Job Discussion Forums

Auntie Zan · Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 7:09 am Post subject: IPA

Greetings everyone! My first post, but have been a regular "lurker"/reader since 2004. Would appreciate your feedback.

Are there any female teachers currently (or previoiusly) with IPA Riyadh on this forum who would care to offer advice, share details?

I have had an interview, and been made an offer to proceed with my application, but would really like to learn more about the work conditions. The terms thus far are rather vague in certain respects and it would be helpful to hear from someone who has personal experience with the ELC at IPA. Thanks all, and, BTW, I love this forum and have found it to be a great resource;really helpful and often witty and clever too.

Ta!

Auntie Zan

tacomaboywa · Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 194 Location: The Magic Kingdom

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Our Sage of Santa Fe, aka johnslat. was at IPA for many moons. I think he may have been on the male side though.

Auntie Zan · Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 10:08 am Post subject: IPA

Thanks Guys...yes, I have read many of these posts, but as noted, they are usually from the "men's side". The women's side seems kind of spare - unless I've missed them in my searches, which could be possible of course. I guess I can extrapolate. However if there are any female expats out there who have worked for/or are currently working for IPA I would appreciate your input. Thank you, Gentlemen, for your kind feedback. Cheers. AZ

johnslat · Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 12:23 pm Post subject:

Dear Auntie Zan,

Scot47, with his usual insight, got it right; I spent my time at the Men's IPA - although I actually visited the Women's IPA in Riyadh once, in company with the Director of the Men's ELC there. I also knew a number of ladies who worked at the Women's Branch.

What you really need, Auntie Zen, is feedback from someone who's CURRENTLY working there because SO much depends on who's running the show there. Over the years, I heard women teachers say both that they really enjoyed working there (when the Director was a good one), and that, while they liked the students, they found the administration a big pain (when the Director was a bad one.)

So, it's a gamble - unless and until you're able to discover what the current Director there is like.

Regards,
John

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

We have only had one female poster here over the past ten years that I know of who taught at IPA... and you know her John. Even if she were still in this field, she wouldn't be much help as she is long gone from there. She liked it at the time and was trying to convince me to go there... and they actually made me an offer, but I turned it down.

What you need to do is get up to 5 posts so that you can get PMs, since there are members who won't post, but send PMs. Especially at places with small numbers of teachers, they don't want their management to be able to identify them here.

So... ask us some more questions. Laughing

VS

Auntie Zan · Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 8:42 pm Post subject: IPA

Sage sentiments. I appreciate the advice, and understand the need for discretion. My thanks to both of you. AZ

Auntie Zan · Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 8:58 pm Post subject: IPA

I would welcome hearing from a female expat currently working at IPA, or discussion regarding the positive experiences of women wno are teaching or have taught in the KSA. I admit to feeling a strong interest in going there, and no, I am not a masochist. AZ

Auntie Zan · Posted: Mon Dec 07, 2009 9:05 pm Post subject: IPA

All your sensible feedback is greatly appreciated Looking forward to a KSA update from a woman's perspective. ......and this, I believe, is post number 5. Thanks. Auntie Zan

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

Well... not exactly a discreet method of getting to the magic number of 5... you could have told us a little about yourself. Laughing

VS

Auntie Zan · Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 12:54 pm Post subject: IPA

Hello,

Thanks for that PM. I will read this person's posts. Kind of you!
Prolly need to do a little more research at this stage. Cheers. AZ

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Zan
I sent you a Personal Message (PM) but you responded on the Open Forum !

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

Some newbies take some time to understand the process, but at least she didn't mention your name. Laughing

VS

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

VS

I am concerned about the implications of receiving PM's in KSA from ladies that I am not married to. I have no wish to be considered in a state of unlawful seclusion with a member of the opposite sex.

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

Oh goodness... well then I better keep quiet about our PMs through the years. Your secret is safe with me... Cool

VS