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A question about the ME/UAE
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globalnomad2



Joined: 23 Jul 2005
Posts: 562

PostPosted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 9:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Indeed. Anyway, as I mentioned, if you're considering physical safety, it's a big mistake to limit your considerations to violence, forgetting about the very real dangers of local driving habits. Even in Japan, where everyone assumes physical safety is not an issue, it is in fact a consideration. I taught on a spacious, American-style campus, but I knew several teachers who had scars from being run down by careless male students on their motorbikes. I saw a female student knocked down by one as well. And just outside the college gates, students have been killed in traffic. It was almost like the UAE corniche boys in action.
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adorabilly



Joined: 20 May 2006
Posts: 430
Location: Ras Al Khaimah

PostPosted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 11:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I would hate to disagree, but I have seen how they drive in central china... and having made it out of there alive, I'm pretty sure we will be prepared for bad drivers in the UAE. (it is the only place where I have ever thought I was taking my life into my hands every time I got into a taxi, and where we were told by our local students, if the bus looks like it is going to go off the road, or smash into something "DONT SCREAM or else you will make the driver crash."

I'm not too worried about the drivers, I was more interested in the reactions of the people on the ground about the conflicts between the US in iraq, afganistan, and the looming confrontation about Iran. And I was wondering if this creates tension vs western foreigners.

I hear the UAE is one of the safest places (barring the horrible driving) for westerners.
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Iamherebecause



Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 427
Location: . . . such quantities of sand . . .

PostPosted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 6:53 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

adorabilly wrote:
I was more interested in the reactions of the people on the ground about the conflicts between the US in iraq, afganistan, and the looming confrontation about Iran. And I was wondering if this creates tension vs western foreigners.


If you want tension you will find it. And you might find an early flight home if you really trail your coat. See for example what happened to the teacher who raised the Danish cartoon controversy in class (on here somewhere). Others have been sent home for comments about Islam to students (the sort which if they were about another religion in another country would NOT attract official comment let alone dismissal). If you choose to talk about global politics then you may get some fairly trenchant ill thought out views back from your students. You are unlikely to meet many regular, working Emiratis to talk politics with.

To get a feel for the place try the newspaper web-sites, e.g search for the Gulf News and then read the opinion pieces and editorials.
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adorabilly



Joined: 20 May 2006
Posts: 430
Location: Ras Al Khaimah

PostPosted: Fri Apr 27, 2007 12:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

thanks iamherebecause...

that is good advice in most cases. I was asking here because you all have been there and done that.

I have been reading the gulf news opinion papers.

as for knowing what to say and not to, worked in china for 2 years.. know all about not discussing certain topics... even though often the students themselves would bring up the very same topics....


thanks again.
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hakbs



Joined: 15 Apr 2007
Posts: 33
Location: Taipei vicinity

PostPosted: Sat Apr 28, 2007 4:38 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

adorabilly wrote:
thanks iamherebecause...

that is good advice in most cases. I was asking here because you all have been there and done that.

I have been reading the gulf news opinion papers.

as for knowing what to say and not to, worked in china for 2 years.. know all about not discussing certain topics... even though often the students themselves would bring up the very same topics....


thanks again.


In fact it is a good start, reading newspapers online and browsing the Internet in order to learn more about the place is highly advisable.

Driving in the UAE is not that bad comparing to the Saudi , Qatar, Japan, Korea and Mexico! The recipe for not getting into trouble on the road, is just ignore them and nothing will happen to you!

Most of UAE students do not bring up hot topics such as conflicts between Muslim countries and the USA. To be on the safe side, go to the classroom, teach, do your job and do not get involved in those messy issues and move on. If asked, as an educator, a neutral opinion in this part of the world will help. We all know what's happening around the globe with the USA foreign policies and the Muslim world. Leave the discussion for the foreign policy architects from both sides.

Hope this helps!
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