Job Discussion Forums

ohman · Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 239 Location: B' Um Fouk, Egypt

Gulf Arab military generally do not come from a culture of education (an understatement).

Still, these positions are some of the highest paying EFL jobs out there.

So, what's the secret? How can a teacher accept one of these jobs and not start thinking about running for the border within the first few weeks of his initial airport pick-up?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

It is easier for teachers who are brain dead. Of these there are many. More than half of my colleagues.

Paul in Saudi · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 404 Location: Doha, Qatar

A job is a job.

How much intellectual satisfaction does an auto mechanic or a chief get from his job? Why do expect something more exciting from a teaching gig?

It is a job. You do your best. They pay you. Welcome to the Life of Quiet Desperation you heard tell about.

I have been doing this for seven years. I enjoy it, low stress, lots of free time. Plenty of books to read (or even to write).

Would you feel more stimulated working for the local (American) school board? I understand they are hiring.

ohman · Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 239 Location: B' Um Fouk, Egypt

Intellectual stimulation or even job satisfaction might be too much to ask. I'm more interested in a job well done, not just endured.

I would appreciate a few insights about classroom activities that tend to appeal to gulf Arab grunts, many of whom were unable to finish secondary school. For example, are they as easily amused as elementary or secondary school kids? Do they want games? Competitions? Grill 'em and drill 'em? Or is it best to go
page-by-page on shopworn DLI materials?

On the tertiary level, one can often eat the clock with discussions, teach to the test, go so far as to accept bribes or favors to ease the tedium (and perhaps risk incarceration--seen it happen twice in Kuwait). The military students are generally there each and every day, right?

Albulbul · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 364

A colleague who used to teach the National Guard in Riyadh said that they really liked using crayons to colour in the national flags of countries in the Gulf. These are 20 year-old Bedouins. Some had never used or seen a crayon before.

ohman · Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 239 Location: B' Um Fouk, Egypt

Thanks Albul--that's an incredible image and the sort of response I was hoping for. Art as an ESL/FL TPR mechanism takes care of Saturdays. Onto day two. Any more suggestions? How about competitions? Are they easy to pull off without dishonoring students?