Job Discussion Forums

gstieglit · Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Posts: 25 Location: Mexico

Can anyone expand on the problems at International House? Is the pay good? Do they hire quality teachers. I am not the religious type and will not engage in any conversations about religion -- other than that is it a good place to work? The discussion on this post got way off track. Any information about the working conditions would be very helpful.

robertinarabia · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Posts: 54

Are you a qualified teacher? Are you a quality teacher? If so, the most logical place would be a government institution such as KFUPM or JIC. IH in Saudi Arabia is simply about making as much money for the company in as short a possible a time. If you're willing to work for around 7000 riyals either because you are incompetent, underqualified or simply Muslim and will do anything to be in Saudi Arabia then IH is worth looking at- if you can stand the brutal hours.

kevmar · Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 8 Location: Osaka, Japan

Can someone give particulars? Anyone working for them on these boards?

Given the above post, typical work schedule and contract conditions is a good place to start. What is the week? How many in office + contact hours? What salary?

Specifics over emotions appreciated.

Thanks!

Longton · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 148

All private language schools expect teachers to work 'brutal hours' - 30+ teaching hours a week with no overtime. The more hours you work the more money the Saudi owner gets.......

It's no coincidence that most private schools advertising for teachers make no mention of teaching hours. ALWAYS ask before you commit yourself.

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Nov 22, 2006 10:01 am Post subject:

If you're coming from a language school in Minsk or Guanghzou, IH KSA may offer a relatively attractive package. However, as I recall, by Saudi standards, it is a very poor deal. The salary is low, the holidays are lousy (with some Thursday morning lessons as I recall) and conditions poor. I believe there are a lot of split shifts involved, and teachers may also have to share apartments.

In other words, if you have the right background, shun IH (and all private language schools) and try for one of the third-level colleges. Even if you don't have an MA or the years of experience specified in their advertising, you may still have a chance because it's hard to recruit teachers for KSA these days. Only accept IH as a last resort.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Avoid any of these franchise opertaions in Saudi Arabia. The SINGLE exception that I will mention is ELS in Jeddah. They were OK and would provide a reasonable start to teaching in Saudi. ALL the other operations are machines for making money for their Saudi owners.

Van Norden · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 409

gstieglit, how's it going? What did you decide? Surely SR7000 isn't nearly enough to tempt you?

Idle chatter... of course we'll never hear from gstieglit again.

Who are these bottom feeders? Where do they go? Do you think it's possible to come to dave's and read negative stuff and still go on to accept a SR7000 gig?

It's so grim out there the answer is probably YES!

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2006 9:02 am Post subject:

Van Norden · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 409

I've never met anyone in my tefl travels that I could recommend a SR7000 gig in Saudi. Why, when you can do just as well in Asia or even back home in the US, UK, Canada, Australia etc?
The exceptions would be those coming for religous reasons and perhaps those with dodgy qualifications. And maybe my worst enemy. Nah, not even him. I want him down but not that low.

Cleopatra · Posted: Fri Nov 24, 2006 9:35 am Post subject:

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

You should be able to pick up a job in Korea paying $2,500 a month.

Cleopatra · Posted: Fri Nov 24, 2006 6:44 pm Post subject:

I dont' doubt it, but it really doesn't answer my question(s).

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

You would get free accommodation and air-flight in Korea. The cost of other things would no doubt be higher than Saudi, but there would be the ability to make extra classes from privates.

kevmar · Joined: 16 Aug 2004 Posts: 8 Location: Osaka, Japan

I received an offer from IH. Split shifts, some Thursday mornings, so a six day week. Much like I have in Japan, though it is informal in Japan - I work a six day week from choice (private lessons).

The offer came to US $2200 plus housing, medical, what seems like generous vacation (in Korea, most generous vacation allowances never come to pass) and a year end bonus of 1/2 month's salary.

I've been teaching a little over three years and have masters cert for TESOL (non-degree). I have to say, it is an un-impressive offer. I can make more in Korea, for likely less working hours. I'm interested in the ME and getting a start there, and for that reason I'm considering the contract. I also have an offer in hand for Nizwa, Oman. Roughly the same, and Oman sounds a lot more livable, though Nizwa would not have the same conveniences.

Any working for these guys? What's the atmosphere like?

robertinarabia · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Posts: 54

what are you worried about the atmosphere for, you're going to travel all the way to Saudi Arabia in the hope of finding a nice atmosphere in some pit of a language school, are you nuts? If the money is no good then nothing else matters and move on. If you are any kind of qualified instructor you wouldn't even be looking at IH in any case.