Job Discussion Forums

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I know lots ofpeople who taught in TINS in Dammam. A good entry-level post and they do give NOC's to teachers who are leaving to go elsewhere.

Lila Abu · Joined: 15 Jul 2010 Posts: 11 Location: Dubai

Really? Always heard it was Bedlam.

Actually, the RSAF is a good entry-level peoition...if you get the right posting.

Xylotrupes · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 8 Location: Thailand

Keep something in mind...the people you're teaching in Thailand might be occasionally trying , but they are there...presumably...because they have a desire or need to learn the language.
Not so in KSA...the Saudi students are there because they have been promised a job by a government that really has no place for them...so they drop them into EFL classes. Not always..but generally the case in the RSAF...the real training usually takes place in the States or UK.[/quote]

I've taught groups like this in Thailand - parents own companies already where they will later work. Some even say flat out "Who cares if I fail? I will work for my dad." Others sre combative because their company or department is forcing them to do it. It's not easy but having a sense of humor helps. Thais tend to play more passive-aggressive type of games.

Winning over the majority by just not reacting negatively to it seems to help, and poking fun without being rude. That said I imagine it would be taken to another level in KSA!

Lila Abu · Joined: 15 Jul 2010 Posts: 11 Location: Dubai

Look..this is something of a cliche and you're going to hear it a lot...but, NOTHING compares to Saudi Arabia.
First, you've got the religious zealots who hate you on purely theological grounds, then the officers intimidate and push you around..being in a position to threaten.... or better yet... fire a Westerner adds significantly to their "Wasta"...don't worry..you'll learn what that word means soon enough. Then you have the guys who'll mess with you simply out of a love of the sport.
I am not saying they are all like this..but you are bound to meet a few who meet the description above.
Second piece of advice...buy a kindle...KSA is boring as heck and the bookstores are sorely lacking.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

This picture of KSA does not match the one that I have seen over some years - with 5 different employers. Mind you I have never worked with the Mercenaries. The Lord be thanked I am now over the age limit to work for the Merchants of Death.

As for the "Religious Zealots" I often find them to be the best students and the most charming !

No I am not a secret member of the Pious Ones but a lifelong secularist and humanist. Like johnslat I find that KSA is okay if you are self-sufficient, can read and learn to live without booze.

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

johnslat · Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2010 12:13 am Post subject:

Dear Sadebugo,

I'm going to resist the temptation to say something like:

"Really? I didn't know they were hiring EFL teachers in Hades."

It was Afghanistan, wasn't it?

Regards,
John

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524