Job Discussion Forums

Infamous · Joined: 12 Jul 2013 Posts: 1

Hi everyone.

I've just signed a contract with a company called Laureate Education. The college I will be working at is situated in Riyadh. Does anyone have any experience working for them ? Any info will be greatly appreciated.

EYEBALL · Joined: 17 Apr 2013 Posts: 34

Knew some guys who worked there. Pretty bad place, as usual in the catbox known as Saudi!

Bakainfidel · Joined: 10 Oct 2013 Posts: 6

Im in the interview process with them. How are you finding the work so far? Is it worth accepting an offer? From what I have found on the net about them everyone seems to have a negative feeling about Laureate.

EYEBALL · Joined: 17 Apr 2013 Posts: 34

Captain Willard · Joined: 11 Sep 2010 Posts: 251

Do a search for threads like this:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=91332&highlight=laureate

From what I heard the job in Riyadh is better than working in other places in the middle of nowhere. I heard they had non-natives supervising the native speakers which caused all kinds of problems. In general, it is not recommended.

Bander66 · Joined: 08 Oct 2013 Posts: 5

Is anyone currently working for Laureate? I was just offered a position too in Riyadh, but I'm not sure if I should take the plunge or not. Great salary package, but I'm concerned about the work load and work environment. Can anyone shed any light?

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

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

Bander66 · Joined: 08 Oct 2013 Posts: 5

I appreciate the general comments. Sure, it could be a bad position, but I'd still like to figure that out for myself rather than just hearsay from people who haven't worked for the company.

Bakainfidel · Joined: 10 Oct 2013 Posts: 6

Me and another teacher signed the initial agreement and were told originally they would pay for us to fly back to the states to process our visas, now we are being told we have to pay for this ourselves. Also, they don't really like to respond to emails in any timely fashion or at all.

Something about this company is very off and I would think carefully about it before dedicating the time and money needed to get the visa to go and work for them.

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

EYEBALL · Joined: 17 Apr 2013 Posts: 34

A guy I hung out with in Saudi works for them. He is still there and I talk to him once or twice a month. Nothing there has changed, he hates it but is staying until the end of his contract and leaving in a few months. He had to go back home twice for the iquama and they screwed him on money.

Bander66 · Joined: 08 Oct 2013 Posts: 5

Decided to pass on the option. Thanks for all of the advice (Nomad and SicklyMan I'm looking at you). Winter has already hit the ski town I live in, so I'll probably stay the winter and reconsider my options come the Spring after my Master's is finished.

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

Because you signed the contract and dropped it, you might want to wait a full year before trying again. You might have problems within a years time if you try again, then again maybe not.

geoboz · Joined: 19 Jul 2006 Posts: 39

well, from what i'm reading here, it sounds like laureate is the kind of place to avoid. if i were you, i would listen to what these people are telling you. i would do as they suggest: take your time, find a job that has a good reputation among its workers, and saddle in for the long ride. saudi can be a stifling place to work if the admin support is lacking. although i have never worked for laureate, i have worked for seedy employers there and found it to be almost unbearable. a word to the wise...