Job Discussion Forums

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Be aware that the type we know as "Walter Mitty" is everywhere in KSA. King Salman agreed with me the last time I had tea with him and his pals. Sound bloke.. I think he is even smarter than King Feisal with whom I often used to have a natter.........

Get the idea ?

chrisp728 · Joined: 13 Oct 2012 Posts: 40

Thanks for the replies scot47, nomad soul and hash. I'm aware of Walter Mitty syndrome, which is why I was hoping a credible poster on this board might answer the questions. Which scot47 did, to my gratitude.

I did a bit of research, and from what I can gather Dammam Community College seems a bit lowball (I saw figures under 10000SAR a month, which won't do) plus it's quite far from the KFUPM campus, meaning a daily commute on Saudi roads. Campus life seems quite appealing after all these years since my varsity days....

Many thanks to you all for your kind and informative help Smile

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

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

DCC teachers are not housed on KFUPM Campus.

pooroldedgar · Joined: 07 Oct 2010 Posts: 181

Is the KFUPM campus a nice place to live?
What's it like?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Not a compound, but it is extensive parkland with trees and greenery. Nice areas for walking. Some teachers hardly go off campus. Just down the road are a couple of supermarkets and the shopping centre with IKEA.

Free coffee at IKEA is a great draw for the misers on campus. A sight to behold is the visitation of IKEA by large numbers of bearded Mutawaa types, who clearly dream of living like Swedes.

chrisp728 · Joined: 13 Oct 2012 Posts: 40

Is it safe to get around the KFUPM campus by bicycle, or is there significant Saudi traffic? #roadkill

Gamajorba · Joined: 03 May 2015 Posts: 357

chrisp728 · Joined: 13 Oct 2012 Posts: 40

paul.conlong · Joined: 31 Mar 2015 Posts: 84 Location: Rochdale, UK

If thats the kind of motivation you're looking form, your in the wrong country Laughing

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

You want a filly, bring your own.

chrisp728 · Joined: 13 Oct 2012 Posts: 40

Very droll Laughing

And the campus.....?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

KFUPM Main Campus is something unusual in KSA. It is mature parkland and quite a pleasant area to walk around - or use a cycle on. Of course there are cars. Some are even driven by women, although there are restrictions on what areas they may drive in. Security is in the hands of the University Security Department who are gentlemen.

Beware of the sons of senior Saudi faculty, who present the main traffic hazard as they drive about the campus.

chrisp728 · Joined: 13 Oct 2012 Posts: 40

Looking through earlier posts, it seems that KFUPM provide visas for spouses, and will provide larger accommodation if a teacher is married, and an education allowance if he has children, at no extra cost? This seems rather different from many strictly single-status jobs. Almost makes you want to get married!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Ceiling on education allowance is SR25,000 per annum. Total, not per child. Some have criticised the accommodation but I found it acceptable. My tastes are modest and I know my station in life. Some EFLers have illusions of grandeur and imagine they should be treated on a par with Saudi Professors !