Job Discussion Forums

[Linda467]

VS

I like you so, I�ll clarify........... I withdraw the first offer I had because I couldn�t wait any longer and I�m not paranoid neither afraid re: transport, I�m just very cautious because even if I am the shy type I attract a lot of attention because of my looks that have to do a lot with an extremely healthy way of living (non-smoker, non drinker, regular exercise, healthy diet, a happy go lucky, etc.,) a total bore ...........

Regards,

Linda

[Cleopatra]

[veiledsentiments]

I suppose that I could describe myself the same (though likely much older than you ) but... I'm not terribly shy. I drew obscene amounts of attention in the Gulf because with my Scandinavian/German/English heredity, I am very light skinned with what they call "blond" hair (I would call it light brown) and blue eyes. It is just a fact of life in this part of the world and has little to do with your health or personal habits or weight or age. It is all a matter of being different.

That said, it is merely a bore and almost never dangerous... if you are referring to taxis from the other thread, it isn't that big a deal... use them whenever you need them. Don't let yourself be a prisoner!!

VS
(Hi Cleo... we're synchronized posting again)

[Kalima Shahada]

[veiledsentiments]

I've never claimed to have been in Saudi and have been very clear as to why not. Yes, I have a few friends, like Cleo and John and Scot, who like(d) it there, but for each of them I have had a dozen more friends who were there and would never go back under any circumstances. I have enough experience in the Middle East (1985-2001) and the Gulf, not to mention the maturity to know what I like and dislike. I don't like being told what to wear in public and that I can't drive a car.

The problem is that most of the newbies that post on here need information... and most definitely not just from the people who liked it. That would be most unfair.

VS

[johnslat]

Dear Kalima Shahada,

"Some people happen to love Saudi."

I spent nineteen years in the Kingdom. During that time I believe I had one colleague who likely "loved Saudi." He was an Iraqi Ph.D who, given the conditions in his native land, was VERY happy to be in the Kingdom.

Don't get me wrong; I actually (mostly) enjoyed my time there; I made some very good Saudi friends (we're still in contact though I left in 2003), and I was happy with my job.

But even I wouldn't say that I LOVED the country.

What VS is saying is that, if someone wants to work in the Middle East and earn a very good salary, then there are other places that almost all "westerners" would consider to be more congenial: the UAE, Qatar, even Oman (although the salaries there are usually not as good, the environment is very congenial)
And while it's true that VS has never been to the Kingdom, she has lived and worked extensively in the Middle East. And I, for one, have never found any comment she has made about Saudi Arabia to be "off the mark."
Regards,
John

[Cleopatra]

[johnslat]

Dear Cleopatra,
Don't know if you've read all the thread, but I was replying to a quote on this thread from VS:

"The key is to do what NCTBA did... get out of Saudi. If you have an MA or PhD, you have many more countries to choose from..."

made on this thread by Kalina Shahada, who added this comment:

"VS, correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't you say you've never worked in Saudi? Have you ever even been there? Are you just going by what people say, especially on these forums? If so, I think that's really unfair.

Some people happen to love Saudi. Personally speaking, the Saudi people (as well as the perm. Arab expats. there) have been some of the most hospitable, gracious and welcoming people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting in my lifetime. I miss them tremendously! PhD or no PhD, I would return. Insh'Allah, I will! If not with ISM/EDEX, perhaps with another employer."

Sorry - but that's why I thought it was relevant to this particular discussion

Regards,
John

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[Linda467]

Hi there,

I�m most likely flying out Thursday and I just cannot believe what people write, so highly uncivilized, unfair, picky, unrespectful, totally out of line and just plain awful with other "colleagues" that I honestly think I will stick to my books and needle work - I am on a totally different league

Nothing to do with you NCTBA or the rest of the vets, thanks again for your help and information.

Trap, my pals already got the message about the ice cream

Regards,

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Glad to hear that you're "back on line", Linda. My hope for your success in saudi is boundless...

NCTBA

[johnslat]

Dear Linda467,
Actually, my colleagues in Saudi (with one exception - but he was a whacko very right-wing Republican who, at home, liked to ride around as a police "auxiliary" in patrol cars, which might explain a lot) were the best bunch of professional educators I've ever had the pleasure of working with.

May you be as blessed.
Regards,
John

[dareva]

Back to the original topic of this thread - IMS update.
I received the group email that everyone else has plus I received one that wanted to double check some information because, they said, my visa was being processed. From the tone of the emial, IMS seemed apologetic and stressed over this delay, no doubt they're losing out just as we are on this, and I get the impression that they're working their butts off to get us all there asap. No doubt, the fact that some people had to withdraw (probably more out of necessity than impatience), has put them in a difficult position. I'm lucky, because I'm staying rent free with some relatives and that helped me to hang in there. If it turns out that IMS does not have enough teachers and we are asked to do extra work - I'll deal with that when and if I have to. I'm still looking forward to going because, although money is the primary drawcard, living in a vastly different culture and experiencing it first hand comes a close second. For those of you who were able to hang in there (esp those going to KAU), I look forward to seeing you in KSA - soon...
And another update is that we got another email saying that King Abdulla has postponed university commencement dates until October 31 - although there seems to little clarity on the reason. In the last two days I've received 4 emails from IMS - so they're definately on the case.

[jackandrose]

dareva..thnk you for the positive input, I believe all will work out on the end.

Did they say anything about the flight tickets ( date )? I assume we will all leave more or less the same time to be there on the same day??

Thnx

[dareva]

They didn't say anything about the flight dates other than what was said in the group email - which is, that they expect us to leave for KSA 7-10 days after we receive the MOFA letter (to give us time to get the visa issued). I doubt, going by that, that everyone will be leaving at the same time. Visas seem to be coming in batches and people are leaving from different places. For instance, I'm leaving from Croatia and I don't think they'll be any other teachers going with me. When I get the MOFA letter I'll be putting the same question to IMS. If I find out anything concrete, I'll post it (or if you do, hope you'll do the same )