Job Discussion Forums

johnslat · Posted: Wed Jan 05, 2011 11:57 pm Post subject:

Dear ktb,

" . . . it sounds like you wanna go skydiving but need someone to push you outa the plane. Take the leap and let your poor soul breathe again."

To belabor your analogy, you forgot the parachute. You know, the thing that's going to make sure that agmoe519 gets his feet ON the ground rather than IN it.
Parachutes are not available at AHEd.

I wish you all the best, agmoe519. I've worked in "alternative schools," in prisons and I've taught in some mighty tough inner-city schools. The difference is that the "general environment" was always there for me to "escape to." Sure, I took my work home with me - and that can burn you out - but all this was in the States.
I also worked for nineteen years in Saudi - at one the the (much) better places. I loved my work there, but the "general environment" could be very stifling, very frustrating, very inhospitable.
If you don't really love your job in Saudi, you're in for a hard time because your job there is ALL there is that can be (if you're extremely fortunate) loved

yrsammit · Joined: 28 Aug 2010 Posts: 14

I'm glad people found my blog helpful.

The best advice I can give to potential recruits: Be aware of what you're getting yourself into. Know that your time here might not be comfortable or easy. Almost 4 months into the program, most of the major issues (absence of curriculum, access to passports and travel visas, legality of contracts) have not been resolved. And any information given to you before your arrival may or may not hold true in-country. I can't speak for current recruitment efforts, but many of the direct or indirect promises made to us initially have not manifested.

That's the bad. The good: We are getting paid, and you will too. Not exactly on time, but close enough. Now, for those individuals who either quit or were fired, I've heard (only rumors) that some haven't been paid what they were due. But I and all the teachers here have been paid every month since the beginning. Furthermore, those brought over on work visas have received their iqamas. Later than the law mandates, but nonetheless. We also have health insurance, which seems to work for routine things (glasses, dentist, etc) but hasn't really been "put to the test" in any emergency situation.

Feel free to send me an email with any questions. I will gladly share facts, and opinions if you ask for them.

GladToBeFree · Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 45

.....

GladToBeFree · Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 45

.....

Blkinkorea31 · Joined: 10 Jan 2010 Posts: 15 Location: USA

brasscat · Posted: Tue Mar 08, 2011 6:09 pm Post subject: AHED & Footprints

This info is from one who was there.

1. AHED has been taken completely over by Al Sharq. It is Saudi rund completely. The only thing remaining is Madame M, the HR director. She triggered off the entire debacle.

2. Footprints. Went to the Republic of Georgia with this bunch. Ended up in a 2 week bootcamp in a boys dormatory. Real fun running up mountains, 4 hours of language class, and cabbage soup for breakfast. All for a whole $300/month.

brasscat