Job Discussion Forums

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

mashkif,
You would be better off NOT being a Saudi and an atheist...apparently they do exist as well... but the underlying message most are trying to get through to people is that it is dangerous to (openly) practice other religions or in your case openly stating not believing in god while in KSA. Nothing to do with having a back bone or not, it's about self protection. The religous laws in KSA are strict and action against you can be harsh, if you screw up.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2012/11/21/fighting-reality-life-as-an-atheist-in-saudi-arabia/

http://www.yourmiddleeast.com/columns/article/interview-with-a-saudi-atheist_11146

PurpleFinch · Joined: 10 Feb 2013 Posts: 3 Location: Asia

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it. I still have a few more questions related to my applying to a position.

9. Does it matter if you are married to most recruiters? I noticed at least one job posting which mentioned that preference would be given to unmarried males.

10. I've noticed some jobs in Saudi Arabia for native speakers which only pay about $2,000 a month salary plus the other benefits. This seems quite a lot lower than what I would guess is the average. The school appeared to be a tutoring center or something like that. Why do people take these jobs for such low pay? Are jobs with this pay common there?

11. Can you tutor in your free time for extra pay or is that illegal?

12. Is it more common to interview in person for positions or via something like Skype?

13. Is it harder to get positions in KSA if you are not located in your home country (USA, England, etc)?

Sorry for the randomness of these questions. Thanks for any responses.

johnslat · Posted: Fri Mar 22, 2013 3:09 pm Post subject:

Dear PurpleFinch,

9. "Does it matter if you are married to most recruiters?"

Well, it could - just how many recruiters are you married to? Very Happy

10. "Why do people take these jobs for such low pay? Are jobs with this pay common there?"

Desperation. They seem to be becoming more so.

11. "Can you tutor in your free time for extra pay or is that illegal?"

Yes and yes.

12."Is it more common to interview in person for positions or via something like Skype?"

Unless you interview in your home country (or wherever you might be outside of Saudi), you won't be interviewing in person. Skype interviews are becoming more popular.

13. "Is it harder to get positions in KSA if you are not located in your home country (USA, England, etc)?"

Almost certainly - even in one's own country it's no picnic. Throw in an exceptional circumstance and it becomes even worse.

Regards,
John

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

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

I read the first half of that sentence a couple times... and couldn't quite figure out what he meant until I finally read on to the end.

BTW... the answer is that many employers prefer single teachers because we are cheaper. Usually smaller housing... only one ticket to be paid... no school fees for any kiddies.

VS

Bisa Dong! · Joined: 15 Sep 2004 Posts: 24

I didn't want to start a new thread so I thought I'd join this one. Very Happy

Is it realistic to expect around USD3,300 a month for a university job in Saudi for someone with an MA in TESOL?

Can you buy stuff from Amazon and other mail order companies (books and DVDs mainly)?

Thanks!

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

Bisa Dong! · Joined: 15 Sep 2004 Posts: 24

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

Language school experience may not be of much value to a university employer. The better places will want to see 2-3 years of "related" experience AFTER the MA. By related, they mean Academic English.

As to books and DVDs, I suggest a loaded Kindle or iPad before you get there. Depending on your location and internet connection, one can download. People do report getting stuff from Amazon, but it is pricey and again, it depends on your location in the Kingdom.

VS

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Even in the back of beyond (Hafr Al Batin) I used to get Amazon shipments. All you need is a PO Box to send the items to.

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

Do you need an iqama to get a PO Box?

VS

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Yes. And 300 SR (maybe it is cheaper). You can usually use your employer's PO Box.

In Hafr Al Batin Post Office I was treated as an honoured guest. One or two employees liked to practise their Engliosh, ply me with tea and dates, and enlist my help in deciphering the stranger parcels destined for recipients somewhere in Saudi Arabia.

I would add that everythjing addressed to me got there. Sometines s l o w l y.

Zara461 · Joined: 17 Nov 2012 Posts: 58 Location: 007-Kingdom

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Small town KSA is more advanced than you might think !

Bisa Dong! · Joined: 15 Sep 2004 Posts: 24