Job Discussion Forums

[wanna_teach]

Hi Everyone
I was thinking that the KSA would be desperate for female teachers because there are probably less women willing to relocate to KSA. But then I was thinking, there may be fewer jobs for women because there are not as many universities for women. So is it easier or more difficult to get a position for women?
I had an interview and was shortlisted by the recruiting company. They asked for references, so now I am awaiting a response. I have already been offered another position, but I prefer the one I am waiting for. So I am wondering what my chances are.

Any info is appreciated

[lrnoue]

Hi wanna_teach,

If you hold at least a BA + TEFL cert + several yrs of post-sec teaching exp you'll get a job fairly easily.

Now, be very wary of employers that offer subpar working conditions.
E.g. contracts with:
1) less than SAR 10,000 per month,
2) no expatriation/repatriation flights,
3) split-shifts,
4) no work permits/"iqamas",
5) shared accomodations,
6) no end of contract bonus,
7) untrustworthy contractors (search the threads).

Consider going to Saudi Arabia if the following apply to you:
1) you are Muslim, or very spiritual,
2) you can spend hours on end online, or with very little physical activity,
3) you are extremely desperate for cash,
4) you are independent, assertive, and tolerant/respectful of the Muslim world.
5) you don't mind living in conditions that are completely unlike western standards.

Your location says Canada. So, I'm asuming that you are Canadian. I estimate that only 1 in 10 of my female colleagues back in Canada, who also teach, would ever consider going to Saudi. If you're under 40, why not consider the JET programme in Japan or teach in other Asian countries? I don't want to discourage you from working in the KSA, but make sure you do your homework, ask the tough questions and talk to as many people as you can before you make up your mind.

Good luck!

[wanna_teach]

Thanks for your advice Irnoue

I have done my research and the recruiter seems pretty good. They pay for everything upfront (no reimbursements). I have noticed that several other recruiters expect you to pay and then reimburse you.
The reason I am asking is that I have been offered a position with a different recruiter and they need an answer today. The other position is the one I really want and they won't make offers until next week. So I was just wondering what the chances are of getting an offer. My thinking is that they are desperate for women, so my chances are good and so can turn down the other offer.

[12 Monkeys]

Hello Irnoue.

One more thing I might add if you don't mind.
Married women are preferred over single by some employers, along with their spouces that is.

[lrnoue]

Ok, I'm glad that you have done your research.

Regarding the market for women teachers, I speculate that the current conditions are in your favour for two reasons. First, there's been a slight increase in the demand for women instructors due to the expansion or inauguration of female enrolled programs in Saudi universities. Second, you may notice there are not many female members in this particular forum. I posit that, this being a representative sample of the saudi efl market, the supply of expatriate female instructors is not very high.

Could I ask, why do you want to go to Saudi so badly? Also, what are the two positions that you are considering?

All the best,
Oue

P.S.

You may find this article helpful. It is a general overview of the Canadian perspective on the TEFL overseas market:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/work/overseas-teaching-jobs-a-lesson-in-supply-and-demand/article1232903/

[wanna_teach]

Thanks Irnoue

That's what I was thinking. I think also that it is harder for women to get visas for their families and I know if I had kids, I wouldn't leave without them.

To answer your question: I don't wanna go to KSA badly. I have a job here, but not in teaching, so I'm not desperate for a job. But I just got my TESL here in Toronto and it is difficult to get a good position without experience. So I thought I would go overseas and get experience and the jobs in Asia are mostly kids.

Your response has made me hopeful that the other job I am waiting for is probably just waiting for responses from my references.

[Cleopatra]

I thinkt he situation sort of balances out, as you suggest.

There are fewer women willing to work in ksa, but at the same time there are fewer jobs avaialalbe for them. However, that is changing rapidly as more and more educational programmes for women open up or expand. Enrollment in many colleges is much higher for women than for men. at the same time, remember that many employers prefer to take on the wives of men already in the Kingdom. though they are not always well qualified, t hey are cheap and convenient. However, there are plenty of jobs out there for women, though choose carefully.

[sandersjayfer]

Women here are treated worse than dogs. They have no rights and cannot drive. Even foreign women usually end up hiding under the black bag just to blend in. If your skin colour is pale then everyone would know you are a foreigner & you would be the subject of many stares. Since men are not permitted to speak to women they are not married to you will have a very hard time asking questions even when needed. NEVER be alone with a man here because then YOU are criminally liable even if YOU raped or gang raped.

[EFLUndercover]

[nomad11]

Well said!

[Grendal]

1.) If you are married and get a work visa here you will not be able to bring in your family on your residence permit once you get one (they can only come as visitors for three months). There is a thread on this board that deals with this issue if you want more info.
2.) If you are not married then you must be willing to put up with what has been mentioned in this thread and other threads for women.
3.) If you are married and your husband is working then this is the best scenario psycologically speaking. You and your family will have peace where ever you go. He will sponser you on his residence permit and/or you can get your own residence permit if you are hired by a company here.

G

[Grendal]

My wife is a Muslim but she always says that she is thinking of converting just to avoid the religious issue. This in turn brings about a somewhat better behaviour in her female students as they try to put on a good example of Islam for her. They offer her Quran CDs in English of which she gladly accepts because she love them (the students and their CDs).

G

ps my significant other is going to kill me as soon as she reads this, but I hope it was useful to you or anyone else out there.

[EFLUndercover]

[Grendal]

I think the verb form "to be" clearly states her religious affinity.

G

[Grendal]

Dear froline wanna-teach,

please check the Kaplan Aspect thread as I have posted some info there that might answer your question.

Grendal