to move to the Gulf, there are few places that can compete with AUS as a place to work (although individual departments may have specific issues).

Sharjawi

[anaxiforminges]

Sharjawi,

I'm so thrilled to hear your positive comments on AUS. I've accepted a position there and am very impressed by the reputation of the university and all the feedback I've read here and elsewhere.

I might as well post my first question on this site: is it realistically possible to live on the AUS campus without a car? I have a substantial amount of student loans to pay here at home, so I'm hoping to send as much cash back as possible. A parallel question would be: is it generally inexpensive to buy, fuel, repair, etc. cars in Sharjah-Dubai?

[Sharjawi]

Hi,

It is possible to live on campus without a car, but it won't be too easy. There are two mini-marts on campus that have most necessities. There are also plenty of services on campus (hairdressers, pharmacy, post office, bank, clinic, etc.). For day to day life, you can do it. There are also subsidized buses to malls a few times a week, but you'll only get a few hours there. There is virtually no public transportation in Sharjah, but this is changing. You can also get taxis (I think meters now start around $6 and add up rapidly) if you only want to go out once a week or less.
Cars are cheap, especially now. AUS has a listserve of people selling cars and your salary should easily cover the cost of a car if you decide to buy one. Gas is about $1.75 a gallon. Repairs are cheaper than the US, but you have to be careful about being overcharged. You won't be able to buy a car until your residence visa is processed, so you can think about it the first few months. Rentals cost from about $450 a month. Best of luck.

[fsam]

I am glad that a question about living in AUS with no car was asked. I also have accepted a position at AUS and had some of the same questions.

[anaxiforminges]

Many thanks, Sharjawi. I can hardly wait to get a car there. Typical North American, my granola-loving friends might say...

[Sharjawi]

My pleasure. The UAE makes North America look environmentally radical by comparison although they are trying to improve.