Job Discussion Forums

MAstudent · Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 27

I have been overed a job with SDT through BAe. Does anyone have any advise for me with regards SDT? how they are with their staff? their students? anything else that would be beneficial????

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Is this to teach English? Because it took me many readings to decipher this message with the odd grammar and mis-spellings...

Vs

MAstudent · Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 27

Sorry about the spelling, i had just got home from a 6 hour journey when I wrote the message. Yes it is teaching English and normally i can spell!!! Honest!

mouse5 · Joined: 11 Jan 2006 Posts: 142

Not a bad place to work unless you end up teaching sleepy cadets. It's your job to keep them awake. Teaching is secondary. SDT civilian courses are much easier but you'll be working longer hours I hear. Good pay. Accommodation's like living in a fortress but that's a necessity in Riyadh. Don't expect to be using anything you've learnt from your MA. Saudi students just need chalk and talk to keep them happy. Oh and when you land in Riyadh don't forget to put you watch back - 400 years!Have fun!

MAstudent · Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 27

How long will it take to get my wife and child out there? is there a minimum waiting period?

What�s the management like? How do they treat their staff? Are they left to get on with it or constantly harassed?

Your comments are greatly appreciated

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

dogzB · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 29

I worked there some years ago and it was excellent. I don't know what has happened recently but you will be working with European managers and it's the next best package to the actual BAE Systems package (which is the mother company anyway). The reason for the differences in contracts are due to the nature of the defence contract around which most of the work revolves. I had fantastic students while I was there although I know things have changed a bit recently. You may not be able to get wife and kids there for a couple of years (at BAE I think there's a two year list - if you sign up for a second contract, you will probably be rewarded) but then again that might be a good thing! It's not the most interesting place for women due to the restrictions applied. My wife enjoyed it but probably only because she was there for 6 months every year! Holidays are good so you should get back relatively frequently - at least enough to keep your marriage and family going strong!! The UAE is one hour's flight away and you could meet up with family there if necessary or a half way meet in Greece or Turkey is cheap at both ends. Most people go to KSA to put away money and there is no better place for doing it as far as I know!
Depends where your priorities lie - I went there with an MA and found that I was welcome to use it and offer new ideas and try new things - perhaps I was just lucky!! Good luck Cool

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

Instead of SDT why don't you try BAE?

Better package and much better location. ie near the Bahrain border and the guys have multiple exit re entry visas these days.

mouse5 · Joined: 11 Jan 2006 Posts: 142