Job Discussion Forums

PatrickT · Joined: 15 Feb 2012 Posts: 7

Basically I am wondering what is it like teaching in the Middle East, more specifically Saudi Arabia. First off, is it safe for a single 30 year old American? Second, are the jobs generally legit/do you get paid on time/what are the work weeks like?

I have a bachelors in English Literature and a Masters in TESL and a year experience teaching in Korea already. I am just seeking the pros and cons from people that have already worked there.

Any connections and suggestions of good schools will be appreciated!

--Patrick

johnslat · Posted: Thu Jun 28, 2012 11:55 pm Post subject:

Dear PatrickT,

I'm afraid your questions are mostly too general. I'll start with ones that can be answered:

Yes, it's reasonably safe, probably (a lot) safer than, say, Memphis or Detroit. oops, forgot to mention: EXCEPT for the drivers/traffic, the BIGGEST hazard to your well-being.

The work weeks (in good institutions) are generally from 7:30 - 2:30., five days a week. Contact hours are generally between 20 to 25 hours a week.

But for the rest, well, there are good places to work (some, anyway- e.g. KFUPM, Aramco, IPA) and not so good to terrible.

You need to be more specific about place of employment.

Regards,
John

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

PatrickT · Joined: 15 Feb 2012 Posts: 7

yes I was looking around at jobs there since I can't go back to Korea because I have two dropped instances on my fbi cbc.

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

If you have anything negative indicated on your CBC, you're not likely to get hired for any of the direct-hire jobs. However, the numerous scumbag recruiters will be happy to have you replace one of their "escapees." (I think you get the picture that the Kingdom may not be a good fit for your situation.)

PatrickT · Joined: 15 Feb 2012 Posts: 7

so saudi arabia requires an fbi cbc, or a state cbc?

Hatcher · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 602

With your quals, most would go to the UAE or Qatar. The KSA is considered by many to be the most difficult place to teach ESL. Not much to do, terrible students, ....etc.

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

Hatcher · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 602

Then enlighten us with all the fun and excitement you have in the Kingdom by the Sea.

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

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

rainbowprof · Joined: 18 Feb 2012 Posts: 133 Location: Penang

not all embassies require police clearance certificates.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 12:16 pm Post subject:

Dear rainbowprof,

Embassies? You've lost me there. What have the embassies got to do with a Criminal Background Check?

It's the Saudi government that requires it before issuing a visa. And it would seem that Patrick is an American since the FBI/state CBCs are mentioned.

Regards,
John

rainbowprof · Joined: 18 Feb 2012 Posts: 133 Location: Penang

What you say is logical, but the visa agent who elucidated the requirements for my visa application gave me to understand I would not require a police clearance. I don't live in my country of birth but have been informed I can apply from the host country where I work (as I hold a residency/ work id card). The prospective employer, a Saudi university, have warned applicants to check requirements with the individual embassies where they will apply as each embassy has slight variations on documents they require. I'm certainly no expert on KSA but am sharing the information that has been supplied to me. My American friend working at KAU hasn't needed his police clearance certificate (or whatever other term one uses). I know that American friend of mine is now restricted where he can work internationally because of a besmirched police record. Pity for some that the US doesn't utilize the spent convictions system used in UK and ex -colonies. The US concept must be that one is never rehabilitated so one's record follows you for life. Who else could come up with an 'Axis of Evil' right -wing pseudo- religious doctrine to keep the uninformed masses under the thumb. Can you name one country starting with U? Yugoslavia. Phonically correct, dear. Jolly good reponse, beknighted miss! (was that your video link? Smile

)

johnslat · Posted: Mon Jul 02, 2012 2:39 pm Post subject:

Dear rainbowprof,

An observation and a question:

1. Recruiters are notoriously inept at giving prospective recruits the right information;

2. Is your American friend in Saudi on a "legitimate work visa" (he/she would have an iqama, if so) or some kind of "business visa" (in which case a CBC would be irrelevant since your friend would be working there illegally)?

I agree with you about the US system and like the idea of a "spent convictions system.) One problem with that in the US is that many convictions are by state rather than federal jurisdiction, and the states can (and do) have different procedures:

" For adults, arrest and conviction records usually aren't automatically expunged or sealed after a period of years. You generally have to file a written application in court and follow various rules for expungement. These rules can be found in the laws of the state where the conviction or arrest was made.
For juveniles, court and arrest records are usually sealed automatically once a juvenile is arrested and a trial or "adjudication" begins. However, in most states, juveniles must file a written application to later have their records expunged or destroyed."

Yup, that was my link - the lack of geographical acumen among so many US citizens would be funny if it weren't so pathetic.

Regards,
John