What is Saudi Arabia like? (A teacher’s perspective)

Saudi Arabia (K.S.A.) is one of the most rapidly growing, changing, and developing countries in the world. In just 50 years, the country has changed from a barren land with a predominantly nomadic culture to an economic and political powerhouse. Contrary to standard preconceptions, the people here are friendly, welcoming and hospitable. Al-Ahsa(Where we’re based) is home to the largest oasis in the world, and is unique in that it combines both traditional and modern aspects of living.

Politics and religion: Politics should be treated sensitively. We do not encourage sharing political opinions in a public domain with our students who may be offended by it. You should also try to exercise due caution in how you approach religion and discussions concerning it – especially about varying theological denominations – as this is something which may lead to contention. This may be exacerbated if voiced by a western teacher.

Family: Some family and cultural ideas among Saudi students are based on protective jealousy, secrecy and privacy. It is considered very invasive to ask questions which may be deemed completely normal in our culture – such as asking about how many sisters a male student has, or what their names are – you will find students becoming embarrassed at having this discussion to the point of creating fictitious names to answer the teacher!

Educational system: Saudi students go through a range of key stages in English, Math, Computer Science, Science and Islamic Studies. So most of the students you will teach already have some understanding of the English Language. The Higher Education system in K.S.A. is highly incentive-based, which means that students receive allowances for attending.  Many students come from high school backgrounds that lack discipline and correction. This is mostly due to the fact that non-Saudi nationals are teaching these students in high school. Due to their social position, many of these teachers fail to discipline the students. This issue is addressed by the PYP in a disciplined environment, which facilitates acceptance of authority and a sense of personal integrity.

The reason why these points are mentioned is because this frames our average male student. The average male student in university level is:

1. Paid to attend (thus lacking motivation and incentive to work hard and study)

2. Influenced by social pressure (maybe unaware of current expectations in PYP)

3. Most likely lacking the disciplines of a PYP standard

The average female student in the PYP level is:

1. Paid to attend (but this does not in any way influence their motivation or incentive to work)

2. Influenced by social pressure (they are driven to succeed because of peer and social pressure, however, they are extremely sensitive young women who have generally been given what they want)

3. Most likely lacking the discipline to succeed as a university student.  They are amazing, dedicated students who thirst for knowledge.  This does not mean they are bad students at all, they just need some help.  Some students do work incredibly hard due to their maturity and respect for the teacher figure, and also due to their understanding long-term goals.

So our challenge is first to build rapport and mutual respect, second, it is to motivate and inspire the students to work hard and to allow the women mature in a safe and supportive environment.  And thirdly, it’s to coach and mentor them to grow up and become better students.

What is the expectation at my job?

Teacher expectations and duties:

1. Teach – 16 hours of classroom per week [Sun – Wed]

2. Test – weekly quizzes, 3 hours per week [Thurs] plus midterm and final

3. Plan and record – 10 hours of office / admin / lessons / results

4. Meet – Team / Department meetings

5. Accept – observations and suggestions from Team Leaders and management

6. Adopt – regulations and teacher qualities

Regulations and teacher qualities:

• Take attendance every session [4 times daily]

• Assure use of materials [book bag, student books, dictionary]

• Award student participation marks weekly

• Follow code of professional conduct at all time including formal business dress

• Issue attendance or behavior warnings where necessary

• Effectively use the whiteboard for teaching

• Utilize interactive / multi media methods of teaching

• Build sound rapport with students

• Apply effective classroom management protocols such as the “five minutes late means absent” rule

Let’s get down to business!

• Competitive salary

• Breaks throughout teaching year

• Flights for first arrival and final return fully paid

• First class medical insurance

• Transportation to and from school, plus weekly shopping trips

• Residency visa granted throughout stay

• Shabaka Training Institute additional hours available

• Study Hall extra hours available

• 6 month entry/exit visa (at your cost)

• State of the art compound living facilities

Home Sweet Home!

Apartments:

1. 2 room apartments [living space/kitchen, bedroom and bathroom]

2. Basic appliances provided [stove, fridge, air conditioners, wardrobe]

3. TV and Satellite cable

On site:

• 24 hour secure compound with guards

• Field with soccer nets and floodlights

• Laundry rooms [washers and dryers]

• Gym facilities [machines and free weights]

• Clubhouse with small library

• Swimming pool with poolside chairs

• Large grassy area for soccer, badminton, volleyball etc.

So you want to be entertained? Activities to do in Al-Ahsa and the surrounding areas:

One thing we can guarantee for you is an array of shopping malls, huge complexes dedicated to fulfilling the Arab retail wants of a mostly middle class country. We have Al – Othaim Mall just a ten minute walk away from the compound. Al-Rasheed Mall, the biggest mall in K.S.A., in Khobar [1-2 hour drive]. Next to it is Al-Dhahran Mall also massive in size with all kinds of dining and shopping opportunities!

You can visit the Al-Qarah Caves, go quad-biking, visit date farms/camel farms, shop in the traditional and cheap Souqs, tour the National Park, camp out near the coast, as well as visit the neighboring Dammam/Khobar corniche during regular trips to Khobar and Dammam for teachers.

Like the indoors?  We also arrange a few potluck dinners. You can always consider swimming since the temperatures average 45 degrees centigrade in the summer months!  If you’re the sporty type, use the field.  There are always sporty people here!

Feel like getting away?

You’re not alone! Sometimes we just have to get out!

Bahrain: Only a three-hour drive, many teachers head to Bahrain on the weekends. Go for nightlife and hotel experiences in Bahrain. There are all kinds of things to do; plenty of places to eat and shop make Bahrain a convenient outing.

Vacation Destinations:  Teachers take advantage of this central location to visit many destinations. During breaks, you can choose something more local like Qatar, Oman, or the U.A.E., or explore further abroad.  You’ll hear of teachers heading to Turkey, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Thailand … the list is endless.

Feeling hungry?

If you love to cook, you’ll find everything you need to cook great food, with low prices, in the supermarkets.  Don’t cook? Then look no further, there are dedicated floors to the malls in K.S.A. for food courts with all those brand names that we crave (McDonalds, K.F.C., Hardees, T.G.I. Friday’s, Baskin Robbins, Krispy Kremes and many more). The prices here in general are very cheap. The food here is very cheap and there are all kinds of places to eat:

Hunger Station

1. Abdur-Rahman Restaurant – unanimously agreed as the best food place in Al-Ahsa. The best South Indian food this part of the world!

2. Diamond/Zaadees/Saidoons – local restaurants with delicious BBQ and menus literally round the corner and cheap [avg meal 15 riyals! $4!]

3. Al-Ahsa Intercontinental Buffet – amazing selection of food truly unique experience but expensive(80-120SAR)!

4. Fawwaal – Conveniently located bakery and diner with the best in vegetables, lentils, egg specials and breakfast.

5. The Family Village – A very quiet and separated place where ladies and groups can go to relax and eat, with a garden too!

In general, there are many things you can do. It is cheaper to eat out than preparing the food at home. So you have Lebanese, Turkish, Afghani, Yemeni, Indian, Pakistani, Iranian, Italian and many other kinds of food places to choose.