Job Discussion Forums

[mideast..herewecome]

Hello,
I have a few questions...
My husband has a MA/TESOL and will most likely begin working at the IPA. Our daughter (16 mo.) and I are staying behind in the States for one year until we are certain that its worth moving us over there as well. I have read some posts and brief descriptions from you all (thank you) about the family housing compound for IPA.
1. Would it be possible for you to provide a better description? I am basically getting the impression that it is not a desirable place to live...is this true?
2. I have a MA in Public Admin and have many years as an education coordinator through a municipal agency...what do you think the chances are of getting a job at a female university/college?
3. Where in your opinion (of the teaching insitutions) has decent family housing conditions, or decent family housing compound? Decent= on site day care, pool, westerners walking around without abaya, security....

I am completely prepared to do as the saudi's do in regards to the headpiece and abaya, but it would be nice to have an opportunity to take it off at the family compound...

Thanks...

[cmp45]

I am sure, IPA would be willing to connect you with current married teachers already living on the compound, if you have your husband make a request...these IPA teachers would be the best people to offer the detailed info you are seeking.
However, teachers are on summer holidays now coupled with the fact that Ramadan is currently underway, you may not beable to get much of a response.

Which is why you are inquiring here... right!?! Good luck... maybe some others will chime in...

From what I know of the IPA compound...it is pleasant & decent enough, the housing varies from large 3-4 bedroom villas to small 1-2 bedroom and often depends on availability regarding what type you get stuck with, but don't know much beyond that...

[mideast..herewecome]

Thanks CMP45...good suggestion...

[I Rub Ruchi]

read my next post

[I Rub Ruchi]

IPA family housing is probably OK after you clean your home , set up a home gym, and get the internet working.

Don't expect any services on the family compound when you arrive, you you will have to do with only you and your family for the most part. I'm sorry, but it seems that all teachers have been met at the airport when they arrive in KSA (many new teachers are not greeted and have to somehow find their way to thier housing and employer).

They do wear the Abaya on the IPA compound, but why do you ask? There is nowhere to go on the compound except stay at home. Probably you can get your child into a playgroup and have some social life there.

Expect your husband to work in the evening at the IPA, there always seems to be overtime for us here.

Last year three married couples arrived, but the wives were not employable in the ESL market. They are now gone mostly for having bored wives. They were nice people.

Another of our male teachers left, but he will return with another contract at another school and will live on the compound that is provided for his wife.

You sound very employable in KSA.

If you come to KSA, come on your own package without your husband sponsoring you, then there will be many more benefits for you (paid vacation). Benefits are not always extended to local hires. Every organization applies their rules differently each year, so I cannot provide accurate information. Speak to your recruiter and read between the lines.

Have you lived overseas in the past? Then you will probably survive in KSA. Or do you have friends from other than your country? If not, then you probably will have more adjustments to make. I find it strange that so many people say they come to KSA to know other cultures and yet they have never had an Asian friend while living in their home country.

Remember that ESL folks don't have the best packages, if you can accept that, then you will be OK. Be prepared to pay our of your pocket to be happy here.

Single males might be happy since they can walk to work in ten minutes, this is the only benefit that IPA has over other schools/colleges/universities in KSA.

Married teachers must live outside the city and fight the worst traffic jams I have ever seen (yes, worse than Seoul on a Saturday afternoon).

[Big L]

Amuses me , people even considering bringing their kin
to Saudi. What a joke.

[scot47]

My older daughter (now 16) looks back with nostalgia to her time at the American School in jeddah. She has never forgiven me for leaving employment with the Airline !

[veiledsentiments]