Job Discussion Forums

[nomad soul]

[desert date]

[scot47]

Variable - but 5% would be considered okay. From time to time there are general "across the board" increases.

How much you get depends on various "performance indicators" including exam results and student evaluations. Some teachers use unethical methods to encourage positive evaluations from students.

[currentaffairs]

I was offered 500 riyals more every month. Another colleague got the same bonus.. Whether this is a common kind of increase I don't know. I would think so..

[desert date]

[currentaffairs]

[I-forgot]

Last year, I was given an increase of SAR1000 per month. This year, (for the upcoming academic year) it was SAR500 per month.

[Captain Willard]

The bottom feeders search for people coming from places with low salaries and offer them something which is more than they could get where they were, but less than what someone with experience in the region will accept. Frequently, these people come on visit/business visas. Many don't stay long. Those from the region are known as shrewd negotiators. Taking the first offer and not trying to get more is usually a mistake.

[Captain Willard]

Ah yes, but he was a local and could depend on his wasta. In the local culture, this is respected. He was simply being generous with his students. The larger problem beyond the hypocrisy that a non-local teacher cannot dismiss students early without having a problem with the management if reported, is the fixation with the quantity of classroom instead of the quality of that time in terms of student participation and effort. I have no issue dismissing students a few minutes early if the students have completed their tasks satisfactorily. Such motivational incentives are not respected by the local management, and non-native teachers enjoy reporting such things to curry favor. Rewards for merit are not part of the local culture.

[plumpy nut]

You're starting to see some real miserly companies advertising outrageously lowball salaries. There was one I was looking at a while back offering 3000 dollars monthly and then when you read a little bit more closely they're talking Canadian dollars. They also wanted prospective employees to sign a 2 year contract......good God! Full accommodation provided, but it also probably includes two years without references, and possibly no LON which some companies still want to see. Do the Saudis view NET teachers as the next expat group to take advantage of.

[currentaffairs]

I think the lowballers will have to raise their game. As disorganised as the Colleges of Excellence are, they have serious money behind them, and are already offering 1000-2000 riyals per month more than the contractors. The universities will put pressure on the contractors to get better teachers through the door.

I personally know of several teachers that weren't accepted by a university/college and the contractor had to get rid of them. Every month I was filling out a form documenting my credentials and degree specialisation. Beady eyes were searching for MAs and TESOL certification... In the end, several companies lost their contracts with certain institutes - so the pressure is on!

[plumpy nut]

[scot47]

Oh Plump Person

You still in KSA ? Not doing yourself any favours, staying in a place that you hate !

[nomad soul]