Job Discussion Forums

[Brooks]

I recommend this book:

http://www.randomhouse.com/pantheon/graphicnovels/persepolis.html

[redafiya]

Looks like a great book -- I am a big fan of graphic novels anyway, so that looks like one to watch out for. Is there any text in it, or just woodcut style graphics?

Thanks for the link. This is one to buy after the Xmas expenditure!

[Brooks]

yes there is text too.
Click on the pictures. It is a little hard to read, though.

The sequel is also a good book.

[Queen of Sheba]

[stoth1972]

From an Iranian friend, I was under the impression that no americans were granted visas on a normal basis unless they came in large groups (?) or if a company sponsored the visit. Not sure how much truth there is behind it, but she said the average american waltzing in was not gonna happen. Backing up the comments on Iraniasns: lovely people...extremely hospitable. I've always had such positive experiences teaching them, making friends with them, etc.

[Queen of Sheba]

This is what the topic is about - being employed to work in Iran by a company in Hamedan, Iran. So, yes I can reaffirm that Americans can and do get work visas, sponsored by a business or institution or government body. I know this from personal experience of working in Iran recently.

Tourist visas are another matter and harder to attain, however not unheard of especially, as you mentioned, in tour groups. I know a group of Americans who toured Iran on tourist visas a few years ago, and I know it still happens today. The average American, traveling alone and without a business' sponsorship, or family in Iran to sponsor him or her, would have a nearly impossible chance of getting a tourist visa. However, I know a European, who had no connections in Iran, that got a tourist visa to Iran issued last summer 2005 without any problems what so ever. In fact, she went there entirely on her own without any friend or connections in Iran, and she said she had a really nice time without any trouble or harrassment at all.

Anyway, I just believe ESL teachers, too optimistically it would seem, are a special breed who aren�t always concerned with politics and US travel advisories. So, its an insult and a disservice to not advertise all job openings to "protect us" from the enemy or "dirty 3rd World Country" or to "educate us" on the US' international relations. In my opinion, they should all be posted, and the teachers should be the ones to decide if its right or wrong for them. Job posts certainly should not be judged based on the posting country's status within the "axis of evil" or any other conditions of the country. I would just hope we, as teachers, could be a little less racist and prejudiced than making surface level judgements on something as innocent and well-intentioned as an employment opportunity - just because they arent media friendly. Obviously we are competant enough to make our own personal decisions about what and where is best for our lives and professional development. None of those decisions can be made if the job post ends up in someone's recycle bin though.

[stoth1972]

[veiledsentiments]

Americans can and do get tourist visas without going with large groups. You have to go through a travel agency and jump through a few hoops, but I know a few who have done just that in the last 5 years.

And they loved it, just as everyone does who makes the effort. Of course, in the last few months, things have become a bit more tense and it may get more difficult.

VS

[caliph]

If you got a job there and a legal visa, you would have a good time and find the people very friendly and helpful. They don't look at your nationality, just you as an individual.

There is a LOT of goodwill among the Iranian people for Americans. There are hundreds of thousands of Iranians in the US and they and their relatives travel back and forth regularly with no problems.

[Queen of Sheba]

Right.

And right. And from Americans.

So why won't original poster of this thread Kristina post job listings in Iran?