Job Discussion Forums

gorkomi · Joined: 24 Aug 2009 Posts: 142

Could someone tell me what the point is in taking teachers on at this point when classes began October 3? My visa has still not been issued. How can they bring teachers a few weeks into the semester? The stress is becoming too intense for me, as I imagine unmotivated students who are not performing well in classes being moved into a new class with a new teacher. Maybe some situation worse than that. That, and the stress of feeling like a late loser.

Cleopatra · Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 3:24 pm Post subject:

I can perfectly understand how stressful the situation must be for you, but I wouldn't worry too much on the students' behalf. These type of 'c**k ups' are par for the course in SAudi Arabia, and students take it all in their stride. I don't think I can ever remember a year when all new teachers were in country and ready to start on the first day of term. So nobody will consider you a 'late loser' - chances are they've seen it all before.

Middle East Beast · Joined: 05 Mar 2008 Posts: 836 Location: Up a tree

I must agree with Cleopatra. You're not a loser; this is not a reflection on you. It's a reflection of the constant chaos that characterizes the Saudi way of "management."

I understand your trepidation and dismay at this spectacle.

I can only say that this is just the beginning. Wait until you get there and witness (and suffer) their incompetence first-hand.

Good luck.

gorkomi · Joined: 24 Aug 2009 Posts: 142

Thank you guys. A few weeks ago I felt excited and happy. This week I've been having nightmares, losing motivation about going over, feeling depressed and anxiety ridden. You made me feel a bit better, so thank you.

The Lathe of Heaven · Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 6:36 am Post subject:

dareva · Joined: 25 Aug 2009 Posts: 74 Location: almost there...

gorkomi
i'm in the same boat as you, and so are a few people I'm in contact with, and I know exactly how you feel!! i just keep on telling myself it's normal for KSA. And I agree with the other posters, don't worry about the students. We'll teach them when we get there and that's all we can do. Confused

I suspect the students are used to this sort of thing too.

saharastars · Joined: 30 Sep 2009 Posts: 107 Location: Wonderland

Hey folks just some info that might alleviate the sese of appalled helplessness; King Abdullah has closed all educational establishments for an extra two weeks, this was done because of Swine Flu.I dont know if this is correct , but it might explain things.

Cleopatra · Posted: Mon Oct 12, 2009 6:32 pm Post subject:

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

The Lathe of Heaven · Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 2:04 am Post subject:

The virus fear is not totally without reason. Children are very good transporters of any kind of virus and thus the delay in the openings of public schools. Any child with the virus should show the symptoms by then making the quarantine and segregation of the child and family top priority in order to stop the spread. I know of two universities that have postponed the start of their semester one is still ongoing and the other started a day ago. There are health reasons behind the delay that out weighs any other reason.

TLOH

gorkomi · Joined: 24 Aug 2009 Posts: 142

Again, thanks guys for the support, and I'm sorry for the others of you who are going through this too.

Aside from worries about the students and classes, I am also worried about paycheck loss, and vacation pay loss.

desultude · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 614

burzy · Joined: 04 Jun 2007 Posts: 2

I signed my offer Aug 30th with Edex. Started looking for something else last week...

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Tue Oct 13, 2009 7:12 pm Post subject:

Shwaya...shwaya...

NCTBA