Job Discussion Forums

[meow905]

I am leaving for a position in Syria within the next week (or so the school keeps telling me anyway).... does anyone have any advice for living and teaching there?

[mouse5]

Let us know where you're moving to and we'll be able to give you some advice. Who are you going to be working for?

[meow905]

thanks for replying.... I am headed for Damascus.... and working for Sabis international schools

[caliph]

The Sabis school in Abu Dhabi has a good reputation. A lot of Embassy children go there because they have a TEFL program, which most other schools do not.

As far as Damascus is concerned, it's a pretty good place, and your salary should put you at the top of the local earning scale.

The most important thing to keep in mind there, as well as in most Arab/Muslim countries is to observe the "Holy Trinity", that is:

DO NOT discuss Religion, Sex or Politics!

[Cleopatra]

[meow905]

Thanks for the info about SABIS..... and Damascus.......
What about timelines..... this process is taking forever.... it has been 1 month and I am still home, although they reasure me there is a job waiting for me?
Has anyone else have any advice or guidence for this issue?

[veiledsentiments]

The Middle East is famous for its slow bureaucracy, so that could be the problem.

If you are American, that could be slowing things. A friend of mine had so many problems with visa issues that she finally gave up and left.

VS

[caliph]

Teaching adults in North America, Europe, and Japan, I would not hesitate to talk about the holy trinity, if the students brought them up.

I would NEVER discuss these things in in the muddle east, no matter how well I knew my students.

[helmsman]

"Holy Trinity", that is:

DO NOT discuss Religion, Sex or Politics!

Never say never. Working in the GCC I sometimes surprise myself at what I get away with. The key is to let the students bring it up first, then if you trust them, go ahead, very cautiously. I don't believe in being reckless, but neither should we be paralysed with fear. I have explained what contraception is without going into details, but never goten into something like sex positions. Sometimes it is impossible to ignore something like the war in Iraq so deal with it in an academic manner. I repeat though, you've got to be able to trust the whole class. And you have got to be able to justify your actions if you are questioned on it. Ultimetely I think most students get a thrill out of discussing these so-called Holy Trinity subjects.

[Cleopatra]

[veiledsentiments]

I agree, but it is sometimes the most innocuous thing that has them running to admin to complain. In one writing class working on a project about different countries, I had a student rush down and make a huge dowsha because I pointed out that population numbers include everyone who is living there. She was livid that the UAE population number included people who were not Emiratis. (speaking of racism)

I explained the system and how if their brother was in the US when they did the census there, he was counted... and since I was in the UAE, I would be counted in theirs. She was just appalled that the workers and servants would be counted. It went as far as her parents calling in about it.

Fortunately the Emiratis in HCT management handled it properly and supported the teacher. But it is often silly stuff like this where management will cave in to parents. I never had a problem when controversial stuff came up. I think the number one taboo is local politics... international current events were never a problem.

Now... what was the topic of this thread again?

VS

[Cleopatra]