Site Search:
 
Get TEFL Certified & Start Your Adventure Today!
Teach English Abroad and Get Paid to see the World!
Job Discussion Forums Forum Index Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!"
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

Had an interview, stupid questions remain (expenses)
Goto page 1, 2  Next
 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Job Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Saudi Arabia
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
RustyShackleford



Joined: 13 May 2013
Posts: 449
PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 3:27 pm    Post subject: Had an interview, stupid questions remain (expenses) Reply with quote
Hi everyone,

I've made the motion to put out my resume and got contacted by a government school. They're offering effectively 25hours/week to the tune of about $3500 in the capital + Housing allowance and airfare. I'm 70% certain I'm going to take the offer just because I don't have any other offers standing, but I had some questions about lifestyle beyond the usual questions about Islam, alcohol and such. The offer at the school seems pretty legitimate and the gentleman I interviewed with seemed upfront about the good and bad of the lifestyle there.

That said, I have some mild trepidation when it comes to certain things... That salary seems on the low side even considering that the "good times" have since ended in KSA. I know that, realistically, I won't be Scrooge McDuck swimming in his money pool, but could that salary realistically get me some savings?

What are the typical expenses and work/life balance taken by people out there?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 4:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
RustyShackleford wrote:
They're offering effectively 25hours/week to the tune of about $3500 in the capital + Housing allowance and airfare.

That salary seems on the low side even considering that the "good times" have since ended in KSA. I know that, realistically, I won't be Scrooge McDuck swimming in his money pool, but could that salary realistically get me some savings?

What are the typical expenses and work/life balance taken by people out there?

Are you direct hire (the "school" is the actual employer), or is this employer a contracting company? I ask because that salary is more like what contracting companies offer and not direct-hire employers. Either way, your salary is based on your qualifications (i.e., degree/major, TEFL cert, & relevant TEFL experience). By the way, weren't you enrolled in a MAT degree program from a Spanish university last fall?

In terms of savings, it depends on your spending habits (e.g., frequent trips to expensive Dubai, Bahrain, etc.) and whatever financial obligations vs what you expect to sock aside each month. But you should be able to boost your savings since that $3500 is tax free. Riyadh is inexpensive in terms of costs for eating out, groceries, transportation, and general household items. However, since you've been offered a housing allowance (of ?), be aware that furnished places rent for more than unfurnished housing. And of course, if unfurnished, you'll likely need to purchase everything including the kitchen sink---an added expense. Some employers provide a one-time furniture allowance---check if yours does. Also, as a single male, it may be challenging to find a landlord that rents to bachelors (single males), but your teaching colleagues should be able to help you with that
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
RustyShackleford



Joined: 13 May 2013
Posts: 449
PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 4:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
It's a direct hire and yes the salary did seem awfully low based on that fact. My presumption is that they are basically saying that any of my TEFL experience outside of the Middle East and prior to my MA is Out as far as the government/my salary is concerned.

And yes, I am currently enrolled in my MAT and continuing the interview process/hiring is contingent on completing it. Yes, I also get furniture allowance with the housing. This was made clear to me from the outset.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 5:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
RustyShackleford wrote:
It's a direct hire and yes the salary did seem awfully low based on that fact. My presumption is that they are basically saying that any of my TEFL experience outside of the Middle East and prior to my MA is Out as far as the government/my salary is concerned.

Probably. Some direct-hire employers don't count pre-MA teaching experience and most won't factor in unverified TEFL experience.

and wrote:
I am currently enrolled in my MAT and continuing the interview process/hiring is contingent on completing it.
.
I assume you're graduating this year. Since your degree will be from a foreign university, I suggest you start looking into the authentication process now so that you won't be hit with any big "surprises" once you graduate. It may mean returning to the US to complete the visa process as well.

Last edited by nomad soul on Tue Feb 17, 2015 5:22 pm; edited 1 time in total
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
RustyShackleford



Joined: 13 May 2013
Posts: 449
PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 5:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Yeah, I've been looking into it and getting all sorts of responses. Asking some people who went to my program around and waiting for what they say.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 5:25 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
For example, your university registrar will have to provide transcripts and written verification that your degree did not entail any online coursework.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
RustyShackleford



Joined: 13 May 2013
Posts: 449
PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 5:32 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Once all the documentation is in, how much of a hassle is the actual visa application process?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
PostPosted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 5:48 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
You'll find the employment visa process on the Saudi Embassy's (US) site. But basically, you'll also need to provide a criminal background report in addition to a medical report that requires a physical exam, lab test results as well as a chest x-ray. Don't expect the process to be quick.
Back to top