Job Discussion Forums

Draflex · Joined: 06 Jun 2007 Posts: 3

Before stating the negative about Al-Yamamah College or Interlink to be more specific, I will start off with positives. I worked at Interlink Al-Yamamah temporarily, and it is the easiest money I ever earned. Generally speaking, I like the teaching methodology perhaps because I am the type of person who gets bored easily. The curriculum is flexible, so if you are the type of person who tires quickly from using textbooks and you like a bit of uncertainty and excitement then this is an ideal teaching job/ environment. Another positive aspect about Al-Yamamah College is that the students are truly lovely. They are the cr�me of the crop when it comes to society and they are kind. Last good note at least the teachers at Al-Yamamah are really qualified teachers and not phonies like many of those who have masqueraded around with fake degrees at Prince Sultan University.

For those of you who may be considering working at Al-Yamamah College in Saudi Arabia, please be aware of the management styles currently in power. Open communication is encouraged, but once openly exercised it is truly punishable. (MOD edit)

When I asked Dr. Peggy why I was not being paid on time and demanded to know the reason as to why I wasn�t being paid on time she said I was challenging her that of which has been recorded on my lovely cell phone. She without my permission told the then head of HR and Finance that I needed the money to buy groceries which was untrue. I was upset about that because whether I need it for groceries or to burn in my backyard is nobody�s business but mine. She claims she wasn�t paid on time either that of which is hard to believe because she makes sure her right hand man (woman actually) gets paid but her right hand man also assembles her Ikea furniture. She tried to shake people up about their job security. At the same time she let everyone know that they should feel free to express their grievances to her or Dave�s caf� if they so choose. Since she failed to have open and honest communication with me, I am merely taking her up on her suggestion. I have to say I just got my pay last week and that was after my husband went to get it and refused to leave without it. It was nearly three months late. Other teachers have experienced the same but they are too afraid to speak of it.

Also according to her in a three minute egg report one does not need to have a Masters degree to teach at Interlink because she said teachers with Bachelors do just as fine a job as teachers with Masters. Although I agree with her on that one, it would have been nice to know on what she based that assessment because those observations were given prior to any student questionnaires and no attendance to teachers� classes.

I am leaving my real name here because I speak for the truth and fear no one. I am the nicest person and many people can vouch for that, so when I am treated in my perception unfairly and all communication breaks down and is not repaired I know how to take action.

(Name removed by MODs in case of inaccuracy, anyone interested may send poster a PM)

Draflex · Joined: 06 Jun 2007 Posts: 3

Well, I contacted one below him who is the Dean of the school Dr. Larry who wished me good luck and said he would get back to me on the issue. I then interjected would you like to take down my number. Thanks for good wishes but that is no substitute for ACTION. I tried to get through to Ahmed once but couldn't because he was in a meeting. I was dealing with the new head of HR and Finance Mr. Ansari who originally seemed like a decent person until I realized that he is being intimidated and the FEAR is being drilled into him as well. All I can say is that Riyadh is a small town I know nearly everybody who is an expat or I know someone who knows someone who was an expat. I am married to a Saudi and have been livng here for 13 years of my life and will most likely die here. So to all of you at Al-Yamamah who treated me that way remember the line from Pretty Woman by Julia Roberts who said to the saleswoman who had treated her like a piece of trash.......... "Big Mistake" !!!

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Draflex · Joined: 06 Jun 2007 Posts: 3

Yes, Saudi women are social. I am American though. I think once someone cooks their reputation they are pretty much done or cooked hehe Laughing

. I believe one can always redeem themselves though.

The buck doesn�t stop here until someone assumes responsibility and gives an explanation and an apology. If people are treated in this manner then Interlink should not be surprised when they have such a high turnover or why people resort to giving them their middle finger. Yes, a true incident and it wasn�t me��.. LOL

Does Al-Yamamah enjoy putting people in awkward situations? Well if not I suggest someone give me a call so we can clear the air. If I receive a phone call with an apology, I will post that Interlink/ Al-Yamamah folk have redeemed themselves. Should I hold my breath?

cam · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 124 Location: Maine, USA

saral · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 32 Location: New Zealand

I have just received a very nice email from Mr Shahbaz with Al Yamahmah/ Interlink and he has informed me that my credentials are very impressive but that their policy is to accept only MAs. I have an English BA and 8 yrs. experience (with Saudis). He has suggested that if I were to complete 50% of an online MA they will accept me. 50%??? Online?? I don't know what to say to that. Any comments?? Anyone?? I am stumped....Thanks in advance.

GlobalDawg · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Posts: 91

Saral, perhaps I'm naive and missed the intent of your sarcasm. Most likely he was suggesting that if you were to get into a distance learning program at the MA level and have at least 50% of the program completed when you apply, then your application would be considered.

--global

saral · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 32 Location: New Zealand

Thanks for the information. I wasn't being sarcastic at all. Not at any point. Not everybody here is sarcastic.

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

I suspect that he thought you were being sarcastic because it was clear to us what they meant. It is actually quite a nice thing for them to offer. They are saying that if you make the effort and spend the money to get halfway through an MA, they will trust you to finish. There are not many employers in the Gulf that will do that. I'd say that it is your experience with Saudis that generated that offer.

VS

GlobalDawg · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Posts: 91

I apologize Saral, I wasn't sure how to take it so I prefaced my comment suggesting that I may be off the mark in response. VS is right--the offer is uncommon, especially in that the administrator suggested online learning. The acceptance of an online learning degree is thought to be rare in this part of the world and I find it interesting that a college/university in Saudi will consider it. It gives me hope in that I have completed one online degree and I'm now working on a second one. I've yet to appy for a position based on the degree so the information you provide is appreciated.

---global

saral · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 32 Location: New Zealand

No worries mate. Thanks for your comments. I'm really glad to be able to provide SOME info of my own as you all are the experienced ones and the info usually seems to travel in one direction only. I just didn't know if this was the norm or the lovely Mr Shabaz was just having me on. What I did was write back and ask him which MA program(s) he would recommend and damned if I didn't get the most comprehensive reply which I have found to be very useful. In a nutshell he suggested the "residential" program offered by SIT in Vermont, which would be their first choice. After that he mentioned "online" at UNE in Australia for Applied Linguistics. Then University of Birmingham for its summer residential/experiential component. After that was the University of Southern Queensland where one of their colleagues is enrolled. So, if this is of interest...or help...

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

Are you interested in getting an MA? If you are, I'd think the Aussie ones would be best for you. SIT is a bit... err... American... much used by Peace Corps types. It wouldn't be my first choice even as an American.

If you want to stay in the field, this would be a sensible thing to do to get yourself into the higher wage brackets.

VS

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

One of my colleagues is doing the USQ by distance and recommends it. Another plans to do it by a combination of online and on site. They have a summer semester.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

The SIT and Monterrey courses are in a class of their own. Unfortunately, that is also reflected in their price.

saral · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 32 Location: New Zealand

Thanks all of you. I'll check South Queensland and see how the expenses are going to affect me. It's a matter of cost (effective or not) analysis given the years I've got left (I'll be 55 next week) and what jobs I can use this for in New Zealand, where I plan to retire (retire?). I think, if I can swing it, I will go for as much of an MA as I can muster....always wanted to.