Well, it's official. We have full-time jobs! For the next two years we will be teaching at ISG Jubail in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. This all came about this past weekend when we went to an Overseas Recruiting Fair in Iowa. The one place Tara said she didn't want to go to was Saudi Arabia so when we got an invitation to interview with International Schools Group in Saudia Arabia we didn't give it much thought. Planning on politely declining the invitation, we ended up talking to the superintendent, Norma Hudson. She talked to us about our reservations and debunked the myths/rumors we had. A few hours later we had an interview with her where she invited us for a 2nd interview and then offered us jobs. Throughout the day we were amazed at how many people had good things to say about living and working in Saudi Arabia. So, within a matter of 24 hours we interviewed and accepted jobs at a school that we had previously not heard of. It was quite the ride. Jamie will be teaching middle school social studies and Tara will be teaching middle school math and science. We are very excited about this opportunity, and we know that you have lots of questions. The following are questions that we've been asked a lot already that you may like the answers to:
Where will you live?
We will be living in a gated community with the other school teachers and their families. Housing and utilities are provided by the school.
Will Tara have to wear an abaya (black, full body covering)?
Not in our community or at the school, but Tara will have to dress modestly and cover herself when we are outside of these areas. Some people find it more convenient to just wear the abaya with shorts on underneath.
What about religion?
Saudi Arabia is almost completely Muslim. They abide by Muslim laws and there is not religious freedom. However, you are free to practice what you'd like in your own home as long as you don't try to convert others.
What kind of students will you teach?
Only 4% of our students are Saudis. The rest are Americans, Canadians, Europeans, and other Middle Easterners. It's an elite school that is very expensive to attend.
Where can I find more information about the school?
The school's website is http://www.isg-jubail.org/ it has pictures and other informaiton on it. Yes, we do have a climbing wall at the school!
If you do have other questions please feel free to email, call, or leave a comment on this post.
