Job Discussion Forums

isabel · Joined: 07 Mar 2003 Posts: 510 Location: God's green earth

So, I haven't heard anything about the place lately. What's happening there? I know people considering accepting offers.

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Tue Jul 07, 2009 11:26 pm Post subject:

Many of the PMU faculty are resigning or completing contracts and not renewing, and most of them will be leaving on or after July 12. I expect that after that time there will be a good deal of discussion on the board regarding the conditions at PMU. The large number of resignations and non-renewals should speak for itself.

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

Citizenkane · Joined: 14 Jun 2009 Posts: 234 Location: Xanadu

I've also heard a lot of negative stuff about PMU.

That said, I've heard negative stuff about most employers! I really don't know if PMU is any worse than other places in KSA. As anyone who's done their time here knows, it's really all very very relative.

desultude · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 614

Don't sign anything for a week or so, then check back on the board. I understand that the women leaving will have lots to say.

isabel · Joined: 07 Mar 2003 Posts: 510 Location: God's green earth

Yeah- that's about what I've been hearing. Saudi is tough enough with a good or okay employer- you don't need crap from a bad administration!

brasscat · Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2009 6:02 pm Post subject: Escape From PMU

Did 2 years at PMU. Escaped early in July.

Name the area and get an eyewitness view of why not to go.

1. Worked 4 holidays without pay (all faculty).

2. Very low increases for people who wanted to renew & non-negotiable.

3. Balad Compound; worse than public housing in the US.

4. Oryx I ceiling tiles falling on people & pool in need of repairs.

5. Very, very overloaded buses to PMU & often late.

Much more stuff, if interested. Ask about SPITs & Wasta boys.
brasscat

tefl2010 · Joined: 19 Jun 2009 Posts: 19 Location: USA

A warning to all my TEFL colleagues!!!
I was offered a job at KSU by Bell recruiters and now with all changes there�they have just told me that they offer is not valid anymore. Take care!! I have left a good job in order to join this project and finally was treated with this lack of consideration. They are not professional!

brasscat · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 1:07 am Post subject: PMU Is Not KSU

The KSU howls belong another thread. PMU has its own weirdness.
brasscat

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

Not to mention that 8 of his 9 posts are exactly the same post!! This should only be on thread directly related to the employer involved...

VS

Citizenkane · Joined: 14 Jun 2009 Posts: 234 Location: Xanadu

We heard you the first time, tefl2010.

desultude · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 614

I've been gone from there for a while now, so I only know what is happening there now from others, but it doesn't sound good.

Faculty who have been there from the beginning are being offered 5% wage increases (less than Saudi inflation), while new people are being hired in at much higher wages. The veterans are then expected to train and assist the people who are arriving at higher wages. Newcomers on the women's side are being put on another floor than the vets, so they are not being integrated socially. Altogether this is a sure formula for bad moral and lack of colleageality.

vanVlaanderen · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 21

I'm asking.

brasscat · Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 9:13 pm Post subject: Of SPITs & Wasta boys

SPITs: female term given by PMU faculty. Saudi Princess In Training.
Connotes a spoiled ill tempered female who thinks she is special
not have to do any class work.

Wasta Boys: male term given by PMU faculty. Wasta is Arabic for
someone with power and influence. More than one
member of faculty was reprimanded or fired due to a
lie from a wasta boy.

brasscat

desultude · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 614

Yes, we must give our favorite Texan credit for SPITS. One of her many contributions to PMU culture.

It is just too frustrating to teach the female students. Call them SPITS if you wish, but the possibilities for them in SA are so very limited, any sign of initiative on their part is a miracle.