Job Discussion Forums

[Vertical]

Hi all,
This is my first post. So don't forget to welcome me first.
Although having read many responses on this forum, I'm prepared for the usual inuendos and generally humorous banter.

I am a 47 year old South African male, embarking on a new adventure in the KSA.

I'm interested in any further information regarding the AOU in Riyadh.
I have seen one post which was not entirely complimentary, so I am hoping for more, so that I can get a varied impression of the conditions.
I'm also interested in a bit more detail regarding the classes, the students, general teaching protocols and things to avoid.
Male dress codes (or suggestions) if any would be helpful too.

Also some specifics regarding arrival in the KSA with respect to bringing in music on my laptop. (Bringing my laptop??) Bringing in cigarettes, a pipe and tobacco.
Having a tattoo on my arm, is that bad. Should I cover up at all times?

I do not drink (haven't had alcohol in over 25 years) so the lack of alcohol will not be a problem to me.
I'm sure I will miss bacon with my english breakfast though.
I do prefer ladies to be more dressed than those we see on the adverts on TV here. (Never could understand what a lady in a bikini had to do with mens shaving cream or a fancy sports car. The car is usually more enticing for me and the lady a distraction.)

Any useful information would be appreciated.
Any humour or sarcasm will be "taken with a pinch of tea and scones"

Perhaps I should have asked these questions in 50 seperate posts, so that I would be worthy of the privilage of including an avatar with my posts. (But I guess that would be cheating...)

Love the chatter on these forums and looking forward to the responses. (Hopefully some will be useful.)

[Grendal]

100 posts for an avatar.
Cover tatoos if possible.
Dress code: wear suit for class and school grounds. Usually pants, shirt, and tie (optional in some schools).
Usually fairly cooperative students. Life revolves around the family and they usually eat late, between 9 and 10 pm at night. Then men go smoke and drink tea at their istiraha and women clean up. Digestion of the meal takes a while so they are up late at night and the teenagers take dad's car out for a spin until about 12 midnight. They hit the hey about 3 am in the morning and then wake up for first prayer an hour or so later then go back to sleep until sunrise and wake up for second prayer and start their day.

This little cultural brief should explain why your students WILL come in late for class in the morning and usually sleep during class. They make up for the missed classes by cheating and copying on tests and exams. This is normal for them because as a brother in the faith one must help another brother who is struggling.

Hope this helps.

Regards.

Grendal

[trapezius]

Dress code... there is no standard dress code for all colleges/universities. You will have to ask your potential employer about that, because I doubt you will find anybody on here who worked at AOU Riyadh.

At a previous place (government university) of employment, I thought I was bad for going to work in jeans (no tears) and a polo shirt (or a long sleeve plain tshirt), but a couple of my colleagues used to come in tracksuit pants and a plain off-white short-sleeve tshirt (and flip flops!)... in other words, there was nothing to distinguish them from the cleaners and various other menial workers on the university campus... except that they (colleagues) were white!

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[veiledsentiments]

He hasn't been around for about a month... probably the latter...

VS

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

I'm inclined to agree...which is why I included the VERY REAL possibility...

NCTBA

[Vertical]

Thanks Grendall,
your information regarding dress and students is exactly what I'm looking for.
I guess since the tattoo should be covered, then I should not wear my cross on my neckchain..?! (Rhetorical question obviously.)

Sleeping students are great.. I love talking to myself. I find my responses to my own questions adroit and considerably insightful.

Any feedback regarding music on my laptop? From the point of view of entering the KSA and playing it in private in my room.

I had another question too, but it escapes me for now.

100 posts to get an avatar!? I'm already plotting a devious plan to post my questions one word at a time. It'l be like a grammar jigsaw puzzle.

[I Rub Ruchi]

As far as the smokes go, it's a "smokers paradise" here. You don't need to worry about that, except during the holy month of Ramadan.

[Vertical]

Fortunately Ramadan is over for this year then. Out of curiosity, what are the smoking restrictions or limitations during Ramadan?

