We are ramping up for opening.  The building we are gifted (and I do mean gifted because it is stunning) to run the institute out of was constructed 7 years ago and then not used.  As anyone can guess, there are enormous challenges with a building which been closed for that period of time but the good news is that it was well constructed and once it is fully cleaned and the furniture and equipment are in place it will be a palace.  The city seems to recognize this because young women and their mothers/sisters/aunts are coming from far and wide to ask to be considered for admission.  All Admission choices are made in Riyadh at the Corporate Office.  

This is one of the Colleges of Excellence run by Laureate Vocational.  We have defined, based on the number of faculty in place for this opening semester, a population of 125 students for our initial class size. 

Our faculty are primarily from the United States, Canada, the UK and the Middle East.  They have incredible backgrounds, education and many have taught all over the world.  They are bright, talented, energetic and very excited to be participating in this start up.  We are waiting on our laptops and tablets (this is the same in every start up I have ever done, I swear!) but the desktops and smart boards are here so we can teach! Books and workbooks and CDs are here.  Now if the desks are in place and we have water and AC, all will be well with the world!

Let's give you a tour of the spaces and explain what you are seeing.  In order of the pictures below: The administration building, the auditorium, the cafeteria, academic buildings, academic buildings and the library

 
Next it is our neighbors.  If looking out from the main conference room and main gate, is a very large camel farm.  I visited today and one of the owners said he will come have chai (tea) with me.  He is very happy we are starting up operations.  His camels are lovely.    I will send pictures of the city in the next posting.

More on the city of Kharj and life here.  Hard to believe I have only been in Kharj for 6 days.  I am going for a walk to find some lunch/dinner right now.  Cheers,  Betsy