Job Discussion Forums

Jawbreaker · Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 6:46 pm Post subject: Which is better?

I have a chance to work at for either King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran or through an Irish recruiter for EdEX in Riyadh. Information and advice please.

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

If you're asking if you should choose a direct-hire situation (KFUPM) over a cheesy contracting company (EdEx), then definitely go with the former.

AJ88 · Joined: 05 Sep 2013 Posts: 99

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

KFUPM, Civilised place,

lynnknows · Posted: Tue Oct 01, 2013 11:18 pm Post subject:

You NEVER go with a recruiter when you have the option of taking a direct hire position.

Jawbreaker · Posted: Wed Oct 02, 2013 2:25 am Post subject:

Yes. Chase. You?

fledex · Joined: 05 Jun 2011 Posts: 342

Of course, anything is better than Edex. Don't know much about KFUPM. My information about Edex is posted elsewhere in these forums.

lcanupp1964 · Joined: 12 Dec 2009 Posts: 381

It almost sounds like the OP is messing around with all of us by asking such a "duh?" kind of question. In case the OP is sincere, it's a no-brainer. Go direct hire. I think KFUPM has the best ESL prep-year program in the Kingdom. I might take a position with EdEX if there were paying 25,000sr a month - maybe.

salamiandbacon · Joined: 13 Apr 2012 Posts: 41

The answer to that question hinges on cash and your own situation. If you are looking for a comfortable, civilised job with lots of holidays, looking to stay 5 years or more in the Kingdom, go for KFUPM.

The pay at KFUPM is lower than what is offered by contractors, but there are opportunities for OT that can get you to about 18 months salary every year. Not guaranteed, though. KFUPM can take their time getting you out there too, so apply now for next September.

Contractors can pay (a lot) more and (can) have better packages. Flights, housing, annual raises etc can be better. They can get you out there faster by using business visas etc with all the attendant problems. They tend to have less stability, and are often more suited to people looking for a quick in-and-out way of earning some money.

Also important to some is location. Dhahran is close to Bahrain. Riyadh isn't.

Go for the contractor if they offer the chance to save considerably more after expenses. Ceteris paribus, go for KFUPM.

Jawbreaker · Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2013 2:12 am Post subject:

Another question─ is it usual to pay your own visa expenses and be reimbursed later? My Riyadh offer is such.

babur · Posted: Fri Oct 04, 2013 6:36 am Post subject: medical & visa expenses

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

fledex · Joined: 05 Jun 2011 Posts: 342

Yes, keep in mind that it is one of the most disreputable contractors in the Ed biz in KSA.

currentaffairs · Joined: 22 Aug 2012 Posts: 828

What is the difference in salary between the two offers?

fledex · Joined: 05 Jun 2011 Posts: 342

I only know about Edex. Two years ago the pay was quite low, between 9,000 and 13,000 SAR the first year, depending on qualifications. After the first year, the salary increase is very little. They don't easily pay the end of year bonus when you leave. If you resign or are fired, getting the ticket home may also be a problem. These are problems that a direct hire might not have.