Job Discussion Forums

ESL_USER · Joined: 20 Aug 2009 Posts: 5 Location: Houston, TX

Hello people,

I recieved an offer to work at Taibah University. Wanted to get information about this University from those who current work there or have worked there in the recent past. How is the work environment? What are the work hours (straight shift/split shift)? Are there schools for children in the area? What about housing if I wanted to get my own?

any other information would also be appreciated.

Thanks

efemmera · Joined: 24 Jul 2009 Posts: 52

Taibah university is in Medinah. It is just outside of the restricted area. If you are not Muslim, you will not be able to enter the city so you need to ascertain beforehand what facilities are available to you in the nonrestricted area. Taiba university is is downtown Yanbu which is by the Red Sea on the East coast of KSA. You could probably get more assistance from others in the forum if you specified which university you will be employed at. Also, specifying whether you are male or female will make a difference to some of the advice you will receive.

EFLUndercover · Joined: 26 May 2007 Posts: 82

Taibah University has a nice Faculty Handbook that they were giving out to applicants within KSA. There is a lot of information in it pertaining to getting settled in and dealing with everyday transactions. Perhaps you could request one.

As for split shifts and other academic issues, I'm sure the recruiting coordinator for the university can answer those questions for you.

ESL_USER · Joined: 20 Aug 2009 Posts: 5 Location: Houston, TX

Hello,
I am a male. The job I was offered was at the Madinah location. I am a Muslim. The job however is on a business visa. I like many things about this offer but I am not able to get over a few things. I was offered this job on single status. I am married and have 3 very young children(3yr,4yr, and 8 month). If I go on the business visa, I probably will not be able to bring them into KSA until around Feb/Mar of 2010. I was told that they could join me by Christmas but that's if everything goes as planned. From reading several posts on the forums, I know things almost never go "as planned". Also, being on a business visa, I won't be able to open up a bank account, can't purchase a car, and several other restrictions. I am considering declining the offer and looking for a direct hire opportunity. I don't know my chances because of limited experience.

I am a U.S. citizen, with 100 hour TESL certificate and a Bachelor's degree. I am currently pursuing a masters degree in higher education with a concentration in College Teaching and Learning. I am doing this online. I have about 2 years of tutoring experience. What do you guys think about my chances to land a direct hire position. If this is not possible, are there any placement agencies that sponsor a work visa instead of the business visa? After reading some posts, I am not too enthusiastic about the business visa idea. I am a risk taker but beleive in taking calculated risks.

Please give me some suggestions. I want to learn from your experiences so I don't make same mistakes.

Humbly yours

trapezius · Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 7:38 pm Post subject:

If you were single, I would say go for it, but with kids, forget it, that is, if you would hate not being able to see them for a while. Don't listen to any of the BS/lies they say. A friend who was hired by an agency and told that he could bring his wife and kids by Christmas (I wonder why they say that... hmmm) ended up doing a runner before Christmas when he realized that he wouldn't be able to bring his family unless he was hired directly by the university and given an Iqama (residence card), which wouldn't happen till the following academic year.

Someone else can answer what your chances of a direct hire position are, as I wouldn't know.

Money is not everything (as long as you have enough to live on), but an 8-month old baby is everything. Don't be stupid and miss the milestones... there is no price on that!

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 10:21 pm Post subject:

trapezius · Posted: Sun Aug 30, 2009 12:17 am Post subject:

^ Thanks. I must say here, it doesn't necessarily have to be *with* the family, but if you were coming on a work visa, at least you know that your family will follow you in a month or two.

If you are coming on a business visa, you can never bring your family until the university hires you properly and issues you a work visa, but that won't take place until the END of the academic year.

I also must say here that the anecdote I gave of my friend was not at Taibah University, just to make sure I am not misunderstood. It was at another university notorious for hiring through several shady recruiters. However, it doesn't matter which university, the issue is the same (2nd paragraph in this post), and moreover, all these recruiters lie and tell half truths to get people to sign on. They don't give a D**N about your family... for them it is the bottom line, i.e. dollar$.

Good luck.

lizziebennet · Joined: 24 May 2009 Posts: 355

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gold · Joined: 22 May 2007 Posts: 17

Please read my posts to know about Taibah University. I worked there for less than a year but resigned with no return.

lizziebennet · Joined: 24 May 2009 Posts: 355

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trapezius · Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2009 1:05 am Post subject:

I can't answer particular questions about Madina, but yes, you can fly to Jeddah and Riyadh as often as you wish (or take a bus!).