Job Discussion Forums

[desert_traveller]

[Sheikh N Bake]

I worked for IPA in Jeddah in 1994-96...obviously some time ago. They were great to work for although the salary was relatively modest...but still acceptably savings-friendly, if you will.

For housing, at least when I was there, and I think there's been no change, you live on street level (not in a compound) in an apartment building and IPA pays the owner directly. You don't worry about housing. They tell you where to live. At least in 1996.

I don't know anything about two months' salary deposit. Sounds ludicrous.

I don't remember what transport allowance there was, if any. My salary was SAR 11,000+ in 1996. Extrapolate as you can--others such as Johnslat are probably more up-to-date on current wages (as he seems to think this was the most amazing wonderful employer in the world)

The Jeddah IPA campus was small and friendly and attractive.

[007]

[desert_traveller]

i dont want company housing, i wanna go and find my own place, away from (otherwise probably lovely) work people

[NYCESOL11211]

They gave DVD's to interviewees at TESOL in Boston. Have you been able to watch the DVD?

[desert_traveller]

i have not been able to watch the dvd

;o)

[johnslat]

Dear desert_traveller,

Sorry but I'm nearly certain that they still don't offer a housing allowance; you have to take the housing provided (unless, of course, you manage to acquire wasta with the Housing Director - I can recall only one teacher who managed that.)

Regards,
John

[saharastars]

I think if you are going to the KSA for the very first time it is SAFER to take the housing offered . The IPA is very keen on security each compound or apartment block has front security- the compounds have security and National Guard,a couple of tanks and guys with machine guns at strategic points on the way in. My friend whose husband works there, feels very safe.

Also if you dnt feel like socialising with your colleagues, you wont have to....

[holoholo girl]

Yes the IPA handbook should answer all your questions. I printed it out and highlighted all questions I had & relayed them during my Skype interview. All referenced in the handbook was verified during the interview- including the leaving salary w/IPA while traveling abroad- or you can have a co-worker vouch for you. I'm not sure who would do this as if you exit the country they are stuck/responsible for your debt to the school.

I think I asked more questions than the interviewer!

[bryanlorin]

I applied to the IPA in January 2010 and was interviewed and subsequently received a job offer, which I ultimately declined.
With an MA and 5 years of experience, I was offered 11,440 SAR + 500 SAR travel allowance.

Added to this is what they call a monthly inflation allowance of 15% which makes a total of about 13,700 SAR per month. For the 2 months summer vacation, you don't get the 15% inflation allowance.

Housing for families is one of the Yamamah compounds, which is like a small, separate home. Must have a car, as I was told by the IPA. It's difficult without one if you live in the Yamamah compound. This Yamamah compound is not the 'Westerns only' compound. It is mixed so you have to be careful about respecting Saudi customs within the compound.

For singles, there is an apartment complex walking distance from the IPA.

The IPA complex is very modern with beautiful gardens. It is very much a business-like setting.

All teachers get their own office. When I was given the tour, I noticed that all teachers offices had their doors closed. In the middle of the working day, there was little common area where teachers lounge and talk, just a silent hallway of closed doors. It was a bit odd. However, the few teachers and staff I talked to seemed quite happy with their jobs.

Anyway. If you want to have a housing allowance, I would suggest accepting the singles apartment offered. After you get somewhat established in your job, you probably could negotiate for a housing allowance instead of the apartment. Negotiating is a common thing in Saudi.

I turned the job down because I don't have a car and don't really want to get one. Also, I don't really like living in a compound, even though it is peaceful and safe.

But I came to Saudi to experience the 'street level' way of life. I think it is better for my kid's upbringing. The sheltered, security-centered environment (and mindset) is not something I care for and I believe it is unhealthy for my child.

Despite what people might believe, Saudi Arabia is a relatively safe place to live, even for westerners... one might say, especially for westerners.

Can't really speak for single women though. But I can say that if a foreign woman does not bother to wear a head scarf of some kind--to cover her head a little, she can be seen as inviting men to look at her, perhaps follow her and to talk with her.

[007]

[johnslat]

Well, back in MY day (Lordy, I REALLY sound like a geezer now,) there were more open doors than closed ones - except, of curse, during Ramadan.
Presumably, all the teachers are now engaged in working so hard that they close the doors to discourage time-wasting banter (or I suppose the could be surfing the web for XXX-rated sites - something that we, of course, NEVER did.)

Regards,
John

[007]

[johnslat]

Dear 007,

Not more pious (with certain exceptions,) but more innocent. Back in those days, we had no idea that every mouse-click could be - and likely was - being recorded by someone.
XXX-rated magazines??? Why, 007 - I'm surprised that you don't seem to know that such pornographic material is forbidden in Saudi.

Regards,
John

[Dominic-Pax]

I have met several outgoing teachers from the IPA last month. There has been a massive exodus. It doesn't sound good.

I also heard that their housing for married couples is on Al-Yamama I. Apparently it is very old and mainly populated by other Arab families (not a western compound).