Job Discussion Forums

jobhunting · Joined: 14 Jan 2005 Posts: 7

Hello everyone,
This is to update you on the situation at Al Bassam Boys School in Dammam. We have word from reliable sources that the school is having great difficulty getting natives speakers to work there. The new English supervisor is under a lot of pressure, HE IS TAKING IT OUT ON THE TEACHERS. Teachers� morale is low already. Some teachers are actually thinking of jumping ship. Teachers have started full hours already. Our sources said the have successfully hired one Egyptian teacher to teach English the guy will be smashed by the students.
DO NOT TAKE A JOB AT AL-BASSAM.

From Chuck and the gang

Jolly Green Giant · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 22

Rumours about crisis and burnt out teachers reach me all the time.

BattleAxe · Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Posts: 9

I would advise all Muslims to stay away from this school until its managment begins to make positive change. It makes no sense that teachers are burnt out and school hasn't even begun. It has reached me that the work conditions have not gotten any better this year. In fact, they are worse. From what I understand, they are starting off the new school year with no clear objectives and plan as to how they are going to implement their curriculum. This is bad considering school starts on the 9th.

Don't put yourself in a situation you will later regret because you want to be in Saudi. Be patient and find a job worth your time and qualifications. Otherwise you will be posting on this site next.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

..................... would advise all Muslims to stay away from this school until its managment begins to make positive change. It makes no sense that teachers are burnt out ......................................

Let the Christians go and teach there !

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

They only take Moslems, preferably white reverts.

Bookies' Choice · Joined: 08 Sep 2006 Posts: 4

Al-Bassam School (ABS) is basically a foot-in-the-door gig for western Muslims. Many western Muslims have a strong desire to live in Saudi Arabia for whatever reasons, whether it be to study Islam, Arabic or just to be close to Makkah & Madeenah. ABS provides an opportunity for less-qualified individuals to get to KSA. That is not to say that well qualified teachers haven't passed through or are still with ABS, but ABS will generally employ people who only possess a degree and minimal experience.

For people who are looking at working for ABS, you need to consider a number of things. First, can you mentally seperate work from personal time? There is no denying that ABS is a mental strain and if you cannot forget about the job after knock off time, then it will eventually wear you down and you will hate yourself and your life. If you can seperate the two then you are halfway there.
Second, can you endure being disrespected by rich, spoilt kids? If the answer is no, then you should not even consider the job. If, however, you can put up with this then you'll do fine, but remember you cannot hit the kids and administration will not help you much in this matter.
Third, can you endure disorganization? ABS is highly disorganized, but if you can rise above that, not let it bother you and just do your work until 2pm then you'll be o.k.

The pay is of course at the low end for KSA, generally hovering around 7000 riyals. You will not get rich quick, but you can save a fair amount of that easily and if money is not your primary concern then so much the better for you.
Housing is adequate. Vacation time is quite alright. Pay is on time. English staff are nice people. Hours are quite o.k. (6:45am-2pm).

ABS is not a great job. If you are well qualified then you could obviously do better, if not, then you could really do a lot worse (Berlitz comes to mind). But if your ambition as a muslim is to get to KSA and you can deal with the above mentioned things (plus a few other things I've no doubt forgotten) then ABS may be alright for you. Remember, however, that you will not be able to get to KSA via ABS and then split to another gig due to the LONO thing. ABS will not give you a LONO.
I hope this gives an objective point of view for western muslims thinking of working for ABS.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

It sounds like the run-of-the-mill, dysfunctional institution found everywhere in - and beyond - the Arab world.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

BattleAxe · Joined: 29 Apr 2006 Posts: 9

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Even TINS is better than this ! Why not go for a reasonable employer ?

If you are qualified with some experience you can get a job with a pukkah employer.

pm me for suggestions.