Job Discussion Forums

goalies · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 8

Hello!
I have just been offered a teaching position at KSU riyadh. The pay is 7,000 SR. I live in Europe; I'm married and got 4 kids. THe oldest is in high school and the youngest a newborn baby. Now that I have to go to SA soon, I am having second thoughts about this job. How worth is it, considering the salary (no very high) and the fact that it will undoubtedly change the life and habits of my family (kids and wife)?

Comments and/or opinion are welcome.
Thanks a lot.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

4 kids, low salary, Saudi Arabia: yah I'd have second thoughts too. What benefits are they offering (housing, medical, flights)?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Are you coming with the family ? 7,000 a month is LOW.

If coming with family what about their education ?

ohman · Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 239 Location: B' Um Fouk, Egypt

I agree the salary is low; however, with four kids I imagine you won't mind bolting in the evenings. There are plenty of evening classes in institutes available--just remember that they're desperate for native speakers, so you can practically name your price and set your hours, within reason (90 - 120 riyals an hour). A three hour evening job could bring in as much as another 25% above your KSU pay. KSU has a nice campus, good location. Prep for your night job on the day job, be discreet

Cleopatra · Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2003 7:51 am Post subject:

7,000 is very low for KSA. Most teaching jobs pay at least 9,000, often quite a bit more. Particularly as you've got 4 kids, you need to think carefully about the benefits provided. Since your employers seem to be cheap skate, it's highly unlikley they'll pay for schooling for more than 2 kids. Also, read carefully what is offered re flight allowance and housing.

To be honest, while I'm aware that 7,000 isn't a bad salary by international standards - given the appalling EFL pay scales - for KSA it really is poor. Plus, when you factor in the fact that life here can be dull, to put it mildly, you might want to ask yourself if it is really all worth while. On the positive side, KSA is safe (yes, even now!), working environemntes are usually laid back, and you may still get to save on that salary because there's not much temptatin-other than boredom - to spend.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

How about this possibility ? You come to work here with those cheapskates. You find another, better-paid job. To take it up you need a "Letter of No Objection" from your first employer in Saudi. They refuse.

So what then ? I would like to stress the importance of getting it right. Choose your employer with care if you want to come here.
I think you might get a better deal with KFUPM in Dhahran

ohman · Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 239 Location: B' Um Fouk, Egypt

Contact UAEU in Al Ain. The pay is much better and this institute is especially family friendly as is the town. As with most unis in the Khaleej, theGulf Arab baby boomers (born between 1970 - 1990) are swelling the educational institutions with no end in sight for years to come.