Job Discussion Forums

[AbeCross]

The shocking state of affairs described here is even more incredible when you consider the institution's ranking. It is ranked 1st or 2nd in the Kingdom!

http://www.shanghairanking.com/ARWU2017.html

[nomad soul]

[hash]

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The following comments are based on my own teaching experiences in KSA and may not reflect all programs:

1- Most uni PY programs are actually PRE-FRESHMAN programs. The courses offered (not just English) are usually NON-CREDIT courses. Upon completion of the program, a student then enters the uni properly as an undergraduate Freshman.

2- In some cases, the study of English continues at the undergraduate level. According to my most recent information, for example, KFUPM requires all students to take 3 for-credit semester-long English courses before they can graduate. These courses are no longer of the ESL/EFL type. They are basically EAP/Writing courses including essays, written reports, oral presentations and so on. Teachers here are not included in the “professorial ranks”, but their schedules are vastly different from what your typical PYP teacher follows.

3- Any institution, but particularly any uni, resorting to “sketchy, for-profit middlemen” as a means of procuring its academic staffing for its PY programs, is simply reflecting its own aversion and antipathy towards its PY programs and teachers. There’s just no getting away from what this statement says and means.

Basically, it means that the institution does not take the PY program seriously AND WANTS TO HAVE AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE TO DO WITH THE PROGRAM AND ITS TEACHERS. New teachers are quickly made aware of this and the basis for an antagonistic relationship is established early on.

This scenario beautifully exemplifies my oft repeated and equally oft ignored axiom regarding “ESL” teaching in KSA country-wide (but it’s really Gulf-wide). The vast majority of employers from the severe Vinnell to the lofty KFUPM, in their heart of hearts, wish their “English programs” would simply vanish into thin air for good leaving behind nary a trace.


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[scot47]

There is certainly a deal of truth in that last post. Having said that, I enjoyed my time at KFUPM until the time the programme was taken over by a Canadian who introduced his mad plan of "Modules". That led to my sidestep to Hafr Al Batin Community College where I spent my last 2 years in EFL and my last 2 years in the Kingdom.


Alhamduliallah, I am now out of the game and enjoying a genteel retirement on "The Madeira of the Clyde".

[AbeCross]

[scot47]

Very rapid expansion in numbers admitted has led to problems. Many new entrants are accustomed to an educational system where they are passed automatically. When they are presented with the challenge of having to learn something and prove that they have learned it in tests and exams, they have problems.

[nomad soul]

[Betrayer of Hope]

I take it the OP was relieved of his/her duties?

[R_totale]

[lizzydizzy]

Al Hussan is gone and QEC is there now. Offering returning teachers 8,500 and newbs 9,000.

[lizzydizzy]

Former Al Hussan teachers have been told that they will pay full costs for visas, including flights.

[veiledsentiments]

Who is "they"? The university or the teachers or the contractor?

If it is the teachers, it is a major screw job... crappy pay and few benefits.

VS

[lizzydizzy]

[lizzydizzy]

ICEAT is being phased out. ICEAT owes many teachers final settlement and wants them to wait until after Eid for payment.

[lizzydizzy]

EduGuide is now recruiting for KSU.