Job Discussion Forums

Asda · Joined: 01 Jun 2008 Posts: 231

O I C...OK, bygones.

Deicide · Posted: Sat Nov 21, 2009 10:01 pm Post subject:

Mr. TRN · Joined: 15 Nov 2009 Posts: 8 Location: chicago

what's the worst that could happen, if one goes to teach in saudi arabia, and the company does not abide by what it has promised in the contract?

do they usually pay less, than what they have promised or you can't bring your spouse with you?

whoever had bad experience what was the worst thing that happened to you?

Asda · Joined: 01 Jun 2008 Posts: 231

I think Tacomaboywa's ordeal illustrates the worst

But I think most of the problems are relatively on a smaller scale, ranging from a bossy manager who can sometimes tell you off in front of students (thank God that has not happened to me, for if it did, I'd probably walk away whilst he rambles on!), backstabbing, gossiping colleagues who try to inform on you, students who constantly complain about you and management siding with them, unreasonable concentration camp type rules that don't allow you to go to the bank or govt offices during free periods (when else are you meant to do it?!), not getting paid on time, not getting paid for months on end and having to go through court proceedings where they scupper the process by failing to bring certain paperwork that they were meant to - thereby adjourning the hearing....multiple times!!

Rooster_2006 · Joined: 24 Sep 2007 Posts: 984

Dervish Finkelblatt · Joined: 13 Nov 2009 Posts: 32 Location: West Hollywood

A trifle off topic, please oblige me.

I have been offered a position in the Magnatic Kingdom which pays far more (plus benefits) than what is generally offered to humble EFL instructors in happier and more salubrious climes--I've spent the last 15 years in Vienna and Santa Monica.
My problem is this...I am nearly 50 and do not relish the thought of spending my declining years among the "Believers", so to speak.
On the other hand , 10 or 12 years at this place in Dammam...and I could retire to Baja California.

Anybody else in the same boat?

trapezius · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 10:08 am Post subject:

^ 10-12 years is a long time to stay there. A few of those who came a decade or two ago have stayed on, and some of them are on this bored Wink

But among those who came in the last few years, hardly anybody stays longer than 2-4 years. I don't know what the reason is, but that's how it seems to be.

But, if you like the job, the students, the admin, and can tolerate the lifestyle for that long, why not?

007 · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 11:20 am Post subject:

Dervish Finkelblatt · Joined: 13 Nov 2009 Posts: 32 Location: West Hollywood

In America...the Believers generally leave me alone. They don't blast me out of bed at 5 am to pray, they don't impede me when I want to drink a beer or go to the movies....Shall I continue?
The one things I have against Believers inthe USA is that they won't pay me a decent salary...hence a sojourn in one of our client states seems to be in order.

Cleopatra · Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 12:54 pm Post subject:

roywebcafe · Joined: 13 Jan 2006 Posts: 259

Only thinking of going to Saudi well alright my first application process is underway. Are you expected to pray?? I am an atheist and could pretend to be a believer to avoid being stoned to death. No really i would decline. What am i getting in to??

johnslat · Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 5:44 pm Post subject:

Dear roywebcafe,

Nope, you won't have the muttawas beating you with staffs to drive you to the mosque at prayer times (as long as you don't look "Muslim.")

But who knows- after you've been in Saudi for a while, you might start praying anyway - in the privacy of your domicile.

Just as there are supposedly no atheists in foxholes, it may be difficult not to ask for the intercession of a "Higher Power" in the Kingdom.

Regards,
John

tacomaboywa · Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 194 Location: The Magic Kingdom

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

One thing is sure. Coming to KSA will change your life.