| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
uaeguy
Joined: 25 Oct 2008
Posts: 15
|
 Posted: Fri Sep 10, 2010 7:45 pm Post subject: KAUST - how is it there? |
 |
|
| Hi All. Last year, I applied and was interviewed for a position (non-EFL) at KAUST. They were very late getting back to me, and by the time they did, I had already committed to another year where i currently am. Just a couple of days ago, I recieved an e-mail from the HR department informing me that a similar position has become available and asked if I was still interested in working for them. I know what the pay and benefits are like, as I was informed of this in the interview last year. What I would like to know is what is it like to work at KAUST and live in Thuwal. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
|
| Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2010 1:30 am Post subject: |
|
|
At last report, TEFL teachers... they have only had a couple so far... are not being given university housing and are stuck living in Jeddah in a hotel with a very long commute twice a day. This is why the other teacher left. There were only three people in the department... total... and all were professional and good to work for/with.
There hadn't been many students so far... no Saudis, mostly Chinese.
VS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
uaeguy
Joined: 25 Oct 2008
Posts: 15
|
| Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2010 11:00 am Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks VS....Yes, I was aware that EFL teachers and other academic support staff where living in a hotel in Jeddah and commuting each day. I stayed in that hotel when I went there for my interview, and trust me....I fully understand why those teachers quit...that hotel would be acceptable for a couple of nights only.
I am hoping there are some people who browse this board who actually live and work on site (i.e the KAUST campus in Thuwal). |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
007
Joined: 30 Oct 2006
Posts: 2684
Location: UK/Veteran of the Magic Kingdom
|
| Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2010 1:33 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| veiledsentiments wrote: |
| There hadn't been many students so far... no Saudis, mostly Chinese.VS |
But according to KAUST web site, the students population is as follow (2009/2010):
1. Saudi Arabia ( 15%)
2. China (14%)
3. Mexico (11%)
4. United States (8%).
KAUST has accepted 817 students representing 61 countries!!
Source: http://inauguration.kaust.edu.sa/people/students.aspx
It seems the Chinese are planning to invade the Magic Kingdom and populate and setup their first China Town in the Rub Al-Khali (The Empty Quarter)!  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
|
| Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2010 2:34 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| uaeguy wrote: |
| I am hoping there are some people who browse this board who actually live and work on site (i.e the KAUST campus in Thuwal). |
The only people living out there are mostly international professors who won't browse this board. KAUST has absolutely refused to allow any TEFL teachers to live on campus for the foreseeable future. Lots of the housing was badly damaged during the flooding last year and they have just moved all the professors out of the hotel.
As to the students, I was referring to the TEFL program, not the whole university. But, word is that the administration has started limiting the number of Chinese because there was an impression of their taking over...
BTW... nor are they allowing family status or iqamas for EFL teachers. Everyone is on a business visa - three months I believe with visa runs to Bahrain or Dubai. Great money, but certainly not primo conditions. And KAUST seems to have no interest or intention of changing this situation. AED has no control of this.
VS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Sirens of Cyprus
Joined: 21 Mar 2007
Posts: 255
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 08, 2011 5:11 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Any news on KAUST? AED still have the K? |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
dissed_in_dhofar
Joined: 19 Jun 2007
Posts: 5
|
| Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 9:06 am Post subject: |
|
|
| Good question. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mistypop
Joined: 20 Jan 2012
Posts: 4
Location: United States
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 2:20 pm Post subject: Skype Interview with KAUST |
|
|
fs
Last edited by mistypop on Wed Jan 14, 2015 1:50 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 4:51 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I had heard through the grapevine that AED's contract wasn't renewed, but no confirmation. Since it seems that KAUST is communicating with applicants now, it appears that the rumor is true.
I hope that you can update us about the situation mistypop - just the bare facts about the housing/visa situation - things that shouldn't affect your passing or not passing the interview.
Hard to say what the interview will entail because we have never had anyone on here who was interviewed by KAUST.
VS |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
