Let's speak english together !

[sarah75]

I'm in Yemen since July 2007 so around 6 months. I plan to stay here around 2 years. But I will go back to France during "a few couple of weeks" (is it right to say 2 or 3 weeks?) to see my family.

waouh you are in Yemen, that's so good, isn't it ?
Can you tell us what does your job consist in ?
I have a dream....which is to work in the Middle East :blush:

 

[Nessscafe]

I'm in Yemen since July 2007 so around 6 months. I plan to stay here around 2 years. But I will go back to France during "a few couple of weeks" (is it right to say 2 or 3 weeks?) to see my family.

for a few weeks or a couple of weeks...
they both have the same meaning anyway so you don't need to use them together. :wink2:

 

[9millimetres]

Please, how do we say "dons littéraires et linguistiques" in english?

Et est-ce que "how do we say" est la bonne formule pour demander en anglais "comment dit-on... (tel mot en anglais, en français...)"?

What's the english for ......? :wink2:

 

[9millimetres]

I'm sorry not to answer you before but I had no time. By the way, I wish you a Merry Christmas.

Concerning your questions, all employees are required to speak English because it is essential for the communication. There are 3 French people in my company and most of the other employees are Yemeni. The Commercial Director studied and lived in London before working here so he is almost bilingual, trilingual in fact because he also speaks Arabic, as well as the CEO.

About the accommodation, I live in a typical house (with my boyfriend), at around 20 minutes of the company.

Actually, my boyfriend found his work placement here (thanks to the Internet), and he was really enthusiastic to work here 1 or 2 years.
However, I was a student until June 2007, I had to pass my exam (BTS) and I needed a job to join him.
The CEO of the company needed an Assistant, so he looked at my CV and trusted my boyfriend about my skills. Consequently, I had no difficulties to find my job and I'm aware that I was lucky.
After 6 months I have more and more responsibilities, I am more comfortable in welcoming visitors and with my English oral communication even by phone and it is really exciting to work and live here.

However, sometimes it's difficult because of the distance with the relatives (family and friends), especially during some events such as Christmas...

But it's a good experience. And we are thinking about going to England to work during approximately one year after leaving Yemen. We will probably choose England to be near to our family, especially our grandparents who are old.

With the experience you'll have lined up, it will be easier to hook up a job in the uk or in France. No needs to top up your graduate. I guarentee you. 2 years experience are more relevant than a business school graduate or degree from a university, iut ot whatever you call it.

 

[kathounette]

waouh you are in Yemen, that's so good, isn't it ?
Can you tell us what does your job consist in ?
I have a dream....which is to work in the Middle East :blush:

Indeed, my experience in Yemen is very exciting.
I am a Personal Assistant, which means to do classical secretarial tasks, I write and send mails, I set up the appointments, I screen the calls, I make out reports, I file papers and documents, I manage the diary and organize the travel arrangements, I manage the time of the CEO and so on and so forth...
If you have a good level in English you could find a job in the Middle East. Don't worry, just try. :wink2:

 

[kathounette]

for a few weeks or a couple of weeks...
they both have the same meaning anyway so you don't need to use them together. :wink2:

Thank you Nessscafe. I'm stupid sometimes :wacko:

 

[kathounette]

With the experience you'll have lined up, it will be easier to hook up a job in the uk or in France. No needs to top up your graduate. I guarantee you. 2 years experience are more relevant than a business school graduate or degree from a university, iut ot whatever you call it.

Indeed, I think that the best way to progress is to work. School will not give me more experience, just a diploma...
But in France, a lot of companies look at the diploma now, so I'm afraid not to find a job (in the international field) which will interest me because I just have a BTS...
That's why I also want to go to work in England, I think there I will really improve my English. I hope... and it could be a plus for the future.

 

[Nessscafe]

Thank you Nessscafe. I'm stupid sometimes  :wacko:

you can not know everything. Don't apologize and don't say you sorry for that!!! :wink2:

 

[sarah75]

Indeed, my experience in Yemen is very exciting.
I am a Personal Assistant, which means to do classical secretarial tasks, I write and send mails, I set up the appointments, I screen the calls, I make out reports, I file papers and documents, I manage the diary and organize the travel arrangements, I manage the time of the CEO and so on and so forth...
If you have a good level in English you could find a job in the Middle East. Don't worry, just try.  :wink2:

thank you for answering my question.
I would like to know whether speaking arabic is important in your case.
I really would like to work in the Middle East (I have a project :blush, I am currently caring out my studies in international trade (Bachelor Degree). I think that my English is good and I also speak Arabic (Egyptian and I understand Gulf and Lebanese dialects)

 

[kathounette]

thank you for answering my question.
I would like to know whether speaking arabic is important in your case.
I really would like to work in the Middle East (I have a project :blush, I am currently caring out my studies in international trade (Bachelor Degree). I think that my English is good and I also speak Arabic (Egyptian and I understand Gulf and Lebanese dialects)

