Job Discussion Forums

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

Since breaking the law is not advisable in KSA due to their draconian ways, is it a genuine risk to teach privates? What's the worst that can happen?

ecocks · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 899 Location: Gdansk, Poland

I would suspect it's quite a bit easier to violate employment contracts in places where you don't live under the scrutiny and control of your employer and in such close proximity to any co-workers you might piss off (such as compounds).

I am also not so sure that this is universally covered in TEFL employment contracts. The two contracts which I was party to in Europe and the newest one just signed (in a liberal Moslem-Asian country) included no prohibitions from doing private students. There were provisions concerning poaching current students from my employer which was defined to also include former students who had attended during my employment period.

Of course, this is technically a violation of most visas, work permits and tax laws in the countries where we work.

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

This clause was in all 4 of my university level contracts in the Gulf.

That said, people did it. And, I never heard of anyone getting punished in any way for it. It all comes down to the usual thing... be discreet.

VS

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

First check and see if overtime hours are offered at your institution, if so you may find that this will be enough. If not, then try the private tutoring. However, as JS states, it can be a real pain and waste of time not to mention ever seeing any of the hard earned money. I tried it once a long time ago, and this was exactly my problem: no shows or no money paid. Now I just stick to extra classes offered at the university. less hassle.

The last bit of advice is as VS states, be discreet about it. Do not post advertisements in your school, do not blab about it to your colleagues Laughing

and as long as it does not interfere with your regular working schedule and duties, you should be okay.

Good luck, ... if you are determined, give it a try, maybe you'll make some extra cash; maybe not.

The worst that can happen is they fire you; the least is they give you a warning/and if you persist maybe a beating Wink

thriftlightning · Joined: 05 Dec 2010 Posts: 5

How much you charge depends on your nationality and degrees. Lots of teachers do not only privates, but actually teacher in after-school language schools and institutes for cash- no contract.

If everybody in Saudi actually lived by Saudi rules (Saudis included), the place would have blown up a long time ago. The hardest psychological adjustment for me was figuring out this gray system of behavior in a society so supposedly black and white.

JerkyBoy · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 485

Is it realistic to think I may one day get to teach a Saudi royal who will then give me his old Rolls Royce as a gesture of gratitude on my birthday?

Does this sort of thing happen?

johnslat · Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2012 2:10 pm Post subject:

Dear JerkyBoy,

"Is it realistic to think I may one day get to teach a Saudi royal who will then give me his old Rolls Royce as a gesture of gratitude on my birthday?"

'Fraid not.

"Does this sort of thing happen?"

Only in the movies - and even there, not to ESL teachers.

"Some day my prince will come
Some day we'll meet again
And away to his castle we'll go
To be happy forever I know."

Regards,
John