Job Discussion Forums

Xylotrupes · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 8 Location: Thailand

Hello, yes I am new to the forum

Just like to invite anyone who has taught military in KSA to share whatever isn't confidential about their experiences in terms of approaches and materials that worked well, adapting to the local culture, what to expect and what to look out for.

I taught military for a while years ago in Europe, and am being offered a position in KSA now.

Thanks!

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

Xylotrupes · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 8 Location: Thailand

Sadebugo

The military I taught in Italy were kind of difficult in that they didn't take any of it seriously and couldn't be "told what to do". I got used to this and socialized a lot with them outside of class.

When you say difficult, do you mean they are defiant? Unruly? Don't want to be there? Do they have a sense of humor at least? I'm trying to get a sense of what's going to keep their interest but also kind of socially how I can build a rapport with them. This wasn't too hard to do with the Italians as long as I didn't get too anal about them following instructions and maintained a friendly, jocular attitude with them. Lots of patience!

I'm hoping by being genuinely interested in their culture, lives, and progress and allowing them to have some choice of activites that I can avoid discipline problems. I can't see how tryng to discipline them is going to work - I;m not going to be in any real position of authority. My approach has always been to be firm but tolerant, and try to avoid making anyone lose face (the ONLY thing that works in Thailand at least).

I've heard accounts ranging from the students have no respect at all to them being very cooperative and involved. I suppose what I'm interested in is what classroom management techniques are effective with them and what aren't.

BTW as far as I know they are using Cutting Edge. I'd like to stock up on some more military-oriented material before I go and I'll look into the series you suggested.

Thanks for your help!

lcanupp1964 · Joined: 12 Dec 2009 Posts: 381

I taught at the National Defense Language School in Kuwait. One of the most interesting things I experienced was that there were Privates (the lowest rank in the military) driving 100,000 dollar cars and styling 10,000 dollar Rolex watches. They were always pulling out there BlackBerry phones. Do you really think they�re going to work hard in class? Wasta, Wasta, Wasta.

Xylotrupes · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 8 Location: Thailand

I don't really expect them to be hardworking actually - that's not what I'm asking. When I say approaches that work, I mean keeping things interesting and keeping on good terms with them.

Sheikh N Bake · Joined: 26 Apr 2007 Posts: 1307 Location: Dis ting of ours

In some respects it depends on whether you have officers or enlisted. And it depends on which branch of service you're with. If you're with the Air Defense Forces in Jeddah, they're horrible, mean-spirited, intolerant. I teach army officers and enlisted. You can have fairly intellectual and light-hearted discussions with the officers. They will yap a lot, most of the time, and you almost never have a time when you can talk alone without the competition of student yapping in Arabic. Never get impatient or angry; make everything a joke, always be polite, and know your grammar and how to explain it. You'll lose them if you fail to follow these points. As for enlisted, same treatment of students but different behavior from them. They sleep all the time instead of yap, and of coruse forget about any kind of meaningful discussion, because they don't know anything.

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

Xylotrupes · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 8 Location: Thailand

Hmmm, it could be in Jeddah, maybe RSAF. I must remember to have a strict "Pants-On" policy for the classroom! Thanks for your thoughts on this - I'm not sure if there really is any way to prepare for how it's really going to be.

BTW would appreciate any insights on military recruiters that are better or worse.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Confidential information ? And you are asking us to share it ? I will not be recruiting you, sunshine !

Xylotrupes · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 8 Location: Thailand

My bad. I don't want confidential information obviously. But recommendations for reputable companies would be helpful.

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 8:43 pm Post subject:

The "pants off" story is one of the best I've heard in years....and I've heard some good ones. Thanks for the laugh! Laughing

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

Xylotrupes · Joined: 18 Jun 2010 Posts: 8 Location: Thailand

Oh well. Great opportunity to teach some idioms like "Keep your pants on!" and "Scared the pants off them" etc etc.

Lila Abu · Joined: 15 Jul 2010 Posts: 11 Location: Dubai

Working for the military in KSA is a mixed bag.

Years ago I worked for the RSAF in Tabuk..way up north...the students were useless, but then again..I only had to teach 3 or 4 hours a week...often fewer than that! I spent most of the time shooting the breeze with the other guys in the teacher's room or reading. Boring? Indeed. but it was close enough for weekend trips to Jordan...and excellent scuba diving.

On the other hand..I've worked for the RSN teaching cadets at the naval academy...an unqualified nightmare. The nasty , brutish sons of senior officers and other mucky-mucks. Stay away from there and a place called TINS in Dammam/Dhaharan.

Keep something in mind...the people you're teaching in Thailand might be a bit trying occasionally , but they are there...presumably...because they have a desire or need to learn the language.
Not so in KSA...the Saudi students are there because they have been promised a job by a government that really has no place for them...so they are dropped into EFL classes. Not always..but generally the case in the RSAF...the real training usually takes place in the States or UK.