Job Discussion Forums

timinpudong · Joined: 16 Feb 2015 Posts: 5

Can someone put me in the picture about the best all-round deal: the ELI at KAU in Jeddah or KFUPM, which seems to have two options: the undergraduates and pre-undergraduates? For example, is accommodation ok in Jeddah, do you have to find your own, share, get on-campus single flats? I read that you might get poor accommodation at KFUPM if you are single. What are the internet connections like there? Can you get youtube? Football matches? Cricket? Teaching hours? Student motivation? (Not expecting much, but are they all tough going?). Access to beach clubs? Sorry if I am asking old q's but any insights from anyone who has experience would be a big help. Thanks.

Hatcher · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 602

I interviewed at both places and worked at the ELI.

The main benefit of the ELI is you only teach 3 hrs a day and do 1 hr of office hours a day. And you only work 24 weeks of the year max. Better pay. Yes, good access to beaches but you need a car.

Moronic management and single entry visas.

The east coast has a little less pay and 8 hrs a day in the office. Better students. Beaches and access to Bahrain and multiple entry visas.

Heaton · Joined: 02 Jan 2012 Posts: 35

At KFUPM it's 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon (plus 1 office hour). Multiple re-entry visas allow you to weekend in Bahrain. Housing is sub-standard in "old shebab" but the "new shebab" buildings are a little newer. They were getting brand new fiber optics for internet as I was leaving. The students were great; only an occasional turd in the punch bowl!

timinpudong · Joined: 16 Feb 2015 Posts: 5

Thanks a lot, guys.
So, at ELI, what can you do with all those weeks off if you only get single entry? Do you have to get another visa if you leave the country? Is the accommodation ok? Shared? Find your own? Students not so motivated?

At KFUPM, i guess it's the luck of the draw with accom? Are the students you mention the PYP ones?

Also, do you know much about moonlighting, e.g. Private teaching, ielts work?

Sorry to bombard you, but all info v helpful in deciding

Hatcher · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 602

You have to work hard to stay busy. The gym or beach. If you like water sports it is ok.

You find your own housing unless you are a big wig.

Students? Go to class, smile, follow the rules... go home.

My boss was very strict with me and demanded that I keep strict attendance. That was until the students complained I was too strict and western... then he said I didnt understand the culture... he wouldnt say that to me, of course, nor in writing. He sent someone to tell someone to tell someone... to tell me.

If you like movies and music and can be inside for months on end... you will do well.

Why dont they allow multiple entry visas like the east coast unis? It would make it easier to recruit top teachers.... they fear you will take off.

No logic at all.

RickBlaine · Joined: 26 Jun 2011 Posts: 26

What's the salary for someone with an M.A. at KAU? KFUPM?

RB

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

13-15,000 per month at KFUPM give or take

McBrainiac · Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 61 Location: Somewhere warm

Just my two cents but I heard that they recently got a substantial pay raise. Anyway, I liked it when I was there and thought that it was a good gig.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Bonus - Two months' salary for those already on the payroll.

timinpudong · Joined: 16 Feb 2015 Posts: 5

Good news and bad news then....for new applicants! Know anything about ELD vs the PEP? Or more good and bad news?

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

BillyBaddusky · Joined: 23 Aug 2014 Posts: 20

Imagine a flow chart, one in which you can see where you are as a bottom feeder, and are able to follow the chain of command directly to the next highest level to reach upper tier management. You do not want to jump a queue nor step on toes and accidentally ignore the rigid chain of command.

Now, imagine a flow chart resembling MC Escher's Optical Illusions, one zig zagging from top to bottom, stairwells that lead nowhere..Maybe it's like that at KFUPM. I wouldn't know.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Jeddah is an amazing city - complete with warts and a disintegrating sewage disposal "system". KFUPM is a good place to work, but Dhahran/Khobar/Dammam is nothing great.

Both jobs are government unis and a great improvement on working for dodgy language "schools". In both cases salary is significantly lower than you would get in a military contract.

balqis · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 373

KAU housing allowance 17000 SR yearly for an M.A. holder - a norm?
Or negotiable.

balqis