Job Discussion Forums

Yank · Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 12

I am a newbie, so take it easy.
I have read these boards, and have some questions.

I know ELS is a language school, and they're the McDonalds, and its better to work for a University or Corporation, etc etc. I know this. But I am inexperienced and don't have the advanced degrees required.

That said, I would like to hear experiences with ELS Riyadh. I read juliehunt's account, but she locked the post so I can't reply to it.

Would it be feasible to have a stipulation put in my contract to require the company to convert the business visa into an iqama after 90 days, or releasing me from said contract? I don't want to be up the creek like she was.
Also, how much vacation time do they offer? How helpful is the staff?

Thanks very much,
Yank

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

You will not be able to get a contract with a proviso like that. That is simply NOT the way things are done !

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

You don't get to add provisions to your contract (any more than huntjuliehunt can lock a post)... that is the up to the employer... (or moderators). If the procedures of a company are not agreeable to you, your only option is not to take the job.

VS

Yank · Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 12

scot and VS, thank you for the advice.

What do you suggest I do? You'd think ELS would run a legit operation, right? I don't mind working on a business visa, I just want to make sure I can leave the country on holiday and come back, and not get into trouble with the local authorities. I don't really want to start beef with Uncle Bandar, as you say.

Are there people who've done this and fared ok?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

bje · Joined: 19 Jun 2005 Posts: 527

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

The poster known as "007" uses this term to refer to the Government in Riyadh. No one else does.

Yank · Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 12

in any event, what will the government in riyadh do to someone working on a business visa? are most situations as horrible as julie's?

im guessing you vets have much better jobs than a language institute, but somebody out there must have worked for these people.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I moonlighted for ELS in Jeddah. They were fine - but I think ELS Riyadh is a different set-up.

Yank · Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 12

Scot, can you expand upon this?

How is it a different set-up?

Have you also worked in Riyadh, and what is your take on each city?

desert_traveller · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 335

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

ELS is a franchise. The company that runs the franchise in Riyadh is not the one that runs the franchise in Jeddah.

As for which city most foreigners would choose Jeddah.

sheikh radlinrol · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 1222 Location: Spain

desert_traveller · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 335

Bebsi · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 958

I guess, desert Traveller, that's it's a now a chance for UTOPISTIC?

Will you actually decide TO TIC the PIS, tho?

Laughing