Job Discussion Forums

Imdramayu · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 394 Location: South Korea

Well, guys, I'm finally in that situation where I can call the shots. I have two job offers: Prince Sultan University (PSU) and KFUPM (King Faud University). I'm not in KSA so I know little about these two universities. The pay is about the same. The PSU housing looks good but I don't know about the KFUPM on-campus housing. My questions for you...

1) Which would you recommend? Which would you choose?

2) Which university treats their teachers better?

3) What are nicer cities to live in: Riyadh (PSU) or Khobar/Dhrahain (KFUPM)?

4) Which university renews contract more easily, fairly, and with more transparency? I was teaching in a university before in KSA where the renewal process was scary, unpredictable, and lasted for 4 months. During this 4 months, all teachers (even if they were good) were under a dark cloud.

5) What is DQ housing like with PSU? What's the on-campus KFUPM housing like?

Thanks. BAEDAEBOK

trapezius · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2008 10:18 pm Post subject:

Come in people, let's help him out!

1) I would recommend and choose KFUPM, based on tens of personal accounts from people.

2) Don't know, but I suspect it is KFUPM.

3) Definitely DHAHRAN (or DAHRAN).

4) Don't know.

5) Don't know.

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

1) Which would you recommend? PSU
Which would you choose? PSU

2) Which university treats their teachers better? Don't know first hand, but do know 3 teachers at PSU that seem quite satisfied.

3) What are nicer cities to live in: Riyadh (PSU) or Khobar/Dhrahain (KFUPM)? I only know Riyadh, I have lived in Riyadh for 5 years and find it a concrete jungle, noisy, and polluted with unpredictable drivers with congested traffic; a night mare getting from A to B....other than that; it is okay LOL ....SO probably Khobar/ Dhrahain

4) Which university renews contract more easily, fairly, and with more transparency? Once again from what friends at PSU have said, renewal is not a problem.

5) What is DQ housing like with PSU? I heard that DQ housing is quite nice

What's the on-campus KFUPM housing like? I have no idea.

fearnot · Joined: 30 Jun 2007 Posts: 19

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

I couldn't understand a word said on that tape, and I have no idea what it has to do with this thread.

Back to the topic:

Based on what I have read on this board, and I have known teachers who have been at both PSU and KFUPM, the easy choice with an equal pay offer would be KFUPM

VS

fearnot · Joined: 30 Jun 2007 Posts: 19

You are right VS. It was sort of ... out of the topic so I took it out. Will bring it in, in a more relevant discussion.

By the way, teacher was telling student that he couldn't leave the classroom (probably because the student cheated). And then the whole hitting episode started.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

KFUPM

1. It is the most reputable or one of the most reputable schools in Saudi. The University only accepts the brightest Saudi students.

2. Good location, near Bahrain, which is just 45 minutes drive away.

3. Decent holidays at KFUPM.

4. Pretty good compound with good sports facilities etc. You have everything right there.

5. Interesting colleagues like Scot and Jones.

Overally a good choice.

On the downside, I hear that some of the accommodation is less than 5 start quality, but the aforementioned advantages should compensate for that.

Note: I have been recommended for hire at KFUPM, but am still waiting for the official contract from the Dean. Insh Allah, I will start in September 2008.

Ghost

Axel Heidsman · Joined: 24 Jan 2008 Posts: 22 Location: Area 47

I don't know about PSU, but everyday in everyway KFUPM just keeps on getting better and better - the jewel in KSA's academic crown!

Imdramayu · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Posts: 394 Location: South Korea

Well, ghost, I'll see you at KFUPM in September. How long does the work visa take? I'm hoping that my wife, daughter, and I can process our visas all at the same time. I really don't want her to come later than me.

From what everyone has said, it looks like KFUPM has won my heart (barring the housing issue). Look out Dhrahan, I can't spell your city but here I come.

I checked out the Interschool School Group - Dharain elementary school. Tutition is pretty high: SR18,000 for full-day preschool tuition, SR9000 for half-day preschool. Would KFUPM cover that? Are there other cheaper schools for 4-year-olds in Dharhan/Damman/Khobar?

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 7:40 pm Post subject: schools

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Colleagues here seem satisfied with KFUPM schools.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

baeda

The employer does not pay for pre-school. From Grade One only.