Job Discussion Forums

[indirect.object]

Greetings -
We're English-speaking American Muslims and may be moving to Jeddah so I can teach English there.

Do you know of any reputable schools that offer instruction for first grade boys in some or all of these subjects:

- English or English language arts
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Arabic

[nomad soul]

I don't know of any teaching contracts in Jeddah that offer tuition assistance, so you may be paying quite a bit out of pocket if that's your only target city.

Anyway, see List of schools in Jeddah. You'll have to research them to see which one fits your needs and budget. You might also consider posting your school questions on one of the numerous general Saudi expat forum sites, which reach a much wider, diverse audience.

[indirect.object]

The linked list looks informative. Thank you.

[bigdurian]

[indirect.object]

I am looking for people with similar values, interests, and a shared frame of cultural reference to recommend a school for my six year old.

[hash]

[indirect.object]

That's like saying somebody who loves to scale the heights of Yosemite National Park should be equally comfortable swimming among the coral reefs of the Red Sea.

In this day and age, a lot of parents, homeschoolers and educators like to think outside the box and use networking opportunities to customize learning and socializing opportunities and contexts for children.

Diversity among different Muslim communities around the world is a blessing, and small and large differences in beliefs and practice do exist.

[LarssonCrew]

Having seen first hand how some of the Muslim schools in the UK operate [here's looking at you Birmingham] you'd be an absolute mad man to send your kids there. If you'd like your kid to grow up enjoying things in the west [such as freedom of speech, different thinking, not simply believing allah is the reason something happens and that they can use hard work to arrive where they want], then you'd never send your kids there.

I'd also like my kids to know that a boy sitting next to a girl isn't the worst thing in the world.

[veiledsentiments]

I would look for Jeddah expat boards to look for information about schools and educational opportunities for your son. I assume that you are aware that good education in International Schools in the Gulf is hugely expensive. The Saudi public schools are notoriously bad (can find plenty of criticism in the Saudi press... and from the many expat teachers who have to deal with their product at university level).

The key to all this is probably your job. If you are a licensed teacher in your state, you may be able to get a job at a school that will provide a space for your son.

I glanced quickly at some of your past posts and you have an MA? And have taught in Saudi before? Are you looking at a university level position? Most of the universities seem to be moving to using contractors who don't offer tuition assistance.

VS

[nomad soul]

I believe King Saud bin Abdulaziz University For Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) in Jeddah might offer dependent education assistance. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) does; however, it's located in Dhahran.

[AmericanAmina]

If you're willing to live outside of Jeddah city limits, you might apply to teach at KAUST over in Thuwwal. They have a K-12 school on campus for the children of teachers and students. You could apply to teach at either the university itself or the school. This is one place my husband has his eye on. Just beware that they are cynical of Muslims that are too Muslim-y. A highly qualified friend of ours interviewed there, and it was all going well until he mentioned he was doing an umrah while he was in Saudi for the interview. He never heard back. Also, men with long beards or ladies in niqab will not be given a second glance. The university itself is top quality, though, so apply but refrain from mentioning religion if they call you for an interview. I know that sounds counterintuitive for a Muslim in Saudi, but trust me on this one.

[nomad soul]

[hash]

@ AmericanAmina:
See my PVT to you re KAUST and the last 2 postings (one is yours).

[AmericanAmina]

[FrenchConnexion]

Larsson,

Oh yeah, like public schools in Britain are the ideal place for a child to get the best education and the open-mindedness and stellar manners you are showing right now?
The rule of non-mixity that some Muslims abide by is not base on the fact that they believe a boy and a girl sitting next to each other is the worst thing in the world. This rule is based on their belief in a Book they view as Holy. You don't agree with that, that's your choice. No need to go on a Saudi discussion forum, where you know there are people of different faith than yours participating, to speak with that condescending tone about Muslims. This is not the venue, and it is not welcomed.