Job Discussion Forums

[showbiz54]

Hello, I got an offer for TQ in Buraydah and wanted any comments or information about the job and the area.

[veiledsentiments]

Have you done a search on TQ? There are two threads down this page about them in their various locations and have been more in the past. They have been pretty consistently panned in their various iterations/locations over the years in KSA and Kuwait.

The search button is next to the log-in.

VS

[showbiz54]

Most of those are referring to the branch in Mecca. I am more interested in the branch in Buraydah.

[Nabz1236]

Hi what kind of salary package have they offered you?

I believe they provide accomodation and transport for that location.

[Amerrycan Muslim]

It seems from people who I have met recently around Makkah who either currently work for TQ or were recently let go that the disfunction that occurs at Makkah is at all their branches. In fact, it comes from Buraidah because that is the HQ. A couple of the guys I spoke with had to travel to Buraidah from Makkah branch for examinations or something and said it doesn't matter which branch you are at.

The leadership is an "old boys" club that appoints "buddies" to consolidate and keep power and creates a toxic work environment whereby teachers rat on each other thinking they have the chance to progress up the corporate ladder of Pearson...

[showbiz54]

Thank you for the info. Is there anyone who actually works for them or worked for them here? A lot of information is here say.

[AJ88]

I think the people who do work for them are content with the job hence why they're not on the forum saying negative things.

[nomad soul]

[showbiz54]

Ok, thank you for the information. Anyone living in Buraydah? What is the cost of living like there, are there things to do? And for those who live in the La Palma compound, what is life like there?

[nomad soul]

Buraidah - how different from Riyadh for a lady?
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=103400

Anybody worked in Buraidah before?
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=74886

[auhruh]

I've been to La Palma compound. Very nice place with a good sized pool, tennis courts, a small social club and plenty of space for kids to play. I was only there for 24 hours but it had a nice vibe, which was strangely reminiscent of a kibbutz I visited some years ago!

If you're going to be living there, then there's absolutely nothing to worry about accommodation-wise.

Buraidah itself is as dull as any other Saudi town. There's a Moevenpick hotel which is nothing to write home about, save for a half-decent buffet.

I've also been, albeit briefly, to the TQ College of Excellence which looks just like many of the other vocational colleges around the Kingdom. No doubt, the usual KSA study skills/time-keeping/motivation issues prevail.

I can think of much worse places to spend 9 months: Arar, Rafha, Tabuk, Ha'il, Abha, etc etc.

[Amerrycan Muslim]

[honorarycheesehead]

OP - I have worked at TQ Buraydah but was forced to resign because the client, CoE, demanded that teachers have at least five years' experience, which I did not have at the time. Yes, you read that right; this was even after I was hired. This was communicated to me only after I had returned to my home country expecting to receive an Iqama. They decently payed for a new short term visa and flight so I could collect my things and leave again.

This was only the last of a long line of problems at the College. I would say that the above comments about the "old boys' club management", as well as most of what you read about TQ in general is true. I would further say that most of the other employees there are facing similar issues (not quite like mine involving unnecessary intercontinental travel). They choose to stay because the pay is very good and they are much more seasoned, life-experienced folks than me and have a much higher tolerance for nuisances. I envy them for it.

[nomad soul]

[The Fifth Column]