Job Discussion Forums

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

Someone who is employed there please let us know what is really going on there.

Thank you,

Abdullah

freesoul · Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 11:12 am Post subject:

Sheikh Abdullah,

KAU/ELC has been upgraded to an institute (ELI). The previous director, PhD in Applied Linguistics, has been replaced by, now, a Dean, a PhD holder in engineering. He seems quite keen on implementing a lot of changes such as:
1. No more reliance on native local part-timers with dodgy EFL certificates.
2. Recruiting as many native speakers as possible. Insiders told me that in Fall, 2009, they will have recruited between 150 to 200 teachers. They have been to TESOL Arabia and Denver TESOL last month.
3. The institute is expanding, a substantial increase in enrollment is expected. President of KAU is following this up in person. He is pushing on English Foundation programme to ALL KAU new students; and the number is really huge
4. With every change, there comes resistance and perhaps a bit of chaos; however, if they are serious about change, things will turn out well eventually.
5. It's a recommended gig compared to other places in town.

Good luck

maybenot · Joined: 17 Mar 2009 Posts: 2

First of all, our internet activities are strictly monitored. We have no access to the internet in our offices.
The Institute is managed by an engineer (dean) and a chemist (deputy) both have their phd's. You have no right to suggest an idea.
The dean is eager to call teachers on Thursdays as he does not want to lose week days. But there is a one week off for mid-term exam, conflict? I don't know. you are not paid for thursdays. You may be called in to conduct external exams, invigilations or to be simply present on campus on thursdays. You also pay for your Iqama and re-entry visas.
You get a letter of offer with pay scale on it approved by the Ministry of Higher Education, as soon as you arrive in Jeddah, they tell you that the final word comes from the finance department.
I suggest candidates should read Animal Farm by George Orwell before coming to the institute.

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 1:58 pm Post subject:

johnslat · Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 2:01 pm Post subject:

Dear Mia,
Don't forget "Alice in Wonderland", "Alice Through the Looking Glass", and, of course, "Catch-22."
Regards,
John

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

When you arrive, the Evil Controller implants a chip in your head and he reads your thoughts.

trapezius · Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 11:11 am Post subject:

kachimama · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 19

maybenot and freesoul, I can't initiate pm's to either of you because I haven't posted the minimum number of times (50), so would you two please pm me with your personal emails?

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

It seems there are a few people here who are not too thrilled with KAU.

That kind of gets me a little scared since I may be receiving an offer shortly from them.

Sad

SD BOY · Joined: 29 Mar 2009 Posts: 60

Hate to be pedantic guys, but...I believe 1984 is the recommended text vis-a-vis KSA.

indigorawa · Joined: 13 Apr 2009 Posts: 24

I am looking at a job proposal at the university. Anyone there, or also receiving offers, please contact me (pm). Perhaps we can exchange notes, but not in a public forum. Thanks

aljeddawi · Joined: 22 Apr 2009 Posts: 7

I am working at KAU, English Language Institute. I would not recommend you join the team unless you really desperate. I have been following the forum and I could not see my colleague's opinions about the center, yet, it is clear that it is no fun working here.
There are rumors we hear that about twenty people tendered their resignation. The Dean says if you cannot bear the heat, just leave. That's what is happening right now. We dearly miss those good old days with the former chair who left us last november. It is nightmare ever since then.
They are looking for native speakers if ever possible, but we are losing mostly native speakers.
Admin tried Dubai TESOL, Denver TESOL and could not get enough applicants to fill and now trying South Africa and maybe Ghana or Nigeria soon.
You have no value in the eyes of admin. You are a simple file with numbers. You have to be on campus on Thursdays, all other public holidays including this week which is officially holiday. If you disagree, just leave. That is the idea.
The Dean is not educated in English, he is an engineer and thinks language learning is no different than studying engineering.
We have constant visits from his favorite faculty members from the faculty of engineering. They come and check you.
It is total chaos here.

Linguist · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 202

SD BOY · Joined: 29 Mar 2009 Posts: 60

Oh, but many are. Why the old MLI in Abu Dhabi always spun like a top. Especially, in its final days.