Job Discussion Forums

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

Folks:

Has anyone taught Saudi University 'Orientation Programs' and what was your experience like?

Thank you.

Ghost in Korea

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 12:57 pm Post subject:

I think almost everyone here has taught in at least one such programme, because that's the environment in which most EFL teachers in KSA work.

You'll need to ask more specific questions if you want meaningful replies.

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

Tom Le Seelleur · Joined: 27 Dec 2007 Posts: 242

Ghost
I taught at KFUPM for two years. It has an orientation program. When I was there the materials were in house - strictly censored and heavily content related. The students were not Freshmen as an orintation or foundation program is a bridghe between secondary/high school and freshmen/undergraduate.

Many of Saudi students could speak quite well, others not al all.

Headway Plus might be acceptable to Saudi Schools now that it is more culturally sensitive but I doubt it would be their first choice - Garnet press have made a lot of inroads. Headway Academic Skills is a more likely candidate.

Saudi students between 2000-2002 had next to nil study skills or idea of independent learning. At the university there was no ILC or study hall within the centre - this is old information, hopefully someone from the ELC can update you on this.
Tom

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Term for the students starts at the beginning of October but staff start September 6th, so you'll have plenty of time. Things regarding materials are in a state of flux at the moment.

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

6 September is the reporting date.

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

MyTrunkshow · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 3:27 am Post subject:

Ghost,

Boo.

Anyunghaseyo. Ni Hao. What's your lingual poison? I too lived in Korea and now I've been in Taiwan. I've also did my CELTA in Spain and lived in Africa for a year somewhere in the middle.

I am making the move to Hail, 6 hours North of Riyadh this fall. For myself, I've lost interest in learning Chinese. I have low proficiency and am not willing to invest any more time. Of course, life is just not that simple. I am completing my online MA and am half way done. I am a very busy trunkshow and have no time to take any more Chinese lessons.

I want to improve my Spanish actually. I studied Espanol in University and I find it more appealing. I suppose it helps that I find latinos attractive. Wink

My Chinese will slide and in a few years I'll barely know how to tell a Laoban of a noodle shop that I would like my vegetables without oil or my the gas delivery man to hookup the canister in the rear balcony.

Good on you for keeping it up. I'm unaware of the ins and outs of learning Arabic but its next up at bat. Spanish will have to wait for the summers I hope to spend in Latin America with my TWO MONTHS OFF!!! I'm over the mooooooooooon!!!!! 60 DAYS!!!

Boo.

Regards,
mytrunkshow

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 6:01 pm Post subject: Re: que tal

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Bright students with a good beginning in Basic Engliah. Typically good at understanding Spoken English and quick to learn more.Not so good at Reading or Writing. Many need a LOT of work on improving their skills. They are not often self-starters but need the teacher to lead them. Lively but polite.

Many have never used a dictionary and need to develop basic reference and study skills. Don't expect them to bring a pen and notebook !

sheikh radlinrol · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 1222 Location: Spain