Job Discussion Forums

[isaak]

Hi All,

I've been browsing this forum for about couple of years now but never posted anything. I would like some advice from experienced members or anyone who knows what am on about please. I have the following questions below;

I am currently studying for an MA Education, i finish by september, but i dont graduate till December. However i dont want to lose out on jobs as most start around september. So i want to go there without my certificate but i can provide a transcript or a letter from University will these be ok, or do i need my certificate. Would it be wiser to just wait, when i have everything together.

I am also completing Celta, so i would like to know what are my chances with MA Education, is this desired at all, are my chances boosted by CELTA, although i have very limited experience. Can i get direct hire with say the likes of ARAMCO.

Also i will be joined by my wife, who has a degree and a celta. But we have 2 small children. How do we both get a job at the same time. Do i need to go there first and secure a job then she can join, because i was hoping we both go at the same time. How likely is it for the same company to hire spouses together.

I also have questions about child care, which is the way best to get child care in Saudi when you know nothing about the place or no one to direct you to a nanny. Also does employee cover this.

[Melange]

I received an offer before I had my degree in hand. In my case, I had completed all of my courses and was waiting to receive the diploma from the university; but I have a friend who was actually still enrolled when he received an offer, but as I have been advised, things vary quite a bit in KSA. However, I am almost certain that you need your diploma before a contract is issued. In any event, it certainly doesn't hurt to try.

Seems you are good to go with an MA in education and a celta qual. But from what I know, the upper-tier positions require several years of experience in addition to a relevant MA. But again, doesn't hurt to try.

If your wife has a celta and BA, it would be a good idea to submit her quals every time you apply.

[sicklyman]

[nomad soul]

[scot47]

The name indicates that the OP is a Muslim, and I assume, very keen on getting to the Promised Land.

Take the warnings from Sicklyman seriously.

PMU hires males and females, but they generally ask for considerable experience. It can also be a difficult place to work.

Getting jobs that will pay education allowance sufficient for two children could be problematic. State Unis will only pay SAR25,000 which is not quite enough for one child.

[nomad soul]

There's always ICEAT (http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=36075), if you're adamant about working in the Kingdom. They might be able to place you and your wife at KSU, especially if she has a couple of years of teaching experience. Don't count on family benefits, however. See "Al-Hussan VS ICEAT" (http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=111480); the OP on that thread also has a wife and child.

[isaak]

Thank you all for taking the time to offer your advice and ideas.

First of all I have been researching about KSA for more than 2 years, hence why I took an MA and celta which I believe will boost my chances.

Melange I will give it a try and see what they say. I completed all my courses and don't want to wait around. Thanks.

Nomadsoul China isn't an option for me simply because of low pay. Saudi isn't the greatest country in the world but I know they pay better than most countries in this field.

Scot47 yes I am muslim, but that's not why I've chosen the kingdom. PMU is probably a good option. Thanks

As for the education allowance if two parents are both working as teachers surely it will work out as each employee could covers one child fees. (Hoping) also my children aren't school age yet, don't know if this makes it easier and the company would just pay for child care which am guessing is alot cheaper in saudi.

Sicklyman I realise saudi is not ideal for a wife and 2 kids but surely been able to save money outweighs anything else at least for a few years.

I know that perhaps Armco is not gonna happen just yet, but am hoping direct hire is a possibility, but how does one apply directly do I go on their site.

Nomadsoul doesn't ICEAT have a really bad reputation, I want a decent job not just anything that comes along.

[nomad soul]

[scot47]

If husband and wife are both working in KSA they will not both get educational allowances.

You may wish to consider working for one of the schools like Manarat that provide English-medium education. They may offer reduced or free education for teacher's offspring.

[Paul in Saudi]

I cannot imagine a tougher wish. Two direct-hire Aramco jobs at the same time posted to the same school for two new teachers? You should apply, but it would take a miracle.

[Gamajorba]

Some wise advice - don't go to Saudi.

[sicklyman]

[akoo1]

Isaak

What you want to do is possible and many people have done it or currently doing it. I have one American friend who brought 4 of his kids to Riyadh (and he stayed 3 years). His wife came too.

If you're willing to drop the Aramco part you can find many jobs where you and your wife can work together or at least nearby each other.

You should always take whatever is said on this site with a heavy grain of salt. A lot of people talk as if what their experiences may apply to others, which often it doesn't.

Just finish your qualifications, make a nice resume, all professional, apply either together with your wife, or bring her in a few months after you settle in by yourself. Either way, you can do what you want here as long as you don't depend on the opinions of others. Just figure it yourself and don't try to overplan every detail until you're actually here.

Also, nobody cares if you have MA Tesol or MA education, or whatever else. Those pieces of paper will only get you so far. It's your ability to have a good resume, interview and relational skills on the ground that will make or break your success here. For example, I know one teacher who made 6 figures on just a bachelor degree. He's gone now but the time he spent here, he really enjoyed it as do I. It's a great place for a family as family if first (especially for a Muslim family) as there are many benefits.

It also depends what you want your family exposed to. I can think of 1001 sights and sounds in China alone (especially the expat areas) which no Muslim child should ever witness. At least in KSA, those kinds of activities are on the down low or people have to hide away to do them.

Finally, there are plenty of nannies and babysitters here. That's not an issue.

Good luck!

[scot47]

As others have pointed out, ARAMCO is unlikely. I did suggest Manarat Schools and there other possibilities.. I agree with Akoo on the obsession with MAs. A degree, certification and experience should get you something.

[nomad soul]