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desultude
Joined: 19 Jan 2003
Posts: 614
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 Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 6:03 pm Post subject: |
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Yes, I admit to a more cynical view- but it comes from hard earned experience.
I have never seen anything from anyone in the higher levels of the administration to convince me that the purpose of PMU is education. It is a convenient front for some other endeavors including promoting the value of the land it sits in the middle and moving money and into some pockets.
People who go there with an agenda of properly educating students using ethical methods and standards will be very disappointed, and will probably not last too long. |
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Mia Xanthi
Joined: 13 Mar 2008
Posts: 955
Location: why is my heart still in the Middle East while the rest of me isn't?
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| Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 3:26 am Post subject: |
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| If you really need to take the job be sure to negotiate now for the salary. Once you get there, they will not negotiate at all (that happened to me). |
These are very true words. PMU will not negotiate even a single step forward with you once you arrive, and in fact will often try to renege on the original contractual agreements. Negotiate hard before accepting the job, and get it in writing.
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| Most of the housing now is in the Balad compound. |
The Balad compound is generally held to be a disaster, not that the other housing is all that great anyway. During the recent rains, people's villas have flooded and they have been told that any assistance will have to wait until the weather dries up (or when hell freezes over, take your pick!)
I would not agree to go unless I had a promise of a villa in Oryx ONE in my contract. Even then, they will try the old bait and switch when you get there, so be prepared for it.
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| There are good international schools, though. Just be sure to stay well on top of HR to get your documentation done in time. |
Excellent international schools are available, but they are very expensive. Many of the expat Arab teachers (even those with Western passports) were told last year that the schooling allowance for their kids would be cut by about 2/3. This would leave you paying most of your salary out of your pocket for quality schooling for your kids.
One excellent Arab expat math teacher (who held a US passport) had to refuse his second contract with PMU because they cut his kid's education allowance so severely that he could no longer afford to stay. He had a large family and they were settled in at good schools, then he had to uproot them and take them all back to the States. And as I stated, this was a GOOD professor, one whom the university should have made an effort to keep.
Plan early for the schools to make sure that your kids will not have to wait for acceptance. Many places have waiting lists. |
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Mia Xanthi
Joined: 13 Mar 2008
Posts: 955
Location: why is my heart still in the Middle East while the rest of me isn't?
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| Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 3:55 am Post subject: |
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| But, if you are coming to PMU, give up now on things making sense |
I've been gone from there for months, but trying to make any sense out of what happened there still makes my head spin. There is simply no way to get a handle on what motivates their actions or to predict their next moves. You cannot even count on them to take action on things that are clearly in their own self-interest. In the case of PMU, it would appear that the inmates are truly running the asylum. |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
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| Posted: Sat Dec 19, 2009 4:09 pm Post subject: |
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After reading Mia's last two entries, I am unable to perceive why anyone in their right mind would consider for one moment the idea of accepting a job there and bringing my family... especially children... into such an unstable unpredictable situation.
VS |
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trapezius
Joined: 13 Aug 2006
Posts: 1670
Location: Land of Culture of Death & Destruction
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| Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:04 am Post subject: |
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They are advertising now in my field and I am tempted to apply, but after reading Mia's posts, I am not going to touch it with a barge-pole.
Such a shame.... |
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norwalkesl
Joined: 22 Oct 2009
Posts: 366
Location: Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-China
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| Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:56 am Post subject: |
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| Mia Xanthi wrote: |
| One excellent Arab expat math teacher (who held a US passport) had to refuse his second contract with PMU because they cut his kid's education allowance so severely that he could no longer afford to stay. He had a large family and they were settled in at good schools, then he had to uproot them and take them all back to the States. And as I stated, this was a GOOD professor, one whom the university should have made an effort to keep. |
I suppose that many single teachers w/o children are available for these positions. |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
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| Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 1:24 pm Post subject: |
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| More and more it seems the field is dominated by single people or childless couples. |
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desultude
Joined: 19 Jan 2003
Posts: 614
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| Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 2:07 pm Post subject: |
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| norwalkesl wrote: |
| Mia Xanthi wrote: |
| One excellent Arab expat math teacher (who held a US passport) had to refuse his second contract with PMU because they cut his kid's education allowance so severely that he could no longer afford to stay. He had a large family and they were settled in at good schools, then he had to uproot them and take them all back to the States. And as I stated, this was a GOOD professor, one whom the university should have made an effort to keep. |
I suppose that many single teachers w/o children are available for these positions. |
Sure- Al Khobar and PMU are just heaven for single people.
