Job Discussion Forums

woodenpenguin · Joined: 31 Dec 2009 Posts: 3

Hello everyone -
This is my first posting. I'm headed to Saudi from north America for my first Saudi job later this month. Am excited, but reading some of the threads has gotten me nervous.
Has anyone worked with Expat Teaching Recruitment out of England or know anything about King Faisal University in Hofuf?
I'm traveling with my wife for a 9 month contract. The pay seems reasonable compared to discussions but the housing allowance is very low, though I'm told through the recruitment agency that it's the going rate for an apartment for a year in the area (17,000 SAR for the year/9 months).
Thanks for your input.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I thought this company was an Irish set-up, based in Dublin.

woodenpenguin · Joined: 31 Dec 2009 Posts: 3

You'd be right - do you know anything about them and/or their reputation?

Citizenkane · Joined: 14 Jun 2009 Posts: 234 Location: Xanadu

If you read through this board, you'll see that the advise from experienced teachers is that you shoudl NOT go to Saudi with recruiters like this one. Not that I know anything specific about them, but the general rule still applies.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

There is a distinction between recruiters and contractors. I think this Dublin-based outfit is a recruitment agency, rather like that famous place Gabitas and Thring.

A contractor is someone who employs you, a recruiter merely finds you a job.

Having said that - even if you are on direct hire, not all jobs in Saudi Arabia are desirable !

woodenpenguin · Joined: 31 Dec 2009 Posts: 3

Having read other posts, I do now realize that it is better to deal directly with the employer, but as a first-timer I did not realize that when the process began.

Has anyone heard anything (good or bad) about King Faisal University in Hofuf? I have spoken directly with the head of the English department on a couple of occasions - this man is an expat himself from Jordan.

My wife and I are excited to go to Saudi and work with the people there, but don't want our first experience to be an uphill battle of trying to get paid and getting KFU to fulfill the contract (which we're still waiting on).

I appreciate your input.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

KFU in Hofuf is a State University and under the wing of the Ministry of Higher Education. You should be okay there, but I have not heard directly from anyone working there.

There is a website

http://www.kfu.edu.sa/en/pages/home.aspx

Hofuf is quiet but Dammam/Khobar/Dhahran are quite close. There is a rail link to Dammam in one direction and to Riyadh in the other. Try the train. It will surprise you !

elephant_man · Joined: 20 Jan 2010 Posts: 5

I am also seeking more information on this recruiter since I am considering a job with them. More information about them would be extremely helpful.

Ele

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

I am bothered by the idea of a 9-month contract which allows them to give you no holiday pay nor gratuity...

Not a good contract...

VS