Job Discussion Forums

meyanga · Joined: 02 Mar 2008 Posts: 103 Location: Malaysia

It amazes me that so many people find it hard to believe that there are some EFL teacher and other expats who are happy in KSA.

"I knew not one woman instructor who liked her job or her life in the Kingdom. Not one. It would boggle the mind if they were "quite happy". And when I say not a one- that would include the Muslim female instructors."

I work with four western women, all of whom are happy with their work and life here in Jeddah. I don't have any evidence or data to back this up, but it's true.

"There may be happy cheery jobs with happy cheery instructors in the Kingdom. I never met one."

This is quite ridiculous. No job is perfect, no employer is perfect, no country is perfect. While I am happy in my job, I would not describe it, or myself as "happy cheery" 100% of the time. But, I, and a lot of others are actually happy in the Kingdom.

"Well yes, undoubtedly that is the major motivation for most teachers. But if they were so desperately unhappy, I doubt they would renew time after time. Not to mention the fact that, apart from the large amounts of cash they are sending to their bank accounts every month, many teachers find that they can enjoy a very comfortable lifestyle while saving all that cash."

Exactly. Also, if you find a nice circle of friends and surround yourself with good people, then it makes a big difference, as it does anywhere.

"I've found very few teachers who were "happy with their lives in KSA" in my experiences there."

This is not surprising. If you displayed the same arrogant, negative attitude while you were in KSA as you do on this board, then I'm sure the teachers who were "happy with their lives" avoided you like the plague and didn't invite you to their dinner parties, BBQs and pool parties. I know I wouldn't.

meyanga

Very Happy

lucreziaborgia · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 177

For what it's worth; I know HR was merely explaining the requirements of getting a visa for the KSA! I said that! That was not my point!
If the other poster who has had nothing but efficiency and honesty sending her passport off to unknown agents off-shore then that is wonderful.
Obviously the fairy of good fortune has smiled upon her.
Pool parties atc aren't my scene.

desultude · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 614

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

lucreziaborgia
It is possible to get your visa from the country you are permanently resident in, but it is a considerable hassle to the employer. If it's a deal-killer, and it may well be, then inform any prospective employer of the fact. There are employers that will arrange the visa from your country of residence.

lucreziaborgia · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 177

Stephen Jones,
The country I am working in does not have a KSA Embassy. The closest country with one is Thailand. I have asked if I can get a visa from there but been informed that I must either mail my passport to an agent in Australia or personally return to Australia. Neither is an acceptable option for me.
Yes Desultude, my original post was not intended to create a frenzy of justification about the benefits of living and working in the KSA. I was merely describing a process that I believe has been put in place by many countries to spare citizens from the unconsionable behaviour of TEFLers masquarading as educators. As we all know, the behaviour of those 'louche livers' has adversely impacted on those among us - who aren't. Hence the requirements of the KSA re the visa acquisition process is an unacceptable burden to me.
I am frustrated by these requirements hence the title of this thread is 'Banging on'. By way of clarification, I am 'banging on' because there is nothing I can do to change the requirements...
The country I have been living and working in for three years is likewise tightening up on its visa and work permit requirements and part of the reason is to make it uncomfortable for TEFLing dross to work here. I welcome those changes but at the same time resent them because they make it difficult for those who fulfill their teaching role and respect the culture in which they live.

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

To be honest, I don't think the draconian visa procedures of the KSA have anything to do with keeping out TEFLers. The other Gulf countries surrounding it hire nearly as many teachers total over a year and have procedures that only require about 10% of the time and effort.

I think you are giving them too much credit for actually thinking and planning to keep out the worst of our field. Laughing

I think it has been a natural bureaucratic accretion... rather like warts...

VS

lucreziaborgia · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 177

VS, Damn, I live in hope...

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

If you're living in a country without a KSA Consulate, then you probably will have to apply for the visa in Australia.

lucreziaborgia · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 177

Hi Stephen Jones,
I think you are correct. Given the comments about the 3 employers who have offered me work, I doubt the effort and expense would be worth it. I'd be paid (I imagine) but at what cost to me personally is the issue. I agree with other posters on this forum that there are better possibilities probably in the KSA and the ME generally speaking, in which case I would be prepared to make the effort returning to Australia for a visa.
The ones who have offered me work in the KSA, I consider high risk in terms of providing appropriate working and living conditions and they seem to have a somewhat promiscuous approach to employment. They will employ anybody? This speaks volumes. Twelve months or two years is a long time to be unhappy and resentful.

BillCowher · Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 131 Location: Up in the air!!!

There can be no other explanation for the layers of bureaucracy that seem impenetrable to us normal people. The Saudis have no jobs, no education and no sense of reality or responsibility. I would not trust a Saudi with a pop bottle if I needed that bottle for anything important. They actually believe there are four women for every man in the country when the male population actually outnumbers the female. Never again will I entrust my passport to some Saudi scum...read IH, Saudi

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

What I find strange is all these newbies here asking for advice - and then ignoring it !

lucreziaborgia · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 177

Scot47, were you a newbie once?

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 9:34 am Post subject:

Yes, he was...before you were born, but that was back in the "Age of Reason"...and before the recruiters came on the scene. I second Scot's observations. People seem to come on this board nowadays for advice, but what they're really looking for is reassurance.

When they don't get their gratification...

...

...

...

they get nasty.

NCTBA

lucreziaborgia · Joined: 19 May 2009 Posts: 177

Oi Dio Oi!

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 11:43 am Post subject:

You can "Oi Dio Oi!" All you want.

No one else is appalled! As a vet, I stand by my response...and support for Scot, as it is well known that we haven't seen eye to eye...but...right is right!

NCTBA