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Post by newxpat on Nov 11, 2014 6:01:24 GMT
Dear all,
I have been asked to attaend the online meeting "Remote Pre-Departure Orientation on Saudi Arabia and Saudi Aramco". Kindly let me know is it a kind of exam which one has to pas or just an intro about Aramco and Sauidis? How long does it take online, is it recorded video that is played or what? Please rpely.
Thanks.
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dimk
Senior Member
Posts: 114
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Post by dimk on Nov 11, 2014 6:17:07 GMT
newxpat, No it is not about any exam or such thing. It is just an informative presentation made by an Aramco relocation advisor through webex in which you can participate with the other candidates. I would suggest you have some questions ready as it is a very good opportunity to ask the advisor anything you would like to know about Aramco or life in KSA. Hope i helped you!  At 27th of Nov i fly to KSA! |
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Post by newxpat on Nov 12, 2014 19:21:20 GMT
@ dimk, thank you very much, seems easy if no exam  |
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Post by Phoenix on Jun 8, 2015 10:45:01 GMT
Does anyone know if pre-departure orientation is still being offered to all recruits prior to departure? Or is it now offered on arrival? Looking at UK recent timelines I noticed some currently undergoing the process have already attended, whilst I have not yet. Any info would be helpful, thanks.
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swan
Senior Member
Posts: 209
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Post by swan on Jun 13, 2015 17:06:44 GMT
Hey Phoenix. We attended a PDO in London last month. So some are still running.
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Post by Simon Doc on Jun 29, 2015 10:37:32 GMT
PDOs have to be done for every new hire employee. I believe it's part of Aramco's standard procedure and part of the hiring process. This can be done remotely via webcast or at the Office. I know they are done in London. Am unsure of other locations.
Si
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Post by Phoenix on Jun 29, 2015 17:05:05 GMT
Many thanks to swan and Simon Doc for the responses. I will update the forum once I have mine.
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Post by Famwelnl on Jun 29, 2015 17:28:47 GMT
Dear Phoenix, my husband is also a new hire, but it was pointed out that there is a mandatory POD. However I have not heard yet when ours is planned.
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Post by bogiefrommuskogee on Jun 29, 2015 17:57:18 GMT
We had ours in Houston by a lady who had lived in Aramco 20 years earlier. There was a lot she was not updated on. Our actual experience was much better than we were expecting after the PDO. Even so, the first year is an adjustment. After that it gets easy but you need a sense of humor and you will really enjoy it. Because of the language barriers among the many nationalities, learn the difference between "same" and "same same". "Same" does not mean what you think it means. If you have a tree planted and decide later you want another one exactly like it, you need same same. Using only same might get you a rose bush or a sunflower or gorse. Same means somewhat similar in a possibly abstract sense. Same same will get you a twin tree.
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Post by Phoenix on Jul 13, 2015 16:14:10 GMT
Famwelnl let's hope you don't have a long wait for yours.
Bogiefrommuskogee thanks for your response and reassurances about the Saudi experience. I'll admit your post made me laugh and yet I understood exactly what you were explaining. The Middle East is a place where so much can be lost in translation. Driving along a motorway headed to point B and seeing three different spellings for your destination on official signage comes to mind - a sense of humour and patience are definitely a must. I am looking forward to my time.
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Post by bogiefrommuskogee on Jul 14, 2015 3:20:46 GMT
It occurred to me that there is something they will probably not tell you in your pre-departure orientation but is extremely important. One of the most valuable things you can bring with you, and so much so that you will actually want to hand-carry it to avoid any chance of losing it, is a torpedo level. If you do not have one, immediately go to the nearest hardware store/DIY and buy one. Maybe buy two just for added insurance. You may not need this immediately upon arrival but sooner or later you will likely hire a technician to put up some shelves for you or hang that new 75” LCD TV on the wall, etc. When that day comes, you will thank me for this sage advice. In the off chance that you did not remember to bring one with you, all is not lost. Shop & Ship can deliver one to your doorstep from your home country for about 30 riyals in shipping. It is well advised to get a torpedo level with a detailed operating manual in Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Tagalog and Sinhala at the very least. Also be prepared to demonstrate how to use it because the technician will most likely never have seen one before nor know how it operates. I know some of you tech-savvy people already know that there is also an app for that. If you go that route however, don’t be angry when you find your iPhone accidentally bolted to the wall. I can assure you it was not done intentionally or with any malice. Things just happen sometimes.
For those who do not follow this advice, don’t be surprised to find your TV tilted at about a 15 degree angle. At least it will be solidly mounted. While you are berating the technician for such a poor quality installation, you will observe that his head is tilted at a slight angle while he is patiently listing to your rebuke. Not coincidental is the fact that his head is tilted at exactly the same angle as your TV so you will begin to understand how it came to pass. Worst case scenario is just get in the habit of tilting your head when watching the TV and it is not an entirely unpleasant experience. Eventually I’m sure torpedo level technology will reach here but best to be prepared yourself in the interim.
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Post by Phoenix on Jul 20, 2015 5:54:00 GMT
I can't tell how much I laughed at this :lol:
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Post by Phoenix on Jul 30, 2015 13:16:38 GMT
It seems JHAH recruits will not be receiving the PDO. That is to say, based on my experience. I have simply resorted to bombarding my RO (& forum members) with questions.
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Post by bogiefrommuskogee on Jul 30, 2015 15:02:31 GMT
In reality, the PDO is probably obsolete. With internet, you already know far more now than I did when I left my PDO. I don't recall learning anything especially important and much of what I was told was dated. I don't think Aramco has indepth knowledge of JHAH inner workings.
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Post by Phoenix on Aug 3, 2015 14:54:55 GMT
bogiefrommuskogee,
You're right about the Internet being a good source of information. This forum has a lot to offer newbies. There are several members who spend a lot of their own time contributing. Hopefully I'll be able to give back and contribute once I'm over there.
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