Job Discussion Forums

[Stephen Jones]

[johnslat]

There is always a gnawing feeling when in Saudi that you would rather be somewhere else.

I've noticed that for some, there's always that "gnawing feeling" no matter where they might be.
When I got medevaced out of Vietnam to the Naval Hospital in Atsugi, Japan, I was eventually able to go to the NCO club on base. Being stationed in Japan, especially at that time, was just about the best duty a Marine could hope for. And yet, at the club, the song most often requested and played was "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" by Eric Burdon and the Animals.

Go figure.

[sheikh radlinrol]

[johnslat]

Dear sheik,
You're likely right - but I'll bet at least some yearn for the money. And while I can't say I miss "the society" there, I do miss a lot of very good Saudi friends I made there.
Regards,
John

[scot47]

john
A nice change to meet someone who was in the War Corps not the Peace Corps.

Which was better for you - the Nam or KSA ? Let me guess................

[ghost]

Often when you look back at a place, from a distance, you realize it was a pretty good deal.

Korea gets a lot of criticism from teachers, but looking back, I enjoyed my year at a Teaching College, in a small city, about 1.5 hours south of Seoul. Peaceful countryside location, with miles of country lanes for long bicycle rides. Woods and hills for hiking and jogging. Very affordable restaurants and pubs. Very safe place.

The perks were good, and vacations (7 weeks), although less than Saudi, allowed us to visit countries not too far away, and for me that was Japan and Indonesia.

When you come to realize that you have to look at the pros of a place and diminish the impact of the cons, then you realize it is not a bad deal.

It is difficult to become close to Koreans - history and culture contribute to that - and that is not going to change anytime soon. With a falling birthrate in Korea, the Government (unlike Canada) is not prepared to open the doors to Immigrants, except for those who come on short term contracts. The Hermit Kingdom, lives up to its name in many respects. It can be frustrating, at times.

As long as you are fine with the fact that it is difficult to really relate closely with Koreans, then you can have a fine time there. Being self reliant pays dividends. Learning the language can also be rewarding, although progress is usually slow, unless you take an intensive course in Seoul. Fortunately, the Korean characters (hangeul) are easy to learn. Most foreigners are able to master them within a week or so, if they make the effort. Spoken fluency can take a couple of years or longer.

Does John Slattery recall a chap by the name of Mr Alotaibi, who worked at IPA in the 90`s? Mr Alotaibi now works for the Saudi Cultural Bureau in Washington D.C., and he is currently assessing the validity of the degrees I earned in the U.S.

I am currently about 70% if the way through the visa process, and have been at it for 2 months now. My medical lab results were lost and had to be re-done. The University diploma validation has taken weeks.

Hopefully the visa will be stamped in my passport by mid August, but more time might be needed.



Ghost

[johnslat]

Dear Ghost,
Would that be Mr. Saad Al O? If so, he was the Director of the English Language Center for a while back in the 80s, but then left to get his PhD.
He returned to the IPA in the 90s, but was in another department when I left.
If it is Saad and if you'd like my personal judgment about his abilities, please PM me.
Regards,
John

(MOD edit for name)

[Mark100]

[ghost]

Living on compounds, presumably, offers a lot of perks. You have everything right there, which cuts down on the stress we have in the west of paying bills, travelling to work, dealing with road rage, and saving money.

It (living on a compound) really gives you more time to indulge in your interests and hobbies, and it is doubtful that veterans like Scot and Slattery would have stayed as long as they have without those things. For people with families, though, living on a compound might be a challenge - as the ``small village`` atmosphere can get to you after a while, and you lose in privacy.

In Canada, now, the salaries have not kept pace with the rise in the cost of living, rents, etc. Example - the studio I currently rent shot up from $450 in 2007 to $560 this year, largely surpassing the increase in inflation and adjustments for that. All this means less disposable income for average citizens in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. In France, a similar scenario.

Those, like Scot, and others, have little reason to go back to western countries to deal with those things. If the teaching situation is good, and the perks are decent, you can understand the reason for the longevity in employment of the veterans. Plus, savings can offer good retirement opportunities, if well invested.

Ghost

[ghost]

[Cleopatra]

[johnslat]

Dear Cleo,
I never lived on a compound - and I liked that just fine.

But give ghost credit for this. He already knows that you can catch a lot more flies with honey, etc.

"The one I am dealing with seems to be a nice chap, but initially was hard to deal with, until I started conversing with him about many things. Cultural thing - establish a rapport, and then the paper requirements will be more efficient."

Regards,
John

[ghost]

Yes, they live on campus, which I thought was similar to a compound in the sense that you are isolated from the outside world on campus, with all the security and private areas for teachers and students and families. It is a mini home away from home, from what I gather.

What major differences are there between living on campus and on a compound?

Ghost

[scot47]

A compound is usually an "expat" ghetto, ie a gated community full of foreigners. A campus has some foreigners but also a large number of locals.

Compounds usually have a high level of security. The campuses I know in Saudi Arabia are more low-level in security.

[ghost]