Job Discussion Forums

[ukazi]

Hi Everyone

I'm going through the dreaded visa application process with Education Experts. I've been for a medical check up during which I gave two blood samples to test it for any diseases and illnesses.

That's fine, but, now, they said that I might have to have another medical check up during which my chest will be x-rayed and I'll give a urine sample. Furthermore, they said that I'll most likely fly out at the end of October or at the beginning of November.

This is my current situation. I feel like a fish who has been hooked and is dangling in mid air. They make fulfill their promise or break it.

I have two questions:

1) What are your opinions? Should I withdraw or continue with the visa process?

2) How long did you wait for a visa? 6 months? 1 year?

[nomad soul]

[ukazi]

Thanks for the reply nomad soul.

To everyone else, do reply with your opinions.

[Cletus]

Stay home because Edex has employees that have not been paid in months.

[nomad soul]

[1chunk]

Hi

If you withdraw now, you will lose the £500 you paid for your iqama/medical fee. The chest x-ray should have all been done on the same day alongside the urine sample and blood test. It's all very simple, I do not know why they are making you come back again.

Edex are well known for keeping people waiting many months. You will not be the first or the last. You should take their words with a pinch of salt.

I am guessing you are female, since they are not taking any males this year. Even then, I'd be cautious because the main recruitment and flying out period has passed/is passing as we speak.

PS: I've had personal experience with the clowns. James, Richard, Terry and the lot of them.
Just seen your other post btw, you've accepted an offer in China?!

[nomad soul]

[veiledsentiments]

[ukazi]

Yes, I've also accepted an offer with EF China. I've applied for positions with bottom feeders because I'm a recently qualified teacher. I wish could apply for better positions, but, frankly, my experience does not match their criteria.

Any advice on what I can do?

[nomad soul]

Have you looked into teaching in Korea? It seems to be a popular destination for those just starting out. Check out the SK job discussion forums (http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/). Separate registration is required for posting.

[ukazi]

I'm currently going through the application process with the EPIK program in Korea.

[1chunk]

[ukazi]

It was a catch 22-situation. I took a deep breath and informed Edex in no uncertain words that I'm withdrawing from the visa process and I don't want to teach in Saudi Arabia with them. They'll probably ring me tomorrow and try to reel me in with uncertain promises.

I might as well reveal my entire journey with them. Previously, they guaranteed that the entire medical process will be completed in 2 hours. On the day, they said that only a blood test was required, not a chest x-ray and a urine test. They even took my passport, promising that it'll be stamped within 10 days. That never happened. I rang them a few times to gain updates and, each time, they said that the acquisition of my visa was delayed, thus I waited for almost a month.

During this period, they claimed that the Saudi embassy had my passport. To test this claim, I rang the embassy in London earlier this week and they said that they only hold passports for 3 days max. Then a day later they informed me that I might have to have a chest x-ray and a urine test.

It was a big decision for me because I've just squandered £500 and that is a large sum.

I went ahead with the above decision becuase, from what i've gathered Edex, is a sinking ship and its days are numbered. I've communicated with a few of its current employees. They've said that its slowly losing its contracts and its finding it difficult to pay its employees. Bon voyage, Edex.

I hope this doesn't deter people from applying for teaching positions in Saudi Arabia, but I also hope that people may take a lesson from my experience; do your homework before you apply.

[The Fifth Column]

[ukazi]

Thanks for the comments.