Job Discussion Forums

Cuffs · Joined: 10 Feb 2009 Posts: 77

Jesus Christ. Simmer down peeps.

johnslat · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 1:24 pm Post subject:

Dear polly1,

Well, I hope you make it to Saudi OK, stay there for as long as you want, become an "old-timer", and then come on Dave's and encounter your very own "polly1-type newcomer."

That would complete the circle.

Regards,
John

littleoldlady · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 286 Location: knitting heaven

Dear John
I don't think Polly1 has what it takes to survive the MEast do you?. It's shut up or ship out ( for those lucky enough to get exit visas) Laughing

LOL ( a survivor of the Persian Empire.)

johnslat · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 1:53 pm Post subject:

Dear LOL,

Well, one can never tell. I went there a hot-tempered individual, and I expect the smart money would have been on my not lasting there.

But I did, becoming the sweet-tempered, patient, admirable person that I am today. Very Happy

The Kingdom can transform one - for better OR for worse.

Regards,
John

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

You forgot 'humble' John...

VS

johnslat · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 2:48 pm Post subject:

Dear veiledsentiments,

OMG, you're so right. I'm VERY proud of my humility. Very Happy

Regards,
John

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 2:50 pm Post subject:

Saudi Arabia is a very difficult place to live and to teach. No matter how poor and inexperienced you are, $2000 a month will not make it worth your time to be in this hot, uncomfortable, and sometimes dangerous place. All the other posters are trying to say is this: if you want to work for $2000 a month, you can find much more pleasant, and even cheaper, places to do it. Saudi Arabia is only worth it if you are making significant money. It's not someplace you go just for the "experience".

And I don't think that Polly1 will make for even two months in KSA, either at a language institute or at a reputable university. A confrontational style will never work with Saudi administrators....too much loss of face involved. It usually alienates colleagues and western supervisors quickly as well.

johnslat · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 2:53 pm Post subject:

Dear Mia,

And yet - there IS Cleopatra (not that I'm suggesting that esteemed lady is in any way, shape or fashion "confrontational.") Very Happy

Regards,
John

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

The problem at the moment appears to be that there are a large number of recruiters around nobody has ever heard of. At least with well-established contractors/recruiters one has some idea what one is going in for.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:16 pm Post subject:

I think that everybody is missing the crux of polly1's message in her post...

007 · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:18 pm Post subject:

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:29 pm Post subject:

littleoldlady · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 286 Location: knitting heaven

But Mia, where is your soul... that's the big question Very Happy

007 · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 3:39 pm Post subject:

The Lathe of Heaven · Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 8:22 pm Post subject:

Flash News Update:

The teachers seem to be trickling in at EDEX. As mentioned earlier, it seems the coordiators and management have over projected the need for teachers here. They seem to be doing well for the first semester with 25% less teachers than they said they needed.

TLOH