"I am an African American female, considering a job in Saudi school where 90% of the staff are local hires, is that wise?"
There are a lot of very dark skinned Saudis who look African or African American. My African American friends have been embraced with open arms by the Saudis even more than I have as a caucasian. The ones who have medium skin tones actually get mistaken for Saudis/Arabs all the time. I do not think it would be a huge concern but I guess it might be school or city specific.
Search found 73 matches
- Thu Feb 20, 2014 9:57 am
- Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
- Topic: Life in Saudi Arabia
- Replies: 16
- Views: 20252
- Thu Nov 21, 2013 1:01 pm
- Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
- Topic: Who's had interviews?
- Replies: 40
- Views: 45406
As others have said, it's still very early. Lots and lots of schools haven't reached their contract due date yet. I know people who have had interviews and a few who have had offers. They were all in very specialized positions or they were teaching couples who were both specialized or in very high demand.
- Thu Nov 21, 2013 12:57 pm
- Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
- Topic: Taking the money for air tickets
- Replies: 16
- Views: 20899
- Wed Nov 13, 2013 9:45 am
- Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
- Topic: Aramco Special Ed
- Replies: 5
- Views: 7435
Yes I was referring to the positions that are currently posted. They have already been doing a lot of interviewing, though, and I have no idea if those positions are all still available.
My personal outlook is that due to Aramco's hiring trends (the company, not the schools), there will be an increase in Learning Support positions available in the future.
My personal outlook is that due to Aramco's hiring trends (the company, not the schools), there will be an increase in Learning Support positions available in the future.
- Tue Nov 12, 2013 11:30 am
- Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
- Topic: Aramco Special Ed
- Replies: 5
- Views: 7435
- Sat Nov 09, 2013 10:00 am
- Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
- Topic: Aramco Schools Compound
- Replies: 93
- Views: 177671
- Mon Oct 28, 2013 10:21 am
- Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
- Topic: Summer School Job Opportunties
- Replies: 3
- Views: 5009
- Mon Oct 28, 2013 10:17 am
- Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
- Topic: Amer. Int. Sch. of Riyadh - SO MANY MATH POSITIONS
- Replies: 7
- Views: 11406
I can't answer your question about AISR. I haven't heard any news about work visas for spouses. Regarding your question about Aramco, I do not believe that is the reason for so many open positions. It is because the company is expanding - rapidly. More engineers and employees means more children. This year there were at least a few dozen new teaching positions across the five Aramco schools. Not teachers who replacing those who had left. NEW positions. From what we have been told, we can expect this rapid company expansion to continue for the next couple years. I would expect there to be many open positions this year and next year, possibly for subsequent years as well.
- Mon May 20, 2013 11:47 am
- Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
- Topic: Where we come from...matters
- Replies: 16
- Views: 22714
- Fri Apr 26, 2013 7:32 am
- Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
- Topic: What is the best country and school in the middle-east?
- Replies: 24
- Views: 54013
"The vast majority of "Wide and varied activities" that involve shopping (which you can do anywhere) and eating out (and the regional food typically involves uninspired forms of grilled meat) all very ordinary things to do."
Psyguy, for the benefit of prospective international school teachers, why don't you provide a list of activities you require/desire in a city/contry?
Psyguy, for the benefit of prospective international school teachers, why don't you provide a list of activities you require/desire in a city/contry?
- Mon Apr 01, 2013 8:48 am
- Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
- Topic: Bahrain ?? Anyone know about....
- Replies: 6
- Views: 8500
I don't live or work in Bahrain, but I do go there frequently. I live in KSA, and expats (and Saudis) frequently head across the causeway to go to Bahrain on weekends. We all love the "freedom" in Bahrain, but again, we're coming from a more restrictive country. If Bahrain is your first experience in the Middle East, you may find it restrictive.
Yes, there are beaches, some of which seem very nice. They're not the best beaches in the world, but they're sufficient. There are tons of bars and restaurants in Bahrain, and there's a pretty active nightlife. There are also plenty of malls, sports opportunity, clubs/activities, and special events (comedians, concerts, theater, arts). You can wear normal clothes (while still being respectful), drink, and socialize/date. Yes, there is still a strong Islamic influence, but Bahrain is a relatively liberal area for the region.
Unfortunately I'm not famililar with the Riffa area. I looked at a map, and that's further south than I usually go when I'm there. Bahrain is a tiny country, though, so everywhere is relatively close.