[trapezius]

No problem bringing laptop or hard disk with music.

During Ramadan you cannot drink, eat, or smoke in public. Well, you can if you want, just make sure no one can see, because if some self-righteous person (majority) sees you they will report you to the police and you will be out of here in no time!

[Vertical]

Thanks for the information so far everyone. Not a lot, but each little bit helps build a better picture of what we can expect as first timers heading into the world of sand and blazing sunshine. (Sounds like a beach paradise. Perhaps I'll bring my surfboard along with me.)
Any more little titbits will still be greatly appreciated. Especially regarding how a first class might be approached. Anyone know what textbooks are used for English at the AOU and the type of materials available.

How do you remember student names, when the students are all dressed similarly?
(Here in South Africa they make it easier for us. Choppy is the kid with the bulging 12 inch knife under his shirt. Skull is the kid with the cute pirate tattoo on his neck. Dolly is the sweet young lady wearing all the makeup, etc. Essentially, each one is distinctly individual in dress and character.)

I remember the other question I wanted to ask too..
Would there be a problem playing online Poker after a gruelling day in the classroom? (I do enjoy a nice game of cards at the online casino.)

Another thing I've recently heard is that the "thumbs up" hand sign is not appropriate in the region. Is that true? I do battle not to use that particular sign when indicating good or acceptable performance.
(If it is true, can anyone suggest an alternative sign to use.)

Vert

[Bebsi]

I think, Verical, that generally speaking you are going in there with a good attitude. You have no preconceptions, but at the same time you have an idea of what to expect.

The advice you've been given so far is pretty accurate, except for the bit from Grendal about wearing a suit. Unless Grendal actually works at AOU and you're specifically going there, that is, in which case I would heed him. Maybe they do have a suit-and-tie code. In general, it varies from one institution to another. A broad rule, however, is to wear clean trousers-not-jeans, a shirt (short-sleeved no problem) or nice polo shirt, and decent shoes, i.e. not sandals or sneakers. Some places expect a tie, and quite a few others prefer a tie but it's certainly not obligatory. Overall, looking neat and professional is the most important thing, I'd say.

If you don't like women to be over-exposed, then you will definitely not be disappointed in KSA. Dolly with the crotch-length mini, the tight tank-top, the nose ring and other body piercings and an abundance of make-up, you will not find. Many of the local women do wear lots of make-up, but apart from maybe Jeddah and the Eastern Province, you are not likely to see their faces.

There are lots of things to do and places to see in Saudi, but you will need a car. These can be hired very easily, and are around USD 20-25 a day for a small one such as a Civic, a Corolla or an Accent. Something medium-sized, e.g. Accord, Camry or Chevy Lumina, will set you back about 30 a day. Renting for a month gets you quite a discount on those prices, but you need to drive a hard bargain...as with many things in the mid-east. If you're worried about driving standards and safety, I don't have the price of a T34 tank offhand, but whatever it is, it's worth it!

[veiledsentiments]

[scot47]

Bebsi is obsessive about the internal combustion engine. It is NOT always necessary to have a car in Saudi Arabia. I have managed pretty well on my last 4 contracts with different employers without one of those nasty noisy smelly things.

[Vertical]

Aaah... thanks Veil.. that's a nice anecdotal story of the ladies. lol.. had a good giggle as I imagined their disappointment at not being recognised. Makes me regret not buying those X-Ray sunglasses they used to advertise on the back cover of comic books in my umm "younger days".. about ?? years ago.
And I do like to wear a smart suit and tie Bebsi, although I am a little worried about sweating in the heat when dressed up so much. But I gather most places have A/C. (And I do know how to clean a filter of dust to keep it operational.) But I assume the A/C doesn't work outdoors so I could be drenched in sweat before I get inside.

Speaking of A/C's though, that T34 does sound exciting. Does it come in an Exec model with A/C and electric windows?

Anyone have any thoughts yet on the online poker and the thumbs up sign?

Vert