Job Discussion Forums

littleoldlady · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 286 Location: knitting heaven

Hello
Does anyone has experience of teaching ESP at Taif U? I have been offered a contract and am not sure whether to take it. The salary is 140,000 pa plus benefits. I have BA (Hons) MSc PGCE , CELTA (B) and 25 years experience in training/teaching -not necessarilyl ESP. Rolling Eyes

Many thanks
PS I shall be a single woman there.

kachimama · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 19

Maybe the salaries in Taif are comparatively lower than in Riyadh, Dahran, or possibly Jeddah, but your qualifications and (considerable) experience should nonethless command more than 140,000 p.a.

When you have some time, read 'Everything is Negotiable' by Gavin Kennedy. I promise you won't regret it.

Kipling · Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2009 8:11 am Post subject: Negotiate

littleoldlady · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 286 Location: knitting heaven

Thank you to everyone who has replied to my enquiries. Thank you also for the reference: "Everything is negotiable". I will do my best to locate a copy. If anyone is actually taking up a position with TU this September, would you like to PM me so that we can keep in touch?
Smile

littleoldlady · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 286 Location: knitting heaven

Mr. K.
Have you been offered a post at TU? What are your thoughts on going? Any information gratefully received.

Kipling · Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 8:17 am Post subject: Taif

No, Sorry if I gave the impression that I had. I was just replying to the title of the book and whether salaries in the KSA were negotiable or not Embarassed

From what I have seen on the boards the qualifications and experience you possess would seem to warrant a higher salary, but I am new here too and absolutely no expert. You have a PGCE too and International schools might be a more attractive option. But the regulars on these boards will know more about that.
I hope you get the right position and make the right decision.
Mr K Very Happy

kachimama · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 19

jf1940 · Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 5

hey i actually got offered a position to but im a bit skeptical. i recieved a shady email from a guy who says he is a professor there. in his message he type things like "u" instead of "you" and said if i wanted to come to saudi i needed to respect the culture and that means "no drinking and stuff" he also asked for a copy of my passport. without an interview i was offered a position and was told i neede to send in my credentials. on my resume it states i have NOT completed my bachelor's and have a TEFL cert with no experience. Normally a job in Saudi requires much more than just a TEFL cert and no experience. Plus, i havent found a decent looking website for the university nor have i found much information on it...what are your guys thoughts?

007 · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 8:49 am Post subject:

Well, I hope the Saudi professor is not a professor of English or comparative literature!
When the �professor� uses �u� instead of �you�, then you will be recruited without interview and without reservation! Laughing

Their web site is: http://www.tu.edu.sa/taif/ui/common/home.faces
But, the link to foreign languages section (college of education) is empty! The web site is full of link errors (Zero Sized Reply !!!).

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

littleoldlady · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 286 Location: knitting heaven

Hi
I felt I needed to make a comment about the last posting - re: shady email. I have had a number of similar emails ( u not you etc.). I shall be meeting the said professor in the UK in the summer when he comes home. He is professor of Linguistics at TU. He isn't a native speaker of English but..... I didn't have an interview but had to send my documents to the Foreign Office for notarising. ( and of course have the extensive medical done). I am still undecided but not because I think it is shady as such. I don't want to comment more in a public arena but would be keen to hear from you by PM. I hope I am not being naive about all this. Embarassed

007 · Posted: Mon Apr 20, 2009 6:06 pm Post subject:

Well, little old lady, it is your right to raise questions and ask about the Magic Kingdom and its environment.
Since you are going to meet the said Professor of Linguistics, it is the opportunity for you to put your conditions and get a good contract according to your terms during the 'informal' interview.

BTW, Taif is in the south west of Makkah, and has a lovely weather and scenery, but Lacks social facilities for Western old ladies!

What about Oman, have you changed your mind?

littleoldlady · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 286 Location: knitting heaven

Hi
No Oman is still very much in the framework but I have still got to go through the formal interview with the Ministry or whatever. Maybe I should just go mad and go back to Iran. I could give the President some lessons in English and diplomacy ( being the fluent Farsi speaker that I am). Maybe I just need a shrink.

SD BOY · Joined: 29 Mar 2009 Posts: 60

Honey, if you think you need a shrink now...just wait until you've spent a couple of terms at good old Taif U.
Have you got a date for the Homecoming Dance yet?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Taif is no place for little old ladies. Go to Oman.