I don't speak Arabic, I just know a few words. But it's not a problem because I manage the English works and sometimes works in French.
However the secretary who was responsible for the Arabic works left the company three weeks ago, so for the moment I have to manage all the works in English and in Arabic and it's a real problem when I received calls in Arabic !
I aim to learn Arabic, but I need time to do it...
If you speak English and Arabic I really think that you could find a job in the Middle East, don't worry about that. :wink2:

 

[sarah75]

I don't speak Arabic, I just know a few words. But it's not a problem because I manage the English works and sometimes works in French.
However the secretary who was responsible for the Arabic works left the company three weeks ago, so for the moment I have to manage all the works in English and in Arabic and it's a real problem when I received calls in Arabic !
I aim to learn Arabic, but I need time to do it...
If you speak English and Arabic I really think that you could find a job in the Middle East, don't worry about that.  :wink2:

thank you kathounette  :blush:
concerning Arabic, would you like to learn the local dialect or the "Arabe littéraire" (sorry for the word) ?
I think that in Yemen, people speak in the Gulf dialect but I am not sure...
Learning Arabic needs to take all your time that's true ! As far as I am concerned, I try to learn the main dialects in order to be able if I have the opportunity to speak clearly with people.
If you want to learn Arabic fastly, have a look on local channels and films : it's an excellent way but the words are those that you use in the "normal life" (if I can say it like that) not at work  :blush:

 

[chrismarie31]

Do tou had good celebration of Christmas?

 

[kathounette]

thank you kathounette :blush:
concerning Arabic, would you like to learn the local dialect or the "Arabe littéraire" (sorry for the word) ?
I think that in Yemen, people speak in the Gulf dialect but I am not sure...
Learning Arabic needs to take all your time that's true ! As far as I am concerned, I try to learn the main dialects in order to be able if I have the opportunity to speak clearly with people.
If you want to learn Arabic fastly, have a look on local channels and films : it's an excellent way but the words are those that you use in the "normal life" (if I can say it like that) not at work :blush:

I think I will learn the literary language because I will take some lessons in a school.
You know even if I just know a few words in Arabic I succeed in understanding people with some words and some movements/signs :wink2: it's not really a conversation but it's enough to move in the town and to understand each other.
Moreover, most of the time people know a few words in English and sometimes in French.
And even if I don't speak Arabic people are very happy to see that I know some words.

 

[kathounette]

Do tou had good celebration of Christmas?

Actually, this year I didn't really celebrate Christmas. Indeed, I am in Yemen and so it's not a special day here and I worked for Christmas... I just prepared a special dinner for my boyfriend and I for the Christmas Eve.
In fact, the special thing we did was not to give each other a present but to offer some gifts to the family of the guard of our house, especially to the children and to see them so happy was our gift. It was unexpected for them and to receive some toys made them so happy.
Kids in France, in Europe in general or in rich countries don't realize how difficult it could be for children in some countries such as Yemen, in fact, a lot of kids have to work here and some of them are also obliged to beg...

 

[9millimetres]

Indeed, I think that the best way to progress is to work. School will not give me more experience, just a diploma...
But in France, a lot of companies look at the diploma now, so I'm afraid not to find a job (in the international field) which will interest me because I just have a BTS...
That's why I also want to go to work in England, I think there I will really improve my English. I hope... and it could be a plus for the future.

I would not second that. In France, like everywhere companies are on the lookout of experienced young people. Experience is definitely more valuable than a diploma. Friend of mine graduated college last year and even though he has a good degree, non degreed applicants always get the job, provided they have had experience in the field. It's definitely frustrating, kind of a double-edged sword, the better education you have the more money you should deserve, yet no one wants to pay better money for less or no experience. It seems a little unfair at best. This reality does not exist anymore. I really thing you are a good job prospect. Whether you wanna work in France or in the UK.

 

[kathounette]

I would not second that. In France, like everywhere companies are on the lookout of experienced young people. Experience is definitely more valuable than a diploma. Friend of mine graduated college last year and even though he has a good degree, non degreed applicants always get the job, provided they have had experience in the field. It's definitely frustrating, kind of a double-edged sword, the better education you have the more money you should deserve, yet no one wants to pay better money for less or no experience. It seems a little unfair at best. This reality does not exist anymore. I really thing you are a good job prospect. Whether you wanna work in France or in the UK.

Actually, I'm afraid that companies, especially in France, will think that my experience in Yemen is not good because there are many rumors which said that Yemen is an unstable and dangerous country which seems not to be very developed.
And it's my first experience, except my 2 work placements which were both in an administration.
So I'm afraid not to be enough skilled and even if my boyfriend said me I shouldn't have problem to find a job in France I doubt...

 

[helena]

Experience is definitely more valuable than a diploma.

Please, don’t go so quickly and why so many prejudices in such a short paragaphe? Unlike the assertions you maintain here, a large part of well-known or international companies or organisations grant a great importance to the studies you followed and the diplomas you got when they seek for new employees (even worse when it deals with executives), do not believe you can rely only on added experiences from here or from there, even if you know how to junggle (especially in bigs firms, unesco, embassies,...) ....You’re utterly wrong except regarding the smallest companies where , .may be in that case you’re right.

