Job Discussion Forums

[expat68]

I spent some time teaching for this company in an isolated part of the the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I went in knowing full well the region was strict and the weather harsh. And I have had experience living in the Middle East which eased any kind of culture shock one might get. However, what I came away with was a pretty negative experience, not due to the locale, but due to the management and ownership at these companies.

For a school that boasted technology as their prime selling point, there are no computers for the students to use. Computer labs doors remained locked and dust collected on furniture awaiting PCs.

The school's facility itself was a disaster. They put our staff and students in a dilapidated apartment building whose rooms had been converted to classrooms. No one bothered cleaning or fixing it before the term started. Broken windows, broken toilets, smashed out door hinges and bolts were commonplace. There was a general uncleanliness of the place as empty water bottles blew down thick dusted corridors. It was the most disgusting environment I'd ever taught in.

Despite the fact that we had to put up with these dirty conditions, we received a condescending email from a Saudi supervisor asking the foreign staff to dress more professionally.

The power in both the school and the apartment we stayed in regularly went out because bills were not paid.

Passports were held in Riyahd which made it extremely inconvenient to travel on short notice. We had to do the legwork in retrieving our documents so we could travel.

Salary payments were in cash and regularly late.

The application process to get an iqamma was convoluted and changed daily. No one new to the school had an iqamma when I left.

But the worst offense of this company is that it has failed to pay an employee his final settlement after he had to leave the country for a legitimate family emergency.

I've taught in 5 different countries and have had wonderful, amazing experiences in each. However, enter into a contract with INTERLINK/EGA with extreme caution.

There are good points to the school, but the bad certainly overshadow them.

[alsysgo]

I really appreciate your post. I have been offered a job with this outfit. As long as I come in on a visit visa, do you think I will be alright if I decide to leave? I would be able to leave the airport without an exit visa from the company right? I was hoping to go and make some money, then move on to a better place. Any thoughts?

[nomad soul]

[veiledsentiments]

I wouldn't even consider them. You say that you have an MA and ME experience, so yahoos like this should be avoidable.

VS

[alsysgo]

Thanks Vs and Nomad..Definitely going to avoid this place.

[expat68]

alysgo

A wise decision. You are very welcome. Believe me, I tempered my post with just the facts. There is a deep-seated corruption in this place from the top down.

Good luck. There are plenty of better schools out there for you.

[aliceinwonderland]

I am currently considering teaching in the Middle East, after spending two years teaching adults / university students in Korea.
I had a very interesting time there and learnt an enormous amount, but went there sooo unprepared and don't want to repeat the same mistake.
During the past month or so, I've been researching companies / agencies that advertise jobs in the ME on the Internet (Interlink is one).
I have come across nothing but warnings and bad news about most / all of them.
I am inclined to take most of it quite seriously because I certainly don't want to end up not being paid / being deported because of visa problems / etc etc.
Some commenters advise that "you can do better than (XYZ) company" -- but where, and how?
Maybe I'm looking in all the wrong places?
I'd really appreciate any advice / answers.

[nomad soul]