Job Discussion Forums

Polo · Joined: 27 Feb 2009 Posts: 3

I have been reading with some interest and also some amusement the exchanges between Dar Hell and various other posters concerning Dar Al Uloom University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Obviously DH has an axe to grind about their untimely exit from DAU. Wouldn't we all? Who in their right mind would tell the world, " I was relieved of my position and I thoroughly deserved it?" We all have the right to express our opinions when we consider we have been wronged.

I currently work at DAU. For the record, I consider DAU to be a reasonable employer with an extremely attractive remuneration package. I hear this reinforced by many of my fellow employees frequently. There are very few hassles with monthly payment, contrary to what DH reports.

For a new institution, DAU seems to shaping up into a well-organized and progressive university with a very sound teaching faculty that works together in a spirit of mutual support. We all get a private office with telephone and a laptop each. It has great sports facilities. We all get a plug of money just for arriving for the first time. The library and IT facilities are slowly getting their act together. I love working here.

For those who do not drink or smoke and are not addicted to night clubs or cinemas, Dar Al Uloom University gets my vote for a great place to teach ESL/EAP.

zooey · Joined: 25 May 2006 Posts: 35 Location: Riyadh

thanks polo for your positive post, so unusual on this forum.
is there a women's section? i have a friend wd like to apply if so.
thanks

Polo · Joined: 27 Feb 2009 Posts: 3

Zooey

The Preparatory Year Program of Dar Al Uloom University (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) has a women's section that currently caters for about 240 female students, with 10 female teachers from US, Australia, UK and elsewhere in Europe. There are also a few local hire teachers. The men's section has about 80 students and 7 teachers from UK, Australia, NZ and Ireland.
Recruitment is always looking for native English speakers of good character, solid work ethic and experienced in PYP/Foundation Programs.
The new semester begins in late September. Now would be a good time to begin the application process.

We have just had 6 months of delightfully cool weather. No really, I am not kidding. For several months the max has been below 20 degrees C. Nights have been COLD. Daytime temps are now hitting low 30's, and soon will be above 40. We all disappear for the long break in July and August, and by the time we return in September the temps are heading south again. Everything is air conditioned.

Asda · Joined: 01 Jun 2008 Posts: 231

I doth smell the proverbial rat!

Call me suspicious, but institutions and recruiters which have been absolutely slated, named and shamed in the past are now having their praises sung by people who have very recently joined this fine forum and also whose post count amounts to single figures...hmmmm!!!

The mind boggleth...!!

NB: I am cynical, sceptical and suspicious by nature! Laughing

Polo · Joined: 27 Feb 2009 Posts: 3

Hello Asda

I am not a serial poster, and only browse these pages occasionally. I was particularly drawn by the bad mouthing to which you allude. I was not asked by anyone to give DAU a good report, and I am not a recruiter for DAU. I just thought that a more balanced serving of information would be fair.
We all do well to be cynical of anonymous postings (as indeed is yours) and have to sift the wheat from the chaff. Is that half wheat or half chaff??

DAU is by no means the perfect employer (does that exist?) but comes closer to that ideal than anywhere else I have worked. Saudi Arabia presents unique problems in itself to ESL teachers, and DAU is still ironing out the creases in its policies and practices; but I am quite content with my lot here.

Asda · Joined: 01 Jun 2008 Posts: 231

Polo, I unreservedly apologise if you took offence to my comments. At the same time, people should be careful of:

1) Recruiters singing the praises of their organisation to lure people to apply. This can be spotted by people with mistakes in their English that a native would not usually make. Unless a native speaker is being paid/blackmailed to do so, which we cannot tell.

2) People working in an organisation who are trying to recruit others to help them because they are snowed under and need extra teachers. Or they are getting promoted and need someone to fill their spot.

Now, I'm not saying be suspicious of absolutely everyone but it can be hard at the best of times. Which is why most people will advise you to get the best possible job out here so you can enjoy this country/region, your work and make some extra money at the same time.

And if you are content at DAU, then good for you! I mean that.

Sheikh Abdullah · Joined: 07 Mar 2009 Posts: 54 Location: California, USA

Polo is right.

I'm new to this forum and all I see is 90% of the people bashing Saudi Arabia. If they don't like it then they should leave. Sadly, money is what motivates most of the people to work there. If it were me, my happiness would be my number one priority. Money is the root of all evil.

Blessings,

Abdullah

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 6:39 pm Post subject:

Sheikh Abdullah, you are addressing two different issues here. There are many of us on this forum who have no problem with Saudi Arabia itself...but that doesn't mean that we are happy with our Saudi employers. Liking KSA is not the same as liking where you work in KSA.

Besides, KSA is not a place where most people come to find happiness. It is a difficult environment even for the most open-minded visitor. A lot of times, those that come here strictly for the money, expecting no happiness, end up being the most content with the place.

johnslat · Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 10:35 pm Post subject:

Dear Sheik Abdullah,
Actually the entire quote is this:

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." : 1 Timothy 6:10

I suspect that most, if not all, EFLers come (or go) to Saudi Arabia for the money originally. But once there, I suspect that few stay very long if they simply can't stand the place.
In my opinion, people ALWAYS do whatever it is they THINK is going to make them happy/happier. If someone loves money so much that s/he will stay in a place s/he detests, then why in heaven's name would that sort of person become a TEACHER (not exactly the royal road to riches.)

I was there for nineteen years in all. Sometimes when people ask me, "Did you like it there?", I reply, "Well, if I didn't, I certainly would have been a big fool to stay that long, wouldn't I?"

Regards,
John

Sheikh Abdullah · Joined: 07 Mar 2009 Posts: 54 Location: California, USA

Dear John,

Your a very special exception to the rule. You are smart, brilliant, and have a good heart. You have to remember that many people just have a BA in something and may have never thought about teaching til they saw the numbers ($$$). My experience growing up in the United States is a lot different than others. I have been through a lot of experiences, from being raised in low-income ghettos, to modeling in Los Angeles. However, after all these experiences, I have understood my purpose in life and attached myself to religion. I hope my journey to the Middle East is a spiritual elevation and at the same time I will benefit humanity in a positive way by spreading knowledge.

Best wishes,

Abdullah

johnslat · Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2009 3:00 am Post subject:

Dear Sheik,
Would that I were as you described, but thanks. I think your Journey to the East will be fruitful for you for I'm reminded of one of my favorite sayings:

"He who would bring home the wealth of the Indies must carry the wealth of the Indies with him."

What you are taking with you will lead you to what you wish to find.

Regards,
John