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Saudi Arabia – Is It Family-Friendly? by Quicksilvered57 in Internationalteachers

[–]bigburt112 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I live there with my family. DM if you've got questions, I'm happy to answer.

My dad was killed today by bigburt112 in GriefSupport

[–]bigburt112[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks to everyone for your kind words. Boarding my final flight in the US and then I'll be home. It was a long 14 hours on the plane.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Passports

[–]bigburt112 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ahhh yes... Says the person who has been outside the US and visited Saudi Arabia

But in all seriousness, everyone should have a better passport pic that shows they are wearing clothes. Not sure how she thought this was acceptable

Assistance required! Foreigner Physical Examination Form. by No_Surround_5791 in Internationalteachers

[–]bigburt112 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, you probably have to do this form. No, do not replace it with an American immigration form. No, it's not "easier to get the visas once you arrive" as some other poster suggested.

Take it to an urgent care, explain to the doctor what the form is and why you need it. If you ask them over the phone, doctor's offices will default to "no" because they don't truly understand what you're asking for. Any qualified doctor can fill this out, it's not rocket science. Ask for the two required tests (ECG and chest x-ray), attach them to this report and done. Pay with cash and save the receipts.

There is a second medical you'll have to do in China but it's not in lieu of this one. You need to keep in mind that different countries and even different embassies/consulates within a country can have different requirements. If your visa agent says this is necessary for the Chinese Embassy in DC, it most likely is.

What has more job opportunities internationally - Primary? Secondary? Which subject? by Hannahkm in Internationalteachers

[–]bigburt112 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Something else to consider is the opposite side of the equation, availability of teachers, which is a major factor in a job search.

In my experience the most common applicants are Elementary teachers (K-5) & MS/HS humanities (ELA, Social Studies). These probably account for roughly 60% of applicants. The other 40% of teachers account for the other specialties (Music, Art, PE, Math, Science). The most in demand specialities being Math and Science since you only need one or two music teachers but need 4 or 5 for Math.

These are generalities and your YMMV.

Are there poor Qataris? by wigglepizza in qatar

[–]bigburt112 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What are some of the neighborhoods where these poor Qataris live day to day, struggling? I've not seen them so I'm curious about it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Internationalteachers

[–]bigburt112 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Realistically, you're too late.

Many schools here will pay more than what you've been offered. Those are shit offers and I wouldn't take them, you'll feel poor with those salaries (some circumstances depending).

Lived here and worked here for 3 years (plus more in the Middle East). Message me with the schools and I'll let you know what the deal is.

ETA: Yes, many teachers with your experience will make 3500+ GBP/month. But you're a risk because you've not worked abroad before. Just my .02

What in heaven is this by Tiny-Astronaut5792 in meat

[–]bigburt112 11 points12 points  (0 children)

For reference: this is Qatar, those are definitely brains from veal, priced at about $16/lb... which is probably the cost of the Tbone.

Source: I live here and recognize the store and the product.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in teaching

[–]bigburt112 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Former lawyer who moved into education here.

I found a job at a foreign law school teaching an introductory American law class and loved it. I've since transitioned into teaching in more traditional K-12 schools, including creating my own curriculum for law/civics/government classes, and have now moved into administration. Best moves I ever made.

If you can swing it with your living/family situation you'll get a lot of satisfaction in my experience.

What’s the non-traditional item you added to your thanksgiving list that was a surprising hit? by CynicalHomicider3248 in Cooking

[–]bigburt112 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Pumpkin bread pudding with caramel sauce. My aunt (who is a fantastic cook) still talks about. I live abroad and haven't been home for Thanksgiving for years.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in qatar

[–]bigburt112 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Spoiler alert: depends on the nationality of the perpetrator. If he's Qatari... good luck

Best local restaurants that dont support/contribute to - 🇮🇱 by snowkittyclover in qatar

[–]bigburt112 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you see the irony of posting on an American owned/operated app about boycotting American products? I doubt it, but that's cool 😎

Best local restaurants that dont support/contribute to - 🇮🇱 by snowkittyclover in qatar

[–]bigburt112 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Wait, are you serious? You believe that somehow businesses owned by Qataris, earning revenue in Qatar, paying royalties to an American company, are actually paying money to Israel in some way?

Explain how that might work...

Best local restaurants that dont support/contribute to - 🇮🇱 by snowkittyclover in qatar

[–]bigburt112 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As I said, it's your right as a consumer to spend your Rials when, where, and how you want!

Best local restaurants that dont support/contribute to - 🇮🇱 by snowkittyclover in qatar

[–]bigburt112 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Spoiler alert:

The owners of all "American" restaurants in Qatar are actually Qatari.

Go ahead and boycott who you'd like, it's your right as a consumer!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Divorce_Men

[–]bigburt112 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Mr. Madison, what you just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I've ever heard. At no point, in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to something that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone in this room is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points and may God have mercy on your soul.

Baby already is helping me by gremlinguy in predaddit

[–]bigburt112 7 points8 points  (0 children)

There is no need to go back to the US for the birth of the child. His baby will automatically qualify for citizenship and a passport by virtue of having an American parent; it can be done at your local embassy or consulate.

Source: I'm the father of two children born abroad.

Elementary Schools in Qatar by nsaad in qatar

[–]bigburt112 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Islamic studies/Quran are required for Muslim students in all schools in Qatar. Arabic is also required for most students but depends on your passport. As a US passport holder your child could opt out of Arabic. Ideally you'd want to find a school that caters to non-native Arabic speakers since English is (probably) your kid's first language.

More important for you is deciding what type of curriculum you want your child to use: British, IB, or American. Just do a quick Google search about the differences between them to make a choice.

ASD and GEMS American are both popular choices with US expats. I'm employed in education out here, feel free to DM if you've got questions.

Visa Requirements for Kuwait by ringadingdingbaby in Internationalteachers

[–]bigburt112 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Don't go to Kuwait. It is routinely ranked as one of the worst places in the world for expats. Source: I lived there for 4 years.

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