Job Discussion Forums

durks · Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 26

Hello

I have never posted on this board, mainly as I know nothing about Saudi Arabia excluding the obvious press and media attention!!

However............ I have just received a job offer for 20 hrs a week and 3000USD a month which has me thinking!!

What is 'real life' in Saudi like?

What is cost of living like in Saudi?? How much of the $3000 could I realistically save?

What do you guys do out there in your spare time?

Is Saudi as violent as dipicted on the news? Do you feel safe?

Is there any noticeable sense of animosity towards foreigners?

Do you feel free to do as you please? Within reason obviously.........

I am going to look through the archives now for information but just wanted to try muster up some feedback and opinions on life in Saudi as soon as possible!

Anyone care to rant/discuss how good or bad Saudi has been for them!!

Your thoughts would be an interesting read for me!

durks · Joined: 26 Apr 2006 Posts: 26

Im also a white UK resident if this makes any difference

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu Jul 06, 2006 7:47 pm Post subject:

You ask a lot of questions, many of which have been dealt with on this board on several occasions. I suggest you do a search or simply browse through this page when you have a spare hour or so. I think you'll find that all of your questions will have been answered at least once. If you then have anything more specific to ask, I'm sure people will be happy to answer.

The_Prodiigy · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 252

The country is extremely conservative, vastly different from any lifestyles you might come across in Britain. You'll find more similarities if you boarded a rocket and decamped to the moon. As you are young and new to teaching Saudi is not a suitable place to hone those skills. Assimilating yourself with alternative lifestyles and mixing with the natives, learning about different cultures, music and hobbies are all part of the joy of working overseas. There is a danger Saudi will grind you down, stir up negative impressions of living abroad. As this is your first gig, I suggest Korea (as you have mentioned) or Japan. These places offer far greater opportunities to socialise, travel and enjoy teaching. Good luck!

Queen of Sheba · Joined: 07 May 2006 Posts: 397

Durks, I feel it�s necessary to advise you what many have come to know by now: Prodigy has been commissioned by the ESL Illuminati to divert teachers heading to Saudi to the Far East.

Saudi may not be for you if you are easily bored and into the stereotypical Western lifestyle of bars and debauchery. Otherwise your salary package sounds reasonable, and a tax-free lifestyle and experience abroad is something to be cherished and honored. In my opinion, any experience abroad, and in the Middle East in particular, is a rare opportunity to expand your mind and knowledge while working and contributing your personal experiences. If that doesn�t sound like something you want to do, then you can always join Prodigy in the Japanese cheap thrills motel, which based on the number of his agitated posts, seems to only exist in his dreams. Otherwise, do you research on Saudi Arabia wisely, and ask more specific questions of those of us that have managed to make Saudi work for them.

Anytime now · Joined: 29 Apr 2005 Posts: 59

Don't take that low-salary job, esp. in the KSA. You can do better than that. If native speakers with good credentials take these low-paying jobs, it only undercuts what they should pay to get us to KSA. Think about it. There are still jobs for Masters holders who pay $45,000-$80,000.

With Lebanon & Gaza flaring up again, what is it worth? This will affect the whole politics of the region.

Anytime Now

Mark100 · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Posts: 441

Queen of Sheba

I had to laugh at your comment "if you are easily bored and into the stereotypical Western lifestyle of bars and debauchery" Saudi is not the place for you.

I would say "au contraire" I have never witnessed such excessive drinking as i did in Saudi. Many a Saudi recruit has landed in the magic kingdom to escape an alcohol problem only to have it worsen.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

US$3,000 is more than it may seem. Saudi is a comparatively cheap place to live. You will have no rent or other housing costs and there are no local taxes to pay.

There are some jobs that pay more.

Anytime now · Joined: 29 Apr 2005 Posts: 59

Yes, $3,000 monthly is a little bit more than in the West, but that is not why people come to the KSA. ESL/EFL teachers are also underpaid in the West, even in U.S. public schools.

The pay must of necessity be much higher in the KSA for the risks and distance involved. Most teachers are there to make money, so if the money gets lower, it makes it less attractive.

EFL teachers should be asking for a minimum $4,000 monthly.

What do you think?

Anytime Now

qas419 · Joined: 12 Jun 2006 Posts: 32

Well, let me give you a realistic picture of life in Saudi. First, $3000 will be enough if accomodation is provided. Life in Saudi is very quiet and sometimes too boring. Now, if you are a Westerner who is always after the two bz!, then you will be disappointed: no booze and boo**. Saudi is a good place for couple ESL teachers; they can entertain each other and there are many Western couples there. Most (not all) of Western bachelors who go to teach in Saudi and like to stay there because they are male-friendly people!! But if you are "natural" as Shakespeare would say, then accept a lower pay and live in a more liberal enviornment.