Job Discussion Forums

[DMPT]

I'm a native speaker based in Thailand. I've been TEFLing for 6 years in China and Thailand, but don't have a degree (I have TEFL and TESOL certs). I'm actually studying a B.A. TESOL at the moment part-time in an Int. Program in Bangkok while working.

I've been offered a job by Al Jawdah Private School in Riyadh.

Salary offered is $2,700, accommodation, flights, work for 11 months get paid for 12.

Work from 6:30-14:30, five days per week. 22 contract hours per month.


What do you think of this? There's not a lot of info. about them on the net. I didn't think people could legally work without a degree in RSA? I'd hate to be done over. I'm 32 with a pregnant wife and the chance of saving $2,000 a month for 10-12 months is tempting one. I currently save around $600 a month her in Bangkok.

Does anyone know the school? Do the conditions sound a bit dodgy?

[cmp45]

Given your limited credentials you could do worse...sounds about right for entry level position. However, best get confirmation that you would recieve a proper working visa(igama) This is very important!!!!!

Also not having a BA or MA degree in hand when applying for the visa may be a road block which some employers do not seem to be aware of until you are rejected during the visa process at the embassy. If your TESL certs are legit. (at least one year in length) from a proper university rather than a language mill, you may be okay.

I have not heard or know anything about this particular school so can not offer any info on their reputation, etc....perhaps someone else may know or you may need to dig a bit deeper on the internet?

[DMPT]

Thanks.

My TEFL and TESOL certs. are 120 hour (4 week) language mill certs. by respected and certified institutions in Thailand, but would hold very little water outside of the country.

How barren a life is it living on $700 a month (in order to save $2000)?

[cmp45]

You will need to spend more in the beginning while you get settled in, but afterwards, it is possible, but you will be living a very meager frugal lifestyle. After all you will also be supporting your wife if you manage to get her in the country. You would need to take advantage of every 'freebie/perk' the school throws your way.

You would need to ask your potential employer about igama and visa for wife. You definitely need an igama to get your wife in...these are not easy questions to answer as each place operates independantly and can vary from place to place.

Again...its a crap shoot regarding what they tell you in an email and what actually happens once you arrive. Best try to get more info on the school's reputation, if you can.

[scot47]

US$700 a month ? Man and pregnant wife ? I do not think so. Did you ask about medical cover ? You will NOT be eligible for treatment in govt hospitals. For delivery of child in hospital you will have to PAY !

VERY unusual to get a visa without a degree. I would be VERY cautious.

[nomad soul]

[scot47]

Private schools in Riyadh are WITHOUT EXCEPTION dreadful places to work.

[trapezius]

Teaching in a private Saudi school will be hell, mark my words.

$700 will give you a decent life for 2 people, as long as you don't live a luxurious life. That's SR. 2,600. Groceries will run you around SR. 1,000 per month, and the rest can be spent on taxis/petrol, restaurants, clothes, etc. Expenses will definitely go up once the baby is born. Budget another $200-300 per month for the baby.

But make sure they give you medical insurance as part of the package, because otherwise you will end up spending a lot of money on doctors (even without the pregnant wife). Each trip to a doctor is SR. 150-200 in private hospitals, and then more for drugs and tests. With insurance, you will pay around SR. 20-30 for each consultation.

[PeterParvo]

Get your degree done and get that baby born first. Having these two things done before jumping into Saudi Arabia will reduce your level of stress.

By the way, is it possible to get a TEFL certificate without a university degree? I had to have one before I could enter my program.

[scot47]

parvo is right.

[DMPT]

Thanks for all the info.

Things have changed a little bit.

They have upped the salary to $3300 p/m. Which is over 100,000thb per month.

I'm going to leave it for the time being, but my colleague is going to accept it. He's going to do it primarily to save money for 6 months (and then see how it is going).

He's looking to save over $11,000 over six months and then return to Thailand.

I will see how it goes with him, and if it goes well I might do a similar stint and bring my Thai wife and young infant as well. It would be an experience (a hard working one) and good opportunity to save enough in one year to buy my young child a house in Thailand so I know they'll have that should something happen to me in the future.

My degree is primarily being studied online with two months of courses per year during October and April, and these can be continued at a later date should we miss them.

They have 6 positions available and want him to start as soon as he gets his visa, which he's just applying for.

My wife is due the middle of April so I would not want us to leave until around June or July I guess if everything goes okay with my colleague.

When do the school terms begin in KSA?

thanks.

[posh]

Not sure a Thai would get a visa for KSA as the two countries have a long-running dispute. KSA say the Thais stole something from a prince, while the Thais accused a prince of some kind of perversion punishable by law but he escaped via diplomatic immunity.

School term bagan on Sept 1, although there were nowhere enough teachers

[DMPT]

^ Yes, the 'blue diamond affair', check it up on google, an amazing story of jewel theft, police corruption, and diplomatic murders.

It's amazing a movie hasn't been made it, probably becasue no one would believe it!

Sept 1st start is interesting for next year then. Depending on visas for my wife and child.

btw, what are motorcycling licenses like for foreigners on such visas? Is it easy for us to pick up a motorbike and ride/tour around?

Cheers.

[nomad soul]

[DMPT]

I've been riding in BKK and Thailand for 6 years... I'm good at dodging things.