Job Discussion Forums

Paris teacher · Joined: 17 Jun 2016 Posts: 38

I have noticed a few posts claiming that Saudi is waning when it comes to wages. What surprises me is that I also hear teachers claiming that work in China could bring in just as much money as work in KSA. Do you think this is far fetched? Does anyone have experience with both countries? If so, how would you compare the earning potential?

waltgomez · Joined: 03 Jul 2014 Posts: 105

My understanding is that low tier jobs in Saudi, the ones that pay SAR 9,000 -10,000 ( USD 2400-2700) are starting to approximate high tier China jobs which also pay about the same. The Chinese are also starting to offer free accommodations. Thus, if your goal is to save USD 20,000 a year and not to put up with harsh weather, no women and no booze, then, you might as well go to China. However, 'most' Chinese jobs do not pay so much while lower tier Saudi jobs are dime a dozen.

If you are a relative beginner in the ESL field, then, you should go to China, and after that, shoot for high paying Saudi jobs- which pay USD 3800-4800 and up. Then, it will be worth it.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

In China you are expected to put in some work. Give me a life of leisure in KSA - preferably not in the same institution as some of those constantly griping on this forum.

sez Scot47 from the safety of retirement in the Estuary of the River Clyde !

RustyShackleford · Joined: 13 May 2013 Posts: 449

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

That depends on where you teach in KSA.

RustyShackleford · Joined: 13 May 2013 Posts: 449

True enough. I'm in one of the military outfits and just recently submitted my resignation. Will be doing a fair but honest write-up soon enough.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Military pays the money but that money has a price on it. Better to go for a cushy number in Civvy Street. the students tend to be better and can be quite human.

nellyp · Joined: 29 Mar 2015 Posts: 58

I think the bonus in Saudi will always be the tax. Wages for toptier Chinese jobs to low tiear Saudi jobs may now equate, but the tax brings the Chinese jobs lower

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

Some companies in China pay you with after tax wages. The usual teaching hours are twenty hours, not 30 to 40 found in Saudi Arabia. With overtime you can make close to what a crappy job in Saudi pays. Also think about the fringe benefits: reasonable hard working supervisors (recommendations given), no idiot demands for dress clothes by superficial Saudi companies for their students, no completely blown out of proportion requests made by the SACM, and blown out of proportion medical tests, no idiot perceptions that a few online classes make a degree unacceptable, and much much more. When I was getting my TEFL certificate, the classes were told by the academy that the Chinese were the most sensible of all people to work with in the ESL industry. Any benefits to working in Saudi Arabia are starting to collapse, and the Saudis are getting more and more demanding just like a third world dictator about to be ousted.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

So is Plumpy now cooperating in the construction of "The Chinese Road to Capitalism" ? Can we expect him to start mimicking the Capitalist Roaders with their refrain" It is a glorious thing to get rich !" ??

nellyp · Joined: 29 Mar 2015 Posts: 58

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

Hatcher · Joined: 20 Mar 2008 Posts: 602

If the OP wants to PM me, feel free.

I have been to both places and now claim that both places have a wide range of jobs and salaries.

I make more in China than in the KSA but my ave hourly rate is highest in the KSA.

If you can sit inside and be alone for days on end, the KSA is for you. I worked 3-4 hours a day for less than 26 weeks of the year.

If u need some entertainment, dont go there.

sheikh radlinrol · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 1222 Location: Spain

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652