Job Discussion Forums

[travelerhere]

Hi,

I'm a single male, 50ish, I'm not sure what to expect in Saudi Arabia and/or where to apply.

I have a Master's Degree in ESL, but about 1/2 year of teaching adults.

Any advice where to apply? culture? nightlife as far as what to do?

I'm hoping to leave by Jan/Feb 2014.

I'm also considering KOREA.

Thanks!

[plumpy nut]

[nomad soul]

Travelerhere:

It would be helpful if you stated your must-haves in terms of quality of life, expectations, etc., because the two countries you mentioned are polar opposites of each other.

[trapezius]

Since you asked for culture and nightlife, perhaps you should research a country before moving to it for work?

Also, you can't say "I am hoping to leave by [date]", at least not for SA. The process can take from about 2-3 weeks to 2-3 months to get the visa, it depends on the employer. And that's just to get the visa, how about, umm, the time to search for, apply for, and get a job, which 'ideally', should be done before getting a visa? You can only make that statement once you have the visa in hand, and the time estimates I gave apply after you get a job offer.

[nomad soul]

I second Trap's suggestion about researching the two countries first. Also, be aware that heading to KSA on a business visit visa will get you there quickly (4-6 weeks) from the time you receive an offer to when you arrive in country. However, this visa type tends to be the preference of the sketchiest of contracting companies and doesn't lead to legal employment. On the other hand, a legit employment visa can take from 2-3 months to obtain once a job offer is received. Plus, this visa process requires a battery of lab tests, a med exam, degree authentication, and a criminal background report---all from the comfort of your home country.

[sicklyman]

6 months' experience teaching adults?

Is that going to register with any employer here except the ones no one in their right mind should work for?

[travelerhere]

I researched, but I was hoping to get the inside scoop about the students, quality of students and education/administration.

I certainly realize there's not this huge nightclub scene, that was not what I was asking. I meant like restaurants, places to go, activities...

Some of you need to read the posts and not just look to criticize, thank you.

[jargonscott]

[veiledsentiments]

[cmp45]

You asked general questions....here are some general answers....
using common sense logic...

The bigger the city the more restaurants, shopping outlets, and other facilities there will be. Riyadh and Jeddah are the biggest cities in KSA and have the most to offer in this regard.

University students' English learning abilities range from very good to very poor; same goes for behavior/ maturity.

institutions and their administration also vary from good to bad

With only 6 months of teaching experience, you will more than likely start at a base salary if you manage to find employment. Base salaries can range from high to low depending where you apply.

I admit finding the ideal job/ place is no easy task. Quite often people manage to slog it out in less than ideal places until they land that "ideal job". Not so sure there is such a job out there that could be considered "ideal", perhaps in terms of money, but with regards to everything else, it tends to be par for the course in KSA. I think it goes without saying, most people work their way up and into the better positions over time. At least until you set foot in the country and have made a few in -country contacts, it can be difficult to know which institution is best. Scan the numerous threads on this forum and you will gain alot of insight into what is hot and what is not. Korea might be a better choice for you, if you require the typical western "entertainment" such as cinemas, theaters, bars, clubs, etc.

[nomad soul]

[grayskies]

Dear Traveler,

Your odds are very good for landing a job in the kingdom. You have a Masters in the relevant field, native speaker, and above all, you're male.
May I suggest, go to www.higheredjobs.com and apply at Prince Sultan University. They are recruiting now. Also, King Faisal and King Fahad are seeking male lecturers. Regarding the nightlife, you will find it in any country. However, in Saudi, it is underground in the privacy of a rented apartment of sorts. Once on the job, you will have many colleagues that will help you find your way. Good luck!

[scot47]

You might get something for a September start, Nightlife in KSA ? There are quite a few mosques.

[myohmy]

[psychedelicacy]