Job Discussion Forums

Wordsmithy · Joined: 28 Jun 2010 Posts: 7 Location: Riyadh

Anyone have info on Riyadh Polytechnic Institute (RPI)? I'm inquiring on behalf of a friend. I gather it's a joint venture between Saudi Arabia's Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC) and Obeikan Investment Group (OIG) and that it's located in Malaz, not far from the IPA.

Their website says RPI is operated by Laureate Education through a joint venture with Obeikan, "to help meet the increasing demand for Saudi nationals with industrial technical skills."

But from what I hear (second hand), there are some very peculiar contract issues (such as a different contract being e-mailed than originally promised) as well as the usual visa tomfooleries.

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

I've just been contacted by "Laureate Vocational Saudi Arabia". Just curious as to whether or not anyone has heard of or had dealings with them.

Thanks.

DirtGuy

Captain Willard · Joined: 11 Sep 2010 Posts: 251

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Sylvan Learning? If I recall correctly, there were some problems... and that is likely why the name changed.

If you go on the net, you can find plenty of complaints from parents who felt that they were ripped off by the fine print and teachers who were unpaid or grossly underpaid... and this was in the US... in their K-12 programs.

So now they have expanded to university level... buyer beware.

VS

johnslat · Posted: Wed Feb 29, 2012 6:32 pm Post subject:

And yet - there still IS a Sylvan Learning:

http://tutoring.sylvanlearning.com/centers/87505/index.cfm

Regards,
John

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

This is a franchise thing, so the name change is likely only the main company.

VS

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

The rep has contacted me and said the job involves an iquama - that's a good thing. I asked about the specifics of the offer and he sent me a description of my duties but no salary/benefit info. All I got was a couple of lines saying the compensation package was competitive with other such jobs in KSA. Hmmmm.

DirtGuy

Captain Willard · Joined: 11 Sep 2010 Posts: 251

Does anyone have any further news about Laureate Vocational, its Saudi partner Obeikan Investment Group, the Saudi Technical and Vocational Training Corporation and the Riyadh Polytechnic Institute?

Question

laylow · Joined: 12 Feb 2011 Posts: 37

It's funny how some people look at an Iquama as a good thing. There are many bad jobs out there that want you to have an Iquama as quickly as possible, so that if you decide you want to quit, because you now have an Iquama, you have to be willing to wait until it has been a year for a 'no-objection' to get another job in KSA, which in many cases leads to the teacher remaining for a year in an unhappy state if they can't find a suitable position in another Gulf country.

However, a business visa, while leaving you vulnerable to things such as receiving pay, does allow you the freedom to quit and immediately come back to Saudi for another position, literally the next day! An Iquama is not all it is cracked up to be in some (not all) cases!

Anyway, if anyone knows anything about this company, could you give me a PM?

aviator1x1 · Joined: 26 Oct 2009 Posts: 12

Hello all,

I was also contacted by one of their reps and I would like to know if anyone has experience teaching at one of their affiliated schools or vocational institutes. For example, initial hiring and processing before the start date (visa, flight arrangements, housing info, orientation), pay issues, and other administrative support. Also any classroom issues such as lack of equipment and materials, flexibility in lesson planning, student motivation to learn language and job skills, and so on.

What I know so far is that the learners will be low beginners, instructional focus on ESP, 20 to 25 hours a week, and possible choice of locations between Jeddah, Mecca, and/or one other city.

My apologies for the questions, but I can't find any info expect one post related to Polytechnical Institute in Riyadh, which Laureate International handles.

Thanks.

EYEBALL · Joined: 17 Apr 2013 Posts: 34

A friend of mine worked there. They had the typical Saudi students there; lazy, spoiled and unmotivated. Most of them are in the lower levels as far as income. Most of them drove old beat up cars. As usual, management doesn't have much of a clue and don't really support or give a shit about teachers.

Like other places, teachers are just tools to be used or discarded; whatever is best for management. They don't hesitate to lie or blow you off if it suits them as well. As to location, it's up to management. Verbal agreements don't mean much to them. If they want you in a particular place, off you go.

He said they paid on time, but they work the dogshit out of you. He also said the usual teaching load is 7-10 45 minute classes a day. It's a burnout teaching schedule. Unlike other institutes also, you are stuck in your office all day. You can't go out much, not even to eat. Most of the teachers eat at their desks. You are supposed to keep "office hours," so you can't leave very often and have to get permission. He also said very it's extremely rare for a student to show up to talk to a teacher during office hours.

All in all, it's pretty much like teaching at the rest of the PYP level places in Saudi. Put up with it as long as you can and leave with a nice bankroll.