Job Discussion Forums

[c_dange]

Thanks to the original poster who started this thread. It's great to see a positive discussion of women's issues. (...or at least that was the intention, right?)

I'm in a similar situation, currently waiting for my employment visa to be approved. And like some of the women here, I'm of the mindset that things are never as bad as you're told they are. I also think there's a certain personality that can be resilient when faced with any working or living conditions.

As for the question of discussing women's rights in the classroom, I don't think that's the responsibility of an ESL teacher. However, I agree with an earlier poster to let the students lead this discussion if it arises. There's no need to "teach women's rights" - all women/people maintain a consciousness of resistance when faced with oppression - but rather create a space where students feel free to express themselves to one another, so that you have a limited role in the discussion. I'd suggest that as a teacher, the best way to inspire young women (or any student) is to lead by example...be who you are and they'll catch on.

[BretHarte]

If you let students lead the discussions that can be a short line to the out door. I'm only a man, so I don't know how it works in women's classes, but where I work, we get students who are paid to watch what you teach. They want to catch you talking about things that you know you shouldn't talk about, but if you think about it in a Western point of view, it's not a big deal. Then they find themselves with a ticket out.

[scjw]

I'll definitely keep you all posted because I plan to write a blog on my experience. If this forum is still trending I'll be sure to post the link right here.

Ladies, check out this website about an expat woman living in Saudi. It was difficult for her to adjust, but so far she's been there for two years with her husband: http://www.blackchickontour.com/

With love,
scjw

[c_dange]

Thanks for that link, scjw. Here's another blogged success story of a woman living in Saudi. http://canadianinriyadh.blogspot.com/

Keep in mind though, that these are both examples of women who were sponsored by their husbands and lived in Saudi as homemakers. They didn't face the same challenges that we will, living as single women and holding a job there.

However, I'm encouraged by the increasing number of women who are in our position and have been reaching out to one another through social networking. I have a strong sense that the reason women don't report back to Dave's ESL once in Saudi, is that they have more pressing and positive ways to use their networking skills.

[scjw]

c_dange, thank you for the blog. I've read a bit of it. I'll PM you later so we can exchange contact info.

The main reason I am starting a blog is because I didn't find any websites of a single expat woman (in Saudi) blogging. Saudi is not for a novice traveler - male or female.

[c_dange]

I've also considered blogging...mostly to keep friends and family at home informed. I know enough naysayers in my personal life that I don't have to look for more online. That, and the fact that an abundance of free time may make blogging my only recourse from boredom. If my blog offers an encouraging and realistic perspective to other women considering KSA, that would be a bonus.

I'm aware of my own resilience only because past experiences have pointed me towards yet another challenge. I've lived for months in Africa without running water, in countries that I was told were too impoverished and dangerous to visit, as the only white person for miles around. For the most part, you get past that and learn to relate to your surroundings as an individual. If you're a good person it shows, and others will treat you with respect and consideration in turn. Throughout my other travels - to Europe, S. America, the Caribbean - I've learned that 'disappointment' is simply a mindset to be overcome.

Of course, I expect that working in Saudi will come with the necessary culture shock, a few breakdowns, and subsequent personal growth... I look forward to that. And consider it in my best interest to build supportive rather than competitive relationships with the women I'll be working and living with.

I don't think my expectations are unrealistic. But then, I also know that I'll be sure to encounter some things that could never have been anticipated. I think dealing with the unexpected and overcoming challenges is what builds character and I wouldn't shy away from the opportunity to do so.

Feel free to PM me...I'm interested to know where you'll be working.

[cassava]

c_dange:

You appear to have the correct personality and proper attitude required to succeed in Saudi Arabia.

However, as you get ready for the many challenges of living in the Kingdom, make sure that you do some research on the expected coronal mass ejection (CME), and prepare as thoroughly as possible for this event.

[johnslat]

Here are some more "women in Saudi" blog sites:

http://saudiwoman.me/

http://susiesbigadventure.blogspot.com/

http://angelinarabia.blogspot.com/

http://saudistepfordwife.blogspot.com/

http://americanbedu.com/who-is-american-bedu/

Regards,
John

[It's Scary!]

[Gulezar]

I've said it before ... everyone has there own unique experience of Saudi. The things which happened to me, (which I listed in a previous post) will not happen to everybody.

The idea of starting a blog was "beyond the border (the hundud)" for me. We had so much bickering and infighting on our campus that I would not even consider posting the details in a public forum.

Don't expect that you will have immunity if students lead a discussion into forbidden territory. You are responsible for keeping them on the straight and narrow. That's true throughout the Gulf.

I did meet some good people in Saudi, and that means women, of course. However, these were all colleagues at my university.

There were good times, but those existed in stark contrast to the restrictions I encountered in Saudi.