Job Discussion Forums

revelation99 · Joined: 08 May 2003 Posts: 10

Has anyone worked for EF in KSA? What have your experiences been like?

Albulbul · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 364

No direct experience. BUT I have heard third and fourth-hand reports. Not good.

In general be wary of franchises in Saudi. On the outside they look okay but............................................

And remember if you come and you do not like it the employer can prevent you from taking another job in KSA.

Albulbul · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Posts: 364

No direct experience. BUT I have heard third and fourth-hand reports. Not good.

In general be wary of franchises in Saudi. On the outside they look okay but............................................

And remember if you come and you do not like it the employer can prevent you from taking another job in KSA.

Chrisbee · Joined: 09 Aug 2003 Posts: 12

I have a friend who works for them and it took him a year just to get an iqamah.

Be careful and very selective when choosing to work for a franchise. Many times these companies use native speakers to attract customers and spit them out later.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

The "iqama" is your residency permit and local ID card. You should have it with you at all times, If your employer does not fix this for you you could be in deep trouble.

1. You could be jailed
2. You cannot send money home.

So would you work for some outfit that omits this elementary necessity ?

Get a job in the state sector - do not work for one of these franchises,

andrew · Joined: 19 Feb 2003 Posts: 38

How exactly can I find out whether a prospective empolyer is reputable-especially if it is a new operation? ie. no present native EFL teachers on staff.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Dear Andrew,
If it's a new operation you can't. Your're the guinea pig who will inform those who come after you.

khmerhit · Posted: Mon Apr 26, 2004 6:34 pm Post subject:

Never work for a new operation, despite the enticemants.

foreign teacher · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Posts: 9 Location: Saudi Arabia

English First is not new in Saudi, they have been operating since 2002. You MUST be very desperate if you want to work for them because it is one of the worst language schools in Saudi. They have lost over 40 teachers since the first school opened in Khobar. They are totally unprofessional and their management style belongs in the 1800s. Where do I start,, the list of grievances is endless. No IQAMAS, the salaries are always late, (when u ask they say there is no money), AJ (he is the financial manager who runs the schools for the owner, a liar and a cheat, he HATES the foreign teachers), when your contract is up, you have to fight for what is rightfully yours, one teacher was paid 2 hours before his plane could leave and only after he broke down in tears, they promise medical insurance and one month paid leave,, but you have to beg and plead for it, they look for every opportunity to screw you. The accomodation isnt up to scratch and you have to share a tiny apartment with 2 other teachers. You are recruited by EF but they DO NOT SUPPORT you. EF has a country manager and marketing manager but they are only there to look after their own interests, they NEVER assist you.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

People speak well of the Jeddah operation. I wouldn't recommend working with any other of their franchisees though.