Job Discussion Forums

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

Well I didn't get offered from Bell this year although I did last year. Logic anyeone?? Mind you I did take your advice and ask searching questions about the accommodation. Sad

Doesn't do a lot for the confidence does it??

chinalindyhopper · Joined: 02 Nov 2008 Posts: 7

Oh, dear! I am sorry to hear that! By the way, thanks for the reply about the interview.

rigel · Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 308

bollidarling · Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 27 Location: UK

As has been said on this forum before single women have it far more difficult than the men generally. However there are definitely some positives also.

Women are in demand socially and are frequently asked out to parties on compounds and at Embassy functions to 'balance the numbers' and as such most of us agree our social life here is far better than in the UK or wherever we come from. On the downside.. it's always the same crowd on these lists and after the first month in Riyadh its difficult to meet anyone new.

The single woman's apartments are huge although in need of more natural light, there are two bathrooms (some with ensuites but not many), a separate study, a large kitchen which is ill equipped and a huge lounge area. Once again the downside is no natural light, large appliances such as fridges and washing machines that don't work properly (all are the same), an ongoing problem with water - in general and lack of hot water and the internet rarely works. As has been said before on this forum its more the situation of the Apartment Block that is the problem. It's miles from anywhere without an address and in the middle of a building site on a road that has been dug up for about 6 months. A taxi to the DQ (where much socialising can be had) is over 50SR! Several months ago we had huge problems with the 'Building Manager' reporting anyone who came home late and the situation was akin to Salem in the witchhunt days. However after an incident where we were all put under House Arrest, faced a police line-up and had Saudi Intelligence involved she has backed off considerably. Many of the women continue to party till the wee hours and come back un-noticed.

As far as working conditions in the female campus.. well it definitely leaves a lot to be desired. The new acting manager appears to be bell bent on control of staff rather than sorting out the many (big) problems with admin and teaching. The dress code has become ridiculous with disciplinary being take against those whose 'knicker line' shows and skirts must touch the ankle. One poor woman actually tripped on her long skirt and broke her ankle! Amongst a staff of 150 women many are muslims and for the majority their religion is just that, religious beliefs. However there are a considerable number of 'converts'. That is, Americans who have adopted the Muslim religion - and they appear hell bent on getting rid of the westerners. It isn't uncommon to be 'reported' for being overheard saying something negative about Saudi and finding yourself up before the acting Manager.

Administration procedures are cumbersome with a minimum of three copies of every form being required - and even then they still get lost! Students regularly dont attend class but are allowed 75 hours absence before any action is taken which means our classes are often empty - I mean NO students turn up. The students themselves, while 'nice' girls, have generally been pushed through a school system with little or no English and most are at pre-intermediate level. BUT they are still pushed into sitting IELTS and PET exams when WE know they have no chance of passing.

As I write this we are waiting for confirmation of summer school, confirmation of some conditions in the new contract, housing allowance or not, the whereabouts of our 'new' accommodation amidst many other things.

Notwithstanding the above I must say many single woman teachers are coming back. The money is ok and its very easy to save $ in Saudi. Many of us save between 60% and 75% of our salary. Where else could you do that?

Teaching hours are good and while they will be increased slightly next year they are still good. Also some are fortunate enough to teach Medical students and only work three days a week!

To summarise... if the housing allowance was given or we were housed in a compound or the like we would have little to complain about.

Happy to answer any questions as approximately 50 more teachers are being hired for the forthcoming academic year.

Cleopatra · Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 5:31 pm Post subject:

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

What do you suppose is the ideal profile for a female teacher for Bell? Do you know what they are looking for? Would be very interested to know.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 5:52 pm Post subject:

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

Touche.
And I thought you were my friend Sad

wordsmith · Joined: 29 May 2009 Posts: 44

Just got an offer for minimal salary only. How do they determine salary, does anyone know? Thanks

Never Ceased To Be Amazed

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

You mean the "bell's" in your court! Laughing

Time for bed

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 6:25 pm Post subject:

wordsmith · Joined: 29 May 2009 Posts: 44

What is the average starting salary? Do they start people with no ME experience at the low salary end? Thanks

bollidarling · Joined: 09 Sep 2006 Posts: 27 Location: UK

The starting salary is 12,000SR, which with the surge in GBP is not good - that is a drop of over 500 pounds a month!! 12,000SR is with CELTA - nothing else and not necessarily experience either.. and to be honest some of those people don't even have CELTA. It would appear they were desperate for teachers and as reported in an earlier post 'hired anyone that breathed'.