Job Discussion Forums

[wailing_imam]

Hi,

This place is advertising a number of English teaching positions.

I heard bad things about it a few years ago.

Anyone got any recent updates?

Besides the salary, do they offer other benefits?

Is the uni in downtown BSB?

WI

[timmytopee]

I've recently heard that salaries are capped at $4,000 Brunei Dollars per month for those with a masters. I've also been told that housing is basically free, but I've also been warned off by the new implementation of Shariah Law. It could just be people are scared of something new, or it could really mean that the place is changing from a relaxed environment (Malaysia) to more of a religious one (Saudi Arabia)… more opinions welcomed because I also am looking at this place.

http://www.bt.com.bn/frontpage-news-national/2014/02/23/17-islamicwords-not-allowed-be-used-other-religions

[wailing_imam]

The article mentions stoning to death. That would be unprecedented in SE Asia.

$4000 would be a bit on the low side unless other benefits are significant.

[timmytopee]

Yes, seems to be becoming a mini Saudi Arabia in SE without the lucrative pay packages… hopefully, someone "in the know" will come along and contribute.

[1st Sgt Welsh]

I've never been to Saudi, but I was in Brunei briefly last year and, whilst it is a religious country, I found it pretty chilled and extremely friendly and welcoming . I certainly wouldn't have thought it was comparable to KSA. There are no religious police, women drive, foreign women walk around without covering up, both genders have normal social interactions and foreigners don't live in compounds. Sure, there are no bars per se, but foreigners can easily and legally import alcohol.

[timmytopee]

Yes, true BUT IF you had clicked on the link above and taken the time to read the news article from the Brunei Times Newspaper, you would have known that the implementation of Shariah Law doesn't take place until April of 2014. It is a new policy to be put in place by order of the Sultan… SO OF COURSE, you and no one else WOULD HAVE seen any similarity between Brunei and KSA LAST YEAR!!! If anyone currently living/working in Brunei could offer us anything useful, it would be great! From what I've heard/read is that "religious police" will be coming soon; while alcohol imports will cease for everyone!

[wailing_imam]

I have lived in Saudi and visited Brunei. Both very different places, yet both clearly very Islamic. Anyway, I am not that bothered of sharia law is implemented, Malaysia is so close for weekend breaks.

[1st Sgt Welsh]

[Zoot]

Where are these positions advertised?

[Dedicated]

As of 22nd April 2014, the law in Brunei clearly states that the death penalty by stoning can be applied to those guilty of adultery and homosexuality.

If you check the university website it states there are currently no academic vacancies available.

[zootalaws]

Sharia law doesn't apply to non-Muslims in Brunei.

I don't know where you got the $4000 limit from, my wife teaches nursery school and earns significantly more than that.

The couple of people I know that work at UBD think its ok. They get allocated housing, but have to arrange their own car, maid, etc. the housing varies with you 'status'. Some are very nice, but no-one has a pool

Salaries range from $2000 per month for a local-hire assistant to more than $10,000 per month for a foreign professor.

There is also a significant bonus system.

Don't believe the website. Like all websites her, it is abysmally maintained. Best to ring if you are interested.

FWIW, I have been here more than 4 years and the introduction of Shariah law has been a complete fizzle. You literally can't tell anything has changed.