Job Discussion Forums

[salahuddin]

Hi folks,

I am pursuing a job in the Gulf, and just received what seems to be, based on the posts here (and the generally horrendous state of the global economy), an aggressive offer from Ed-Ex.

Basically, it's 30,000/SR/month, the usual package inclusions. Incidentally, I've a PhD, MA, BA (Education x 2, English Lit), about 4 years ESL/ESP experience including time in Cairo, and 6 years teaching undergrads/grads in the humanities, and before I launch into combat for a tenure-track gig stateside, I want to work overseas, and make some decent coin.

While I have gotten some background on Ed-Ex via posts here, my specific query concerns how they handle housing/transportation allowances.

As noted in Ed-EX contract "boilerplate," in English, allowances are paid out of the monthly salary, but in Arabic, it reads that 25% of salary, or a max 3000/SR/month for housing (1000/SR/month transportation), are provided by Ed-Ex (I speak Arabic, but am not Arab).

Can anyone clarify their procedure on allowances? I've emailed them with no response yet, but would like to see what others may know.

Best,

Reggie

[Mysterious]

Can I ask what university/college this position is for?

I say this because it's important that you are informed from people on here as to what conditions you will be living in and how consistent (or inconsistent) the company is.

Having a family member out in Saudi at the moment and at a university where there are some EdEx teachers (though my husband is not with this agent)... they've been treated awful. Some are there without iqamas and have been for over a year and are not allowed to bring their families into the country. So make sure you do your research properly (especially if you DO have family that have to join you), as this is something that isn't really covered properly in the contract.

[salahuddin]

Hi Mysterious,

The contract indicates I would be working at universities in Riyadh (hardly specific), and that I could deploy on relatively short notice to any of these.

I am traveling there alone, and am Muslim, so most of the hindrances I have read about aren't an issue, in my case (I previously made hajj in '09).

In any case, as indicated in original post, I am mostly curious to know more about how Ed-Ex handles allowances, and not so much the iqama issue(s), but any information (i.e., how does salary measure up?) is welcome.

Thanks in advance for any insights.

Best,

Reggie

[veiledsentiments]

It seems to me that with your credentials, you should be able to avoid these shady, unpredictable, unscrupulous recruiters.

Why not apply directly to universities around the Gulf?

VS

[Middle East Beast]

SAR 30000 per month??? Are you sure?

That's $8000! That's a lotta nuts!

That's like more than twice the "normal" range offered in most ads now.

MEB

[Deeman15]

It makes sense since he has a ph.d. He shouldn't even be working for a contractor to be honest, direct hire would be much better.

At least try Aramco, you would probably easily get hired by them.

[Mysterious]

I only just noticed the pay now. That sounds weird, to be honest. I've heard stories of people who have got yeeears of experience with a BA and an MA, and still don't get that much. But maybe a PHD would up that a lot. I didn't realise it would up it to that figure though..

Maybe he has tried direct hire but hasn't heard anything? That's why he's taken to an agent? I only say this because there aren't many places that do direct hire, anyway.. and getting back to you is like trying to get a ticket to Mars, in most cases.

Still, at least you'll be living alone. That is a great wage (if it's true) to get you through, easily (even if you had like.. 6 family members with you). I'd wait to see what their "final" contact says though. That normally is reduced.. just before you have to sign.

[c_dange]

Are you sure the contract doesn't say 13,000 SAR/month? Which would make the 25% or 3,000 max more reasonable.

[It's Scary!]

More and more on this board it seems that English is a "still being acquired' kind of thing.

I'm not being critical of posters. I'm saying that many don't have a firm grasp of the language that they purport to teach!

It'd be laughable if it weren't an ESL/EFL board!

[nomad soul]

[c_dange]

Not sure who you're referring to here, It's Scary. But depending on one's generational affiliation, most users will expect to find casual or modified versions of the English language in an online forum.

Unless, of course, said forum is being unofficially monitored by overly pedantic ESL teachers.

[Deeman15]

[It's Scary!]

Unless, Deeman15, you feel that I have selected you personally, your words speak volumes.

It's O.K., I think that you're a great English teacher.

Actually, I don't believe that I mentioned any individual poster. The fact that you gave such an eloquent comment, makes me wonder how true my words were to you.

Feel better?

It's funny that such emotion is evoked!

[Deeman15]

Yes, I feel much better. Your comment was unnecessary and smacked of a condescending attitude. People are here to get advise on their job prospects, not to listen to insults.

[It's Scary!]