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RustyShackleford
Joined: 13 May 2013
Posts: 449
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 Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 3:27 pm Post subject: Had an interview, stupid questions remain (expenses) |
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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? |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 4:33 pm Post subject: |
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| 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 |
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RustyShackleford
Joined: 13 May 2013
Posts: 449
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| Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 4:48 pm Post subject: |
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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. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 5:15 pm Post subject: |
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| 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 |
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RustyShackleford
Joined: 13 May 2013
Posts: 449
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| Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 5:20 pm Post subject: |
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| 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. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 5:25 pm Post subject: |
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| For example, your university registrar will have to provide transcripts and written verification that your degree did not entail any online coursework. |
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RustyShackleford
Joined: 13 May 2013
Posts: 449
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| Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 5:32 pm Post subject: |
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| Once all the documentation is in, how much of a hassle is the actual visa application process? |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 5:48 pm Post subject: |
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| 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. |
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RustyShackleford
Joined: 13 May 2013
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BajaLaJaula
Joined: 25 Jan 2007
Posts: 267
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| Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 8:40 pm Post subject: |
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You might try a military government contract like B3H, Booz Allen or Raytheon/SALTS. Students are worse but pay will be more like 4,000 to 6,000 USD a month.
In my opinion, if you are going to bother with working in Saudi, you might as well make a little money. Military contracts don't require a Master's degree, just a BA in English or TESOL with a b*llsh*t Celta certificate.
If you are just after the money, and come on, what other reason is there for working in KSA, then try to get as much bang for the buck....or as much money for the misery that you will endure while over there.
B3H pays about 45K
Booz Allen pays about 60K
Raytheon/Salts was in the 80K range, but may drop in the next contract (who Knows?)
Students are unmotivated, and will throw you under a bus the first chance they get...but at least you save a little money.
For 42K a year....you won't be able to save that much, since you will need to go out on vacation and spend a lot of money just to feel that you are alive again. |
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RustyShackleford
Joined: 13 May 2013
Posts: 449
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| Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2015 9:26 pm Post subject: |
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| Looking at the military jobs, maybe B3H is the only one that is currently hiring from the looks of it and I need to have a job lined up by June. Plus this job is offering basically 20 weeks paid vacation which IS hard to say no to. Figure I could pay my dues for a couple years then get on a more lucrative contract for two more years before moving on with some decent savings in a SE Asian country. |
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Cattyforyou
Joined: 26 Jan 2015
Posts: 12
Location: Saudi Arabia
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| Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2015 9:23 pm Post subject: |
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| BajaLaJaula wrote: |
You might try a military government contract like B3H, Booz Allen or Raytheon/SALTS. Students are worse but pay will be more like 4,000 to 6,000 USD a month.
In my opinion, if you are going to bother with working in Saudi, you might as well make a little money. Military contracts don't require a Master's degree, just a BA in English or TESOL with a b*llsh*t Celta certificate.
If you are just after the money, and come on, what other reason is there for working in KSA, then try to get as much bang for the buck....or as much money for the misery that you will endure while over there.
B3H pays about 45K
Booz Allen pays about 60K
Raytheon/Salts was in the 80K range, but may drop in the next contract (who Knows?)
Students are unmotivated, and will throw you under a bus the first chance they get...but at least you save a little money.
For 42K a year....you won't be able to save that much, since you will need to go out on vacation and spend a lot of money just to feel that you are alive again. |
What experience is required? |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2015 11:29 pm Post subject: |
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| Cattyforyou wrote: |
| BajaLaJaula wrote: |
You might try a military government contract like B3H, Booz Allen or Raytheon/SALTS. Students are worse but pay will be more like 4,000 to 6,000 USD a month.
In my opinion, if you are going to bother with working in Saudi, you might as well make a little money. Military contracts don't require a Master's degree, just a BA in English or TESOL with a b*llsh*t Celta certificate.
If you are just after the money, and come on, what other reason is there for working in KSA, then try to get as much bang for the buck....or as much money for the misery that you will endure while over there.
B3H pays about 45K
Booz Allen pays about 60K
Raytheon/Salts was in the 80K range, but may drop in the next contract (who Knows?)
Students are unmotivated, and will throw you under a bus the first chance they get...but at least you save a little money.
For 42K a year....you won't be able to save that much, since you will need to go out on vacation and spend a lot of money just to feel that you are alive again. |
What experience is required? |
Check the Cafe's job board and/or search the Internet to see which ones are currently recruiting if you want to know the qualifications. |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
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| Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 11:25 am Post subject: |
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| "School" ? Is this a university ? Government schools stopped recruiting foreigners many years ago. |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
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| Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2015 4:00 pm Post subject: |
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| scot47 wrote: |
| "School" ? Is this a university ? Government schools stopped recruiting foreigners many years ago. |
Just a reminder scot... in US English, a school is where there are students... elementary through university... language schools... adult education... all are schools to me. Note that NS put it in quote marks.
VS |
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