Job Discussion Forums

[saharastars]

Hi there all,

Which is best IPA or AETG ( Princess Noura University) in terms of the following?

1) treatment of female staff

2) contact teaching hours

3) pay

4) compounds
I am thinking of moving to the Magic Kindonm, and have read most of the posts, but can't really decide between these two.

Ta!

[veiledsentiments]

I can't really answer your specifics, but personally, there is no contest. IPA is a known employer and has a good reputation.

Princess Noura is new and has no real track record and I have not been at all impressed at how things are being done thus far as to their new hires. IPA hires direct... PN uses recruiters. I repeat... no contest... a direct hire job is always the better choice.

Have you been offered a job by both of them? We haven't had any female recruits for IPA posting here.

VS

[Cleopatra]

Agree with VS. Hard to give details on specifics, but IPA is one of the most long established ESL employers in the Kingdom, and has a very good reputation. Princess Noura Uni, by contrast, is a new arrival with no reputation to speak of. In all likelihood, things there are gong to be pretty shambolic for a few years at least, but that doesn't mean that they don't offer a decent employment package in terms of salary, housing, holidays etc.

If you have recieved offers from both employers, let us know some of the details and we can provide more helpful answers.

[saharastars]

Thanks so much, C & VS I really appreciate you taking the time to post thoughtful insights.
I was looking at the benefits of bringing the family along , one baby and my hubby; the AETG contract allows a housing allowance whereas IPA has set accomodation at al Yamama.
Ive been looking through all posts regarding what its like, even trawling through Shaikh Bin Google's many offerings, it looks lovely, the sunshine is ever present and not a place of grass out of place. A bit of a commute I suspect although its just one direct shot on the wiki map.I was told they even have creche onsite that teaching staff's children can use (which if true is deliriously wonderful & very rare out here in the Colden West)

I also have q's on smart work wear for women, long length skirts and long sleeved blouses, I am a bit lost on this as all I can thingk of comes up as Gothick- deconstructed Victoriana -Mary Popins- type ensembles, Not the clean sleek polished look I want to achieve. I know that apearance is very key in the Kingdom , thats one excuse the other is that I love to dress up, I love clothes and am completley mad about shoes. Long digression cut short, do I post here or should I politely post that question elsewhere?

Oh and how do you guys put such lovely icons under your username?

yours truly, Bemused

[johnslat]

Dear saharastars,
I taught for the IPA for nineteen years, fourteen of which were in Riyadh. I even actually visited the Women's Branch on one occasion in the company of the Director of the ELC (English Language Center) at the Men's Headquarters.
During my time in Riyadh, I had a number of colleagues whose wives worked at the Women's Branch. In general, they enjoyed their classes, but there were periods during which the administration left a lot to be desired.
How the administration there is today, I'm afraid I can't say, but you might want to see if they would allow you to communicate with any ladies now working there.
To sum up, I think your chances of liking your job would be considerably better at the Women's Branch of the IPA than at Princess Noura.
Oh, as for the avatars - well, I believe you have to accumulate 100 posts before you can put one up.

Regards,
John

[veiledsentiments]

Yes sahara, you're going to have to post lots of questions before you get the coveted avatar. And BTW, I would always choose provided furnished housing over an allowance and having to search... especially if a child is involved.

There has been a lot of discussion of women's apparel, but it tends to be hard to find. But you could try a search here. I always felt that my wardrobe was more "Little house on the Prairie" rather than Mary Poppins/victoriana. All my skirts were to the floor and my sleeves mostly to the elbow... and sandals 365 days a year... loved it.

But, once you are actually hired, try to get contact with a current teacher to see what they wear under their abayas... different places can have slightly varying dress codes.

VS

[Cleopatra]

As VS says, different colleges have different dress codes. As a general rule, state-run places (such as Princess Noura and IPA) tend to have a stricter dress code than private colleges. I would say it's unlikely that you would be allowed to wear trousers in either of these colleges. You'd probably have to wear skirts reaching to at least mid-calf, and blouses to at least the elbow. Nothing too tight or low-cut, either.

It should be easy enough to find suitable clothes in Riyadh. If need be, you can always get clothes made - tailors are cheap and efficient. But you should be able to find all the clothes you need in the shops.

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[Ixnae]

(removed - was notified that I sounded very much like a few people who live there - and were not the authors of my comments. apologies all around)

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Sorry to hear that about AY1. It apparently has gone to hell like many others. I take it that you no longer have access to AY2 thru the tennis courts? Since the US military has left, who now is in AY2?

Regards,

NCTBA

[felton]

[saharastars]

Thank you so much IX for taking time out to post, being forwarned for me and my family is crucial, that way we can mentally prepare.

I hope that things get better for you and your wife, I'm not bothered about the abaya, as I have worn it in the past in the ME, I use it like anblack kaftan and wear cotton underneath/shorts and a cami for example- it is by far the best way to cope with the heat

Its a pity the compounds are not fully maintained, its seems that the old adage a stitch in time saves nine might apply in the future.

If its drab inside , can we repaint and request certain things to be fixed?

My husband and I discussed buying our own rugs to cover the acres of tile work and throws to cover the sofas...I 'm conscious that I want the place to look as homely as possible.


... was thinking of getting a paddling pool for our baby to play out on the yard/lawn or whatever, since the pool isn't maintained well? Do you think that s do-able?


I am a city person and not really used to the suburbs- so for me its going to take some getting used to the functional dysfunctional family!

Wow lots to think of, thanks again IX and NCBT- I will be sure to look out for the steak.

Oh and are the people on AY 2 snobbish of those from AY1? Can't stand people who think they are above it....

Best wishes all and dont work so hard- enjoy life's adventure..

[veiledsentiments]

So... saharastars... do you have an offer from IPA?

VS

[johnslat]

Dear saharastars,
A number of people made improvements on their IPA housing when I was there, including painting.
Just make sure you check with the Housing Director first. Don't know if its the same guy (I think his name's Hassan) as when I was there, but if it is, you won't have any problems at all. He's a great guy. In fact, as I recall, he even supplied the paint for people who wanted to change redo their places.
Regards,
John

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]