I will not ask you how much you earn (too private !) and where you live but companies hiring applicants whitout any diploma deserve them a small salary for unqualified jobs. In France, most job announcements ask for a minimun level of study (frequently bac+2 till bac +5) to avoid non-graduated applicants, deemed as deficient, whether rightly or wrongly. There is a salary scale focusing mainly on the diploma level. So objectively, studies are most often a cornerstone. However, the life and the learning go on after the degree, thus nobody cannot be confined to a degree only, fortunaltely.

 

[helena]

While you're working, people ain't there to help you out wit your lack of fluency. It's not their problem if you don't speak english perfectly. Besides, instead of complaining, you should be happy. They pay you despite your level of english.  hmy:
Having a social life, helps you to sharpen your english. I guess, a 6 weeks placement is far from being enough to socialize with people when you are a BTS student. Basically when you are student, you learn how to write CVs and application letters in the target languages, or official documents such as contracts of employment, rent agreements, income tax return forms, insurance policies, police registration forms and employment but you don't learn to speak hmy:.

I think we cannot match  over a few points :

- the disproportionately importance you grant to experience: it cannot be easily assessed , and is a bit subjective, unlike a national diploma which guarantee a minimum in the skills or knowledge (besides, every  civil servant job require a minimum diploma to apply for).
- For the diplomas I ‘ve got  (BTS among other), I did learn to speak English ...,  less than I would have liked but better than you seem to believe. It is the aim of every language studies. (it was really great to read you on this issue !)  :happy:
- In France and overseas, most internships are still unpaid...even though you subsitute for an employee. There are so many reasons to struggle when companies misuse trainees over and over again.
- What are the criteria for the salary : ... seniority, postion in the hierarchy, performance,  activities to carry on, and last but not least the diploma you have, which represent the main  element for the first recruitements. More, why keeping on doing studies and why studies exist if everthing you said (to kathounette ) relative to the experience is right ?

 

[helena]

If you have a good level in English you could find a job in the Middle East. Don't worry, just try.  :wink2:

May I add, this is true anywhere else throughout the globe as long as an international environment is established, especially in France where the geographical position turns out to be greatly beneficial on a touristic perspective as well as on an economic one. :angel:

Nervertheless, I’m convinced languages courses by teachers or professionals (like the BTS you've got !  :wink2 are a secure way to learn the language of shakespeare properly...before going overseas for an intership for instance. Surprizingly even in U.S or U.K, the neighborhood could have a bad influence on your learning process if themselves don’t express correctly or speak broken language  (strong accent, speech impediment and so on ...), since you have not enough distance or knowledge to realize the mistakes they have made. In other words, your job environment or neighborhood could be obviously profitable for your level only if they handle English perfectly. Otherwise, whatever the country you dwell in, including France, any intership or experience in an international context cannot substitute to the linguistical involvement you should keep everyday. This point would be agreed by everyone (Should anyone disagree, kindly express your views...).
That means also “ the Time when applicants showed off with only 6 months stay or experience abroad is now gone” ..Would you like it or not.

 

[9millimetres]

Please, don’t go so quickly  and why so many prejudices in such a short paragaphe?  Unlike  the assertions you maintain here, a large part of well-known or international companies or organisations  grant a great importance to the studies you followed and the diplomas you got when they seek for new employees (even worse when it deals with executives), do not believe you can rely only on added experiences  from here or from there, even if you know how to junggle  (especially in bigs firms, unesco, embassies,...)  ....You’re utterly wrong except regarding the smallest companies where , .may be in that case you’re right.

I will not ask you how much you earn (too private !) and where you live but companies hiring applicants whitout any diploma deserve them a small salary for unqualified jobs. In France, most job announcements ask for a minimun level of study (frequently bac+2  till bac +5) to avoid non-graduated applicants, deemed as deficient, whether rightly or wrongly.  There is a salary scale focusing mainly on the diploma level. So objectively, studies are most often a cornerstone. However, the life and the learning go on after the degree, thus nobody  cannot be confined to a degree only, fortunaltely.

I don't mind to tell you how much I earn as Im student. The prmiary school in which i'm workin', pays me 40 £ a week. I'm workin' two days a week. I'm also workin in sex shop which pays me 7.35/h * 25. The school does know it, so pleese no leakage. But it ain't the point. You are talking about big companies sweety. In france most of the firms are small sized business. Don't be mistaken. I don't think in small company you'll earn more than 35 000 €, unless, you hook up an executive position in a big company. Friend of mine never been to uni & not interested in further study has worked her way up over seven years & is now a manager in retail on £19,000 & her friend a clerical assistant at a college is on £15,000. Of course with 19 k you won't be able to set up a house in London cos of the property. The sobering truth is that the majority of all new graduates leave university with a mountain of debt, and a poor chance of earning enough to pay it off for many years to come. Getting a qualification instead of holding a bloody universities is more interesting. But it depends on your long term project. I plan to apply for pgce. Hopefully the experience I will have gotten will help to boost my job prospect. I think, it will. I would've opted for dec over a business school. I would've opted for a bts over an economic degree. Why cos a bts is vocational. No needs to top up your bts to a degree level, licence pro in France.