Job Discussion Forums

[TravelTeacher83]

I've been offered a position in Riyadh that pays 13,250 SAR. Housing is not provided but a housing allowance of about 3,300 SAR is provided along with a travel allowance although I was told I probably wouldn't use that and could just keep it.

Is 13,250 SAR a good monthly salary in Riyadh and is 3,300 SAR enough to find a good 1 bedroom apartment? Ultimately, will I be able to have a decent/comfortable life there on that salary? I'm already aware of the restrictions that are present in the country and am prepared to deal with it and the challenges that come with living in the Kingdom.

Thanks!

[johnslat]

Dear TravelTeacher83,

In order to better answer your questions, some particulars are needed;

1. Your qualifications/experience

2. SIngle or Married (w/wo children)

3. What kind of visa (work or "Business/work visit" )

Regards,
John

[nomad soul]

[TravelTeacher83]

I have an MA and a CELTA with prior teaching experience, I'm unmarried with no kids, and I was told the employer (a legitimate university) deals with acquiring the Iqama. I hope that helps!

[currentaffairs]

Pretty good salary in terms of what is out there. Decent allowance, too. Most teachers who work at universities are on this kind of salary apart from the select few direct hires.

You should save a lot quite easily.

[nomad soul]

[scot47]

And you need clarification on medical cover. What happens when, God forbid, you have a heart attack or a road traffic accident ? Who picks up the medical tab ?

AT KFUPM faculty were eligible for treatment at the University Teaching Hospital but more sensible teachers took out extra cover through a broker onjm campus who offers medical and other insurance. (Saudi Brokers)

From time to time there were reports opf teacher's dependants having difficulty in getting treatment at the Uni Teaching Hospital.

Basic services (like from a GP in UK) are available on campus at KFUPM Health Centre.

[jaffa]

Decent enough starting salary. Is there an inflation allowance on top of that? Do you get evaluated each year? If so, you may get a salary increase from that.

Not sure if the housing allowance will stretch to a comfortable compound though.

[TravelTeacher83]

Thanks for the all the responses.

The university would be paying for all the health and medical insurance. I need to check to see if they reimburse for initial medical exams.

Based on what I've been finding online, it seems that I will have to opt for housing outside of a compound. I was told the university will help with finding accommodation close to the school within walking distance. Plus, they are giving me free accommodation for 1 month while I search for a place.

[veiledsentiments]

Not to be alarmist, this appears to be going through a recruiter. Be aware that these recruiters tend to tell you what you want to hear, agree to most anything you ask... and lie. Sad to say, this is a situation where you have to check and re-check and only believe what is written in your contract or in writing from the organization that will hold your contract. (the university? or a contractor?)

On the surface of your offer, all sounds good. But, high expectations tend to get dashed in Saudi. Best case would be for you to be able to communicate with current teachers.

VS

[johnslat]

Dear jaffa,

"Not sure if the housing allowance will stretch to a comfortable compound though."

It wouldn't.

http://britishexpats.com/wiki/COMPOUNDS_IN_RIYADH

http://www.internations.org/riyadh-expats/guide/moving-to-riyadh-15795/expat-accommodation-in-riyadh-3

http://rightcompound.com/

http://saudia.wordpress.com/2008/11/18/list-of-compounds-in-riyadh-saudi-arabia/


At 3.300 SAR (about 40,000 a year, I assume, since that must be by the month) a one=bedroom apartment in an areas such as Sulaimaniah or Al Murrabba can probably be rented - but 40,000 SAR is NOT going to be enough for compound living.

Regards,
John

[scot47]

If not on a compound be aware of security "issues".

[shebab]

[veiledsentiments]

That might be true for a male, but as a female, I would rather be in a compound where I would have more freedom of movement outside my flat. But then, this is why I avoided Saudi in the first place... and taught in the rest of the Gulf where I didn't have to dress like a local, could own a car, and take a walk without being bothered (all that much) by the shebab.

VS

[baa_baa]

Finding an accommodation was the worst thing I have been through....sigh sigh sigh...

Here's what happened to me:


According to my agreement I was supposed to stay in a hotel for3 nights and sort out an accommodation. I arrived Wednesday night, which was considered the first night, and couldn't do anything. The next day I couldn't reach anybody. They were supposed to give me numbers of agents who were supposed to help out with the accommodation. Newspapers were in Arabic places didn't open until 5, another day went by. Friday- nobody works. Saturday I went everybody's still stretching because its the first day of the week. I was running around since I had to check out that day by 4 pm. People gave me their numbers telling me that they would help me after work... I went home, made phone calls. Nobody answer but one. She gave me an agents number. He showed me one apartment for 25 k per yr. it's not worth half the price...but I took it because i didnt have any choice. I've never experienced anything like this.

What's worse they promise you with an amount of money but they don't give it to you after 3 wks.


Then there's an iqama issue.. They give you a check and you just can't cash because you need an iqama...I wrote a resignation letter to turn in...that kind of helped....

Nothing is organized...expect the worse..be sure to have money..if it weren't for the thesue threads I wouldn't have taken out a loan... So a big thank you to all.. And a huge be careful to those planning to come..

Oh and get a sim before you leave the airport otherwise you can't get one without an iqama...goooodluck...