UNI Job Fair Results.........

[shansar]

My wife and I almost attend the UNI job Fair this last weekend but instead decided to attend the Seattle ISS COIS Fair (closer to home). I am very anxious to hear from anyone that attended on how it went and if they were successful finding a teaching job there. From all of the communication that we had with UNI I was very impressed with how helpful and friendly they seemed. Sure would love to hear from anyone that went as maybe we will try that one next year. Thanks

:)

[schley]

My first job fair, but it was very well run IMO. It was organized and wasn't so big where you get lost or feel it is impersonal. The staff was helpful and the atmosphere was friendly. I would go back to UNI without a doubt. I especially enjoyed visiting with other candidates and school administration to find out about different countries etc. There are alot of great schools out there it seems and the superintendents and principals were almost all very professional and truly nice people.

[carlflanders]

We are a teaching/counseling couple and UNI was our first fair. What a great experience! We signed with International Schools Group (Saudi Arabia) and could not be happier. We also were able to network quite a bit. I believe a fair number of educators flow directly from one school to another based on relationships forged as a result of networking.
The key to our success was establishing a professional educator's websiste and send the link to about 60 schools. It was nothing fancy, a couple pictures, resume's, transcripts, diplomas, and an easy link for requested letters of reference. Any computer person can get you started and it took us about 5/6 hours to get it right. Nothing compared to the time and effort of running copies and paying overseas postage. In 2008 videocalling, websites, emails are great tools in the recruiting process.
Thanks to UNI. They did what they said they would.
Sincerely,
Carl & Tiffany[size=18][/size]

[lholz]

Where in Saudi Arabia are you going? What is the package there like? How do you feel about going to live there?

[carlflanders]

The package, with the exception of Saudi Aramco, would be tough to beat anywhere in the Middle East. However, that is not the only reason we were drawn. We will be living in Dhahran and it is a nice city. Our villa will be in a compound with 35 other villas and at least 25 other children for our children to pal around with. Also, the superintendent and ass't superintendent are very bright and honest. Every question we had they answered, even when the answers were not what a recruiter would want you to hear. Yes, Saudi is hotter than you know where for several months. Yes, women cannot drive in public. (My wife is kinda glad and ex-pat women can take taxis anywhere they like, without their male escort.) Yes, Saudi is a long way from the U.S. All that being said, our entire family will be able to come home every summer on the school's dime. We have 30 days off in December to spend in Europe or wherever else we want to go. Our entire family will be on the same school campus every day. Right now the four of us are in 4 different locations daily.
We are excited!
Carl

[TexianTravel]

Just hope that your school's sponsor has enough wasta to get you your iquama. We never got ours and during that month off (3 weeks actually) weren't able to do anything except sit on our compound. It was so bad, the school offered to release everyone they hired that year from their contracts, because NOBODY was able to get an iquama, and honey, without that, you ain't doing NOTHING.

I wouldn't mind going back, actually, because as you say the money is great, and Saudi Arabia is okay, as long as you can leave it.

[samuraiwriter]

Is the iquama the exit visa?

I have noticed many "international" schools have difficulty with the whole visa thing. It was a big reason why I chose not to renew. Sad really.

[carlflanders]

[size=18][/size]
An Iquam, is a residence permit. There are different types of Iquama. The three main types are work Visas, domestic and dependant visas. They all require a sponsor.
Our school was established in 1962. Our superintendents have assured us that December travel will not be a problem. In addition to personnel that works in Saudi Arabia, they employ when needed, in Washington D.C., an individual that works at insuring smooth transistions for American educators moving to the Kingdom. We are blessed and optimistic. If things go wrong, which they always do, how it affects us is completely our decision. We are looking forward to our Middle Eastern adventure!

[scribe]

Congratulations on your job offer, CarlFlanders - you have landed a job in a well respected school system. As you stated, your visas should not be a problem - established schools have worked the system for years and do all of the "hoop-jumping" for you. While snafus can happen anywhere, they are not the norm at well run schools.
I've known teachers at the schools you'll be going to for years and years and they've have never had difficulty with exit visas - have another friend going back next year after several other international schools - she never found one she liked as well. Hope everything works out as well for you.

[bigguy]

CarlFlanders, can you post the link to your website? I'd like to make one for my wife.