Job Discussion Forums

[manowur]

Hello folks,

Does anyone happen to have any info on the Yemeni-American Language Institure (YALI) in Sanaa, Yemen? I can't find anything about them in any of the forums. They look like a decent employer but then again, looks can be deceiving.

If you have either worked there before or are presently there now, please enlighten us. I am considering going there to teach.

Thanks,
manowur

[veiledsentiments]

I get rather confused about these places in Yemen that have similar names. I think that this is the one that is affiliated with the US Embassy? And managed by AMIDEAST? Do you know?

Politically things are pretty shaky right now in Yemen.

VS

[manowur]

Hey VS,

You are correct in that YALI is affiliated with the US embassy. However, I believe they are run by the Yemeni College of Middle Eastern Studies (YCMES).

You can get more info about them here:
http://www.yaliefl.org/index.html

As far as the political climate, it seems like there's potential risk in most of the countries in the Middle East so I kind of turn a blind eye to stuff like that. Perhaps ignorance on my part.

I'm hoping any of of the TEFLers currently in Yemen or who've recently been (esp. knowing about YALI) can share their thoughts/concerns.

[veiledsentiments]

Earlier today their website was down, but this time I got in.

I don't think the risk is quite comparable. Yemen is the only country on the Arabian peninsula that has a simmering civil war that turns hot every few weeks. And plenty of Al-Qaeda supporters and members running about armed and uncontrolled by the government. A good friend of mine was in Sanaa within the last year and is an old Middle East hand and he decided that it was time to get out - as were many of the other Westerners. Actually one is likely fine in Sanaa, but visiting the hinterlands (and who would want to miss that chance) is getting increasingly dangerous.

Hopefully someone currently there will show up. This place used to a good gig, if not particularly lucrative.

VS

[scot47]

All these teaching institutions are connected with Spook Central in Langley, Virginia. Avoid.

[manowur]

So what are you saying? Anyone who works at one of these places might expect to see their name on a most wanted list soon after?
I don't mean to sound skeptical, but what is your proof?
Are you speaking from past experience, or just stuff you've heard?
Please share.

[veiledsentiments]

No they're not... that may be true of BC, but not of these schools. The connection with the embassy is very limited now (nearly zero) because the US embassies have gotten out of English teaching.

The embassy itself is, of course, well connected to Langley - as are all of them. But the school... not at all. Least of your problems manowur...

There is one large negative to working with any organization that is well-known to be connected to the US... and especially the US government. If someone wants to hit America and Americans, they know you are there. To be honest, this is why I avoided working with any organization connected to the government.

VS

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Never mind Scot on these issues..he speaks with forked-tongue and jaundiced outlook when it comes to 'Merica. Besides, EVERYBODY knows (in the know) that "Spook Central" is really in Crystal City jes' across the river from Washington D.C....jes' like EVERYONE should know that the gold reserve of the U.S. ISN'T at Fort Knox.

NCTBA

P.s.- Scot...BOO!

[manowur]

VS,

Thanks for the tip. You make a very valid point. I was kind of thinking on the flip side though so when I do return to the US, I won't be hassled as to my reasons for going to Yemen if I was working for an organization affiliated with the US embassy. Do you get me?

BTW, if someone can translate what NCTBA said, that would be appreciated (if he indeed said something of relevance to the issue).

Til next time.

[veiledsentiments]

Yes, I know what you mean...

as to NCTBA... just pat him on the head and smile... ma muhim...

VS

[olsong]

YALI is a wonderful place - unlike any other English language institute I've evern known. Students take more pride in their graduation certificates - signed by the Ambassador - than they do in the high school certificates. It is managed by YCMES - which has an international board and also runs an English-language degree and Arabic program in Sana'a - offering synergy to the YALI English program through shared field trips and opportunities for those who want to study Arabic and also teach English at the same time.

I admit I'm biased - I managed YALI until last November and keep in touch with colleagues there. I'm now managing a program in Afghanistan, which makes Yemen seem a piece of cake in terms of security. Sana'a remains a safe haven but travel outside can be problematic and requires advance authorization from local authorities.

Contact me directly if you'd like additional information.

G

[yellofello]

My cousin's girlfriend had a very positive experience at YALI. She says the country is amazing.

The Yemen-America Language Institute (YALI), established in 1975 by the U.S. Embassy in Yemen; YALI is operated by the Yemen College of Middle Eastern Studies (YCMES) through a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Embassy in Yemen.

(MOD edit)

[chmar84]

I have been looking into the recent history of YALI and it seems there were some major issues with teacher's contracts not been honored in 2007 and the teachers actually went on strike. Does anyone have any more details on this and what the current situation is like. Can teachers expect to receive what their contracts state?

Also... is anyone else currently in the hiring process with them to start this upcoming fall?

[veiledsentiments]

I know just a little about it. When the Embassy stopped running the classes, they passed everything over to a new company which had a different pay scale and naturally provided new contracts. It meant that salaries went down... for many of the local teachers who had been there for many years. They did go on strike and in fact, many left and started another school I believe. This is what often happens if your employment ends with one company... the new company is not required to provide the same salary and benefits as your old company.

But, I can say with confidence that the current employer will pay you what your contract states.

VS

[Greenearth]

I am also in the hiring process. They appear to be organized and helpful.