Start with the housing and go downhill from there.
Those of us posting here and on the other threads about that hell that is PMU are all single people with no children. Marrieds with children mostly don't have the time to be here! |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
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| Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:01 pm Post subject: |
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| ......my whole point ! 10 or 20 years ago there were a lot more couples with children in this business - in Saudi and elsewhere. Not now ! |
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desultude
Joined: 19 Jan 2003
Posts: 614
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| Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 6:37 pm Post subject: |
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| scot47 wrote: |
| ......my whole point ! 10 or 20 years ago there were a lot more couples with children in this business - in Saudi and elsewhere. Not now ! |
Well, my point is that it is hell for singles, too. In fact, it is probably best for a married couple with no children where both of them work. Having a comrade in the Kingdom makes it more bearable. |
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Harvey
Joined: 12 Dec 2009
Posts: 39
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| Posted: Mon Dec 21, 2009 7:54 pm Post subject: |
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| Yeah it is so romantic and so easy to find a job for your wife. You really feel up for it after a day in the classroom. |
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desultude
Joined: 19 Jan 2003
Posts: 614
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| Posted: Tue Dec 22, 2009 6:55 am Post subject: |
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I know many couples who teach together, as well as some best friends.
It is not about "getting a job for your wife"- I know of a few instances where it was just the opposite- the better educated wife getting a job for her husband. A lot of western couples are equally educated and are both trained for teaching. This is a good example of why it can be good to marry a peer.
I teach with my best friend. We can vent and support each other, and provide a sounding board for things that may otherwise not get a hearing- and not just about work.
But if the main object of marriage is sex, this may not work for you. It can be a fairly un-erotic environment- more conducive to good companionship than a thrilling love life. (Though I have also known some pretty randy and happy teaching couples!) |
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Kalima Shahada
Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Posts: 198
Location: I live in a house, but my home is in the stable.
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| Posted: Wed Dec 23, 2009 1:55 pm Post subject: |
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| veiledsentiments wrote: |
After reading Mia's last two entries, I am unable to perceive why anyone in their right mind would consider for one moment the idea of accepting a job there and bringing my family... especially children... into such an unstable unpredictable situation.
VS |
No doubt!
| Quote: |
| The Balad compound is generally held to be a disaster, not that the other housing is all that great anyway. During the recent rains, people's villas have flooded and they have been told that any assistance will have to wait until the weather dries up (or when hell freezes over, take your pick!) |
 I'm trying to picture this in my mind. How high was the water that flooded the housing units? How long did it eventually take for them to get it dry again? Ive seen flooded homes and it can take many weeks to get the floor and everything dry again. The damage can be extensive. I would consider this an 'extreme' case and it would be enough for me to consider hiring a refugee boat to Bahrain. It's really amazing what some people will put up with in Saudi. |
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Rawdata
Joined: 22 Jan 2009
Posts: 34
Location: State of Confusion
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| Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2009 10:46 am Post subject: |
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Hi,
Pardon me if this sounds a bit ignorant but is PMU and Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University one and the same?
Given the acronyms I've seen in the enchanted kingdoom, the latter could be PMBFU, no?
Just want to make sure what's what?
Thanks |
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007
Joined: 30 Oct 2006
Posts: 2684
Location: UK/Veteran of the Magic Kingdom
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| Posted: Thu Dec 24, 2009 11:18 am Post subject: |
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| Rawdata wrote: |
Hi,
Pardon me if this sounds a bit ignorant but is PMU and Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University one and the same?
Given the acronyms I've seen in the enchanted kingdoom, the latter could be PMBFU, no?
Just want to make sure what's what?
Thanks |
Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University is abbreviated by PMU,( Arabic: جامعة الأمير محمد بن فهد ) is a new private university in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_Mohammad_bin_Fahd_University
If you want more info about PMU, ask Teta Mia who has an inside knowledge about this university!  |
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