Job Discussion Forums

[ummimraan]

I have been given an offer at Prince Sultan University in Riyadh. I am not concerned about the dress code or weather of Riyadh, but I am concerned about the amount of work the University will give me.

I will be going there with a 6month old baby and 3 elementary age students. I am eager to expose them to another culture and language but I am concerned about the amount of time I will be spending outside of classes doing work. Although they have told me about their on campus day care facility, and will be giving me a 25,000 SR tuition stipend for my kids, I was wondering about the work required after your classroom hours. How many students are usually in a lecture class? And what does that mean for me?

If you have any feed back let me know

My husband is a consultant in Europe so I am used to living alone and he will actually be closer to me in SA than here in the US; but I am concerned that the university will keep me busier than an American college, and with a new baby I am afraid I will become overwhelmed.

[veiledsentiments]

Do you intend to hire a nanny? I can't imagine how you would cope with 3 kinds, one an infant and still teach full-time... with no assistance from a spouse.

Shopping and school activities with children will also be difficult unless you also have a driver since you can't drive.

I too would be afraid that you would soon be overwhelmed.

VS

[Cleopatra]

PSU Women's College doesn't have the best of reputations as regards working environment (to put it mildly) but one thing it does have going for it is that they don't place very high expectations on teachers. Friends working there tell me that so long as you teach your classes and are on 'campus' for the core hours (9 to 1.30, or something like that) then you are pretty much left alone.

[007]

[ummimraan]

Thanks for the response. You have eased my mind a bit.

Does anybody have any information about the living conditions in the Diplomatic compound in Riyadh? How is the housing there? Is it neat? Does anyone have any pictures?

Also, they are starting me at PSU with 9000 SR a month, 25000 SR a year for tuition for the kids, 2700 SR in "professional allowance" (not sure what that is), and 600 SR for transportation. What do you think? Good offer? Will 25000SR be sufficient for a private Islamic/Arabic school in Riyadh?

Answers are greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[007]

[Cleopatra]

[globalnomad2]

What do you know about US colleges, 007? Certainly for academic faculty (credit classes), work hours are more flexible in US institutions.

[ummimraan]

Should I accept the offer and then discuss visa issues; or should I clear the visa issues before accepting the offer? I know the contract, of course, is what is binding. I would never sign until all details are worked out, but I have only been given 2 weeks to accept the offer.

What do all of you experienced people think?

[trapezius]

If you have 2 weeks to accept the offer, you should clear all the visa issues with them now, and then make a decision.

Be forewarned, they might try to stall your questions, or be very slow with answering them. Get on their case and basically tell them--in a nice way--that you need answers to certain concerns before you can accept the offer.

[ummimraan]

Okee dokee!

I guess I will soon join the Saudi Expat world. A huge change, but change is good! I guess

[Cleopatra]

There is no question that you should discuss visa issues in considerable detail before you sign along the dotted line - you should also try to get some kind of assurance from them in writing. Having said all that, you could still get such an assurance and still find it next to impossible for your husband to get a visa, and there is little you can do about it, other than resign. There's no real way of knowing how things will turn out in reality, but at least if you get something in writing you have something to fall back on if and when things get sticky. Some employers exploit the fact that people with families are presumed less likely than single people to move on and out when problems arise - another thing to be aware of.

[007]

[ummimraan]

good to know.

I actually got an email from the rector saying "in writing" that they will bring my husband as my dependant.

I have accepted the offer, and I hope that everything works out smoothly.

How much do you pay for domestic help in Riyadh?? Are there any Arabic speaking maids or nannies?

[Cleopatra]