Job Discussion Forums

[fiveeagles]

They have received a letter from the government guaranting payment. Anyone dealt with the Saudi government before? What can I expect?

[Arabian Hawk]

You can expect to be treated like an indentured servant!!!

[spiral78]

I've worked with Saudi students on Saudi government-sponsored programs in both Canada and Europe.

In what respect do you want advice?

You mention gov't level...well, in my experience the students normally do (mostly) arrive. Payments are made. However, timing and deadlines can vary wildly, as can student numbers. There has been less scrutiny of success levels than in programs we run for Westerners - though very strong expectations that each student WILL succeed.

The students are, well, sometimes off the scale compared to those we're more used to in these regions. That's for another post, though, if you're interested.

[scot47]

It strikes me as one of the paradoxes of Saudi Arabia that Saudis are great travellers but at the same time innocent of even the most basic geographical knowledge.

[spiral78]

I was surprised to find that some of ours had never heard of the jet stream and were baffled why it takes longer to fly west than east.

[Cleopatra]

I agree that Saudi students' lack of basic geographical knowledge can be shocking.

In fairness, though, I've lost count of the number of times people back home have asked me what part of Saudi Arabia Dubai is in.

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