Job Discussion Forums

gjeo · Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 28

It seems impossible to contact the contracts section in the university to enquire about the salary scale. And, the Language Centre cannot say anything on this as well.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

You will not have much success in using the direct approach. That is not how Saudis do things.

windstar · Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 235

Any new news about employment visa for the coming term?

desert_traveller · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 335

dear gjeo, as a post says in the thread, saudis do not work along the 'direct question - clear answer' lines. you have probably already found out as much as you can. you have now five different answers to each of your questions, and that is exactly how things work there. the only way to find out what the actual score is is to go there and see it for yourself. when you have received your first months salary, you will know how much it is. when you have taught your first few weeks, you will know what the workload is etc etc etc. IF YOU HAVE NO BETTER OPTION, i would recommend flying in, giving it a try, keeping quiet about your impressions, giving it a few months WITHOUT YOUR FAMILY, and if it seems ok BASED ON YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, carry on, if it doesnt, just keep your opinion to yourself and disappear quietly (sic!). one comment though, being part of anything new or anything going through a transitional period is probably not the best thing to do in saudi, coz the level of disorganization (which gives space for surpressed individuals and petty officers power trips, as also mentioned in the thread) will be extremely high. i got a job offer from a uni in the ksa and the thing that holds me back is that it is a new program. anyways, just thought u might be interested in another opinion. good luck.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Your salary will be on the contract. When you get that you'll know.

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Sat Jul 12, 2008 8:35 pm Post subject:

windstar · Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 235

I have started visa process for KAU. Yet, cultural bureau of saudi told me that they have not received anything about my family members. Does any of you have a problem like that? I have to take my daughter with me at the very least. I sent an email to the language center but got no response yet. I would really appreciate if you have any ideas to help me out in this matter.

Jim Bigelow · Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 175 Location: KSA

Hi Windstar,

Don't worry they tend to do it to most teachers. It is very simple to rectify.

All that is needed is to let someone at the university know that the cultural bureau requires a 2nd letter that mentions they must issue visas and tickets for your family.

It wont take more than a week or so to get the letter to you.

my advice would be to get the number of the head of the language centre-maybe from the website. You'll get through to a secretary but at least you can tell him what you need and then you'll have to keep calling back until they get it done.

As I mentioned you won't face any problems getting the visas and tickets for your family but it may take a bit of patience!

Wish you well!

windstar · Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 235

Thanks a lot Jim Bigelow, your advice much appreciated especially at a time where a glimpse of hope is much needed. I will try and see.

Jim Bigelow · Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 175 Location: KSA

I Just asked a friend who said that there used to be someone called Basam who worked in the cult.bureau who always has teachers with the same problems. Try to speak to him or whoever is in his seat.

It can be so worrying but believe me this problem is a simple thing to sort out.

windstar · Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 235

Is he in cultural bureau in Canada?

Jim Bigelow · Joined: 23 Oct 2003 Posts: 175 Location: KSA

I do apologise. I was rushing to reply and didn't stop to read that you are in Canada. He's in London but I am 100% certain it is the same no matter where you are. The standard letter KAU send usually simply makes mention of your name even though they may be aware that you have dependants. despite that it can easily be sorted out.

I'll try and ask my friend to get you the number of someone in KAU contract department who will be able to sort it out for you okay. Give me until tomorrow.

windstar · Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 235

I could not find the contract department's phone or email address. Anybody there with information?

windstar · Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 235

Do you know any reasonable place -hotel, motel or a furnished apartment for the first week (maybe month who knows) or so to stay until renting an apartment in Jeddah?