Job Discussion Forums

[veiledsentiments]

Well Scot... not sure if it is just South Korean experience that doesn't transfer well. This is true of anyone whose experience has only been in one culture or educational environment. New teachers in any new part of the world often have difficulties. Just as many Saudi expat teachers can't transition to the more demanding institutions of the other Gulf universities.

[scot47]

Korea is different. If you doubt this, have a look at some of the discussions over on the Korea Forum.

[Chocomay]

Hi Forum members,

I'm a newbie here but have been following the forum for some time. I wanted to ask - preferably of women teaching in Jeddah - if the following is a good offer for a women's university in Jeddah:

Basic - 13,800 SAR
TA - 1,000
HA - 2,083 (plus the other perks)

I am a British female (non caucasian) with approx 9 years of employment letters, CELTA and MA TESOL.

Is it normal to negotiate? It sounds like a BA degree + CELTA type offer.

Any input or insights are appreciated.

Cheers

[nomad soul]

[Chocomay]

Thanks Nomad Soul. I think what I was trying to establish is whether the 15,000 SAR was a typical basic salary. I recall Abayababy mentioning direct hire on PYP as 14,600 incl Travel allowance, so in my case it would be 14,800 SAR inclusive of TA.

In any case, I see that salaries vary and are generally capped as mentioned before. Nomad, is 2,083 SAR enough to rent a 1bed apartment in Jeddah for a single woman? I think I read that you have your own rented apartment so just trying to get an insight into things before committing.

Best -

[nomad soul]

[Chocomay]

Yes, would be interesting to know exactly what the variables are! Good to know cost of living is relatively low in Jeddah and that the HA might get me something decent!

Thanks for getting back to me Nomad Soul, much appreciated

[Zara461]

[Chocomay]

Hi Zara,

Thanks for your input. Yes, I agree it is a good salary and roughly equivalent to sessional EAP work at a UK uni.

Do you know how holiday allowance works? I've read that most direct-hire uni jobs have 60 - in some case 30 - days leave excl Eid holidays etc. Is this dependent on when one starts their contract? Unless there is a typo mistake in my offer letter, I am eligible for zilch ( only Eid holidays). Of course, the academic years starts after Ramadan In August , which would only leave the Eid Adha hols.

Where does this generous holiday,so often cited, come into play? I'm awaiting feedback from HR but of course it's the weekend there now until Sat.

[nomad soul]

[johnslat]

If you start "off-cycle." it could also affect your EOS bonus (End of Service.)

Wasn't there just a thread about Saudi women ON cycles?

Regards,
John

[Zara461]

[Chocomay]

Right got you. The contract is due to start after Ramadan - at the beginning of their new academic year - but after checking Wiki I see it corresponds to Shawal, which is the 10th month of the Hijri calendar, so technically it is half way through and should be at least pro-rata. My title is English instructor and I have a one year contract; however, nothing about renewal or End of Service bonus.

Yes, I have asked the HR for more info on this but thought I'd get an idea here first while I wait for them to start their week again on Saturday.

Cheers for the input

[Chocomay]

[Zara461]