Job Discussion Forums

Ummezahra · Joined: 03 Jul 2014 Posts: 5

Hi all,
We are a married couple with 3 kids, both with degrees and CELTA & 2 & 3years experience.
We are looking to work in Saudi Arabia or UAE, so far are only getting responses back from companies which have not had great reviews from everyone on here - Edu Experts, SBC, Adveti, Laurette, NewLondon recruitment.
Feel lost about what would be best. We want to gain a years experience and complete our PGCE's which I've been told will give us more options.
Any help will be appreciated.
Thank you

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Your degrees are in what fields? Also, what's your nationality?

Ummezahra · Joined: 03 Jul 2014 Posts: 5

Myself - British -Biology related +Celta
Husband - Communication + CELTA

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

I assume your husband is also British.

Both of you don't have the type and level of qualifications for the UAE, which leaves Saudi Arabia as your only bet for employment in the region. Unfortunately, because of your unrelated degrees and minimal teaching experience, your only option for employment will be with a Saudi contracting company. You're likely to get hired as a couple, so make sure you clearly state your marital status and number of family members when applying in order to get responses from companies that can accommodate married couples. However, don't expect benefits like education allowances, medical coverage, and reimbursement of visa/iqama fees for your three children. Plus, don't count on both you and your husband each getting a full housing allowance. Teaching in KSA is doable for you, but you'll be paying more out of pocket.

That said, you may want to rethink Saudi Arabia. Hopefully, others will chime in with suggestions for you, including other countries that will be easier for you and your family.

Muhammed Abbas Khan · Joined: 04 Jan 2011 Posts: 73

Perhaps the best option for a married teaching couple in KSA is the following:
Husband to get employment with a 'crappy' recruiter. One that at least pays on time. You should be able to get in the region of 12,000-13,000 SR per month and a further 2500 SR per month as housing allowance.
The wife coud work at an international school thus allowing her to have her dependents enrolled at the school at a concessionary rate.
My advice, if you are considering KSA longterm is to obtain relevant MAs. A direct hire with some companies or universities could offer an education allowance for up to four dependents.
Regards,
Abbas

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

The Fifth Column · Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2014 1:17 am Post subject:

Or...or...folks could stop trying to squeeeezzzeeee through the employment door with iffy/non applicable creds and get properly credentialed before applying.

Then again, this board would lose lose about 75% of its traffic!

Six of one, half a dozen of anudder... Rolling Eyes

Ummezahra · Joined: 03 Jul 2014 Posts: 5

sorry forgot to mention husband is american

Ummezahra · Joined: 03 Jul 2014 Posts: 5

Thank you fifth column for your comments..
Nomad soul and Mr Abass, that was very helpful. We are hoping to complete our studies whilst working - slog it out for a year or so in hope of things getting better.
We have been offered contracts by all the 'crappy' recruiters so far and have interviews lined up for TQ and Prime, so lets see what happens...

The Fifth Column · Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2014 3:13 am Post subject:

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Also, be aware that furnished housing is available in the form of hotel apartments, but their month-to-month costs can be pricey and you're likely to find the kitchens inadequate. Plus, they might not accommodate five people. Unfurnished flats are available; however, you'll have to carry the cost of furnishing the place, which includes the living and bedroom furniture, fridge, cooker, clothes washer, and possibly the kitchen cabinets and A/C units. You might find a decent furnished flat, although the furniture is often "interesting." Anyway, landlords want from 6 months to the entire year's rent in advance.

You didn't state your children's ages, but other out-of-pocket costs pertaining to their needs might include their tuition, a driver to shuttle them to/from school, and possibly a nanny to care for them while you and your husband are at your respective worksites. Hopefully, whatever job offers you get will also cover your children's full airfare to/from the Kingdom. But you'll be responsible for their visa and iqama fees.

Something to think about if you're still considering work in Saudi Arabia.

Bartholemew · Joined: 19 Jun 2014 Posts: 19

MuscatGary · Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2014 10:29 am Post subject:

Unless the rules have been changed. You have to do at least a year teaching IN the UK after getting the PGCE to get the QTS otherwise it's pointless.

The Fifth Column · Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2014 2:38 pm Post subject:

Ummezahra · Joined: 03 Jul 2014 Posts: 5

Thank you to all for comments.

We shall consider them all and see what comes our way. The kids are young (7 and below) so would be an 'experience' for them also- but from the comments I'm certainly disheartened.. Go or no go all is good in the end.

I was looking to do the international PGCE through a university in the UK whilst working, which I can complete in a teaching position and upon return complete a few more modules and get QTS status here. Lets see...

thanks guys