I personally wouldn't worry too much about the protests. Of course there is always a chance of something happening, just like there is almost anywhere. But for the most part, if you stay out of it and use common sense, you'll be fine. The fighting is not targeting westerners at this time. What we read on the news seems to be far worse than what we see when we're actually in Bahrain. Expats still travel to Bahrain every single week, and the recent protesting hasn't stopped people from crossing the border. My husband and I just went last weekend and life seemed normal. We noticed a few more police cars around, but that's it. There are certain political "hot spots" that the embassy tells its employees to avoid, but the touristy/shopping/dining areas are mostly fine right now.
If you have any other specific questions, I will try my best to answer. :-)
Yes, there are beaches, some of which seem very nice. They're not the best beaches in the world, but they're sufficient. There are tons of bars and restaurants in Bahrain, and there's a pretty active nightlife. There are also plenty of malls, sports opportunity, clubs/activities, and special events (comedians, concerts, theater, arts). You can wear normal clothes (while still being respectful), drink, and socialize/date. Yes, there is still a strong Islamic influence, but Bahrain is a relatively liberal area for the region.
Unfortunately I'm not famililar with the Riffa area. I looked at a map, and that's further south than I usually go when I'm there. Bahrain is a tiny country, though, so everywhere is relatively close.
I personally wouldn't worry too much about the protests. Of course there is always a chance of something happening, just like there is almost anywhere. But for the most part, if you stay out of it and use common sense, you'll be fine. The fighting is not targeting westerners at this time. What we read on the news seems to be far worse than what we see when we're actually in Bahrain. Expats still travel to Bahrain every single week, and the recent protesting hasn't stopped people from crossing the border. My husband and I just went last weekend and life seemed normal. We noticed a few more police cars around, but that's it. There are certain political "hot spots" that the embassy tells its employees to avoid, but the touristy/shopping/dining areas are mostly fine right now.
If you have any other specific questions, I will try my best to answer. :-)
- Sun Mar 31, 2013 3:42 am
- Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
- Topic: To admin or not to admin??????????
- Replies: 5
- Views: 6870
I mean no disrespect to you, but honestly, I don't know if I would want to work under and admin who is only doing it as a last resort. That person might do a great job with the position, but I think that you really need to WANT to be an administrator. It's a tough job. It is usually pretty obvious when someone is doing something that is not their passion.
I'm surprised that you weren't able to find a job in special needs. I know that those positions aren't available in a lot of schools, but there seems to be a good demand for learning support teachers overseas. Maybe with your special needs experience, you would actually do a GREAT job managing a bunch of teachers. :-) I kid, I kid.
I'm surprised that you weren't able to find a job in special needs. I know that those positions aren't available in a lot of schools, but there seems to be a good demand for learning support teachers overseas. Maybe with your special needs experience, you would actually do a GREAT job managing a bunch of teachers. :-) I kid, I kid.
- Tue Mar 19, 2013 1:47 pm
- Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
- Topic: Airline Internet Booking Companies
- Replies: 12
- Views: 23592
I agree with Psyguy and Heyteach. I prefer to book directly through the airlines because of the potential problems already mentioned. It's just simpler to deal with the airline if there's a cancellation.
I haven't found airlines' websites to be more expensive than 3rd . sites. I like to use websites like Kayak to find the flight schedules and prices, then I use the link to airlines' websites rather than the links to sites like Expedia.
I haven't found airlines' websites to be more expensive than 3rd . sites. I like to use websites like Kayak to find the flight schedules and prices, then I use the link to airlines' websites rather than the links to sites like Expedia.
- Tue Mar 19, 2013 1:42 pm
- Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
- Topic: Flights to Bangkok
- Replies: 11
- Views: 12566
- Sun Mar 17, 2013 1:31 pm
- Forum: Forum 1. From Questions About ISS & Search to Anything and Everything About International Teaching
- Topic: Credit Cards Internationally
- Replies: 12
- Views: 15656
I tried to look mine up and it just says "Visa Signature." Not sure if that's actually the name of the card or not. I remember browsing through lots of Capital One choices when I got that. I vaguely remember seeing that the cards with annual fees had higher rewards percentages, but I opted for the free card with no foreign fees. It also came with 0% interest for the first two years! :D