Job Discussion Forums

Kornan DeKobb · Joined: 24 Jan 2010 Posts: 242

Inanother example of schools having a race to the sweatshop bottom, I came across a gem just today which included this:

� Working hours: Contract is for 8 hours per day: 7.5 hours of classroom instruction and 0.5 hours class preparatory and administrative work
� Instructors may be required to conduct up to 7.5 hours per week of additional classes as paid overtime
� Centre opening hours: 8 am � 10 pm Saturday to Wednesday, half day on Thursday. Classes may sometimes fall on a Thursday and sometimes in a split shift
� Instructors may not give private tuition outside the proper course of their employment.

So, for 7.5 teaching hours per day for 5.5 days per week on split shifts you get between 8,000-10,000 SAR.

Go for it!

lazycomputerkids · Joined: 22 Sep 2009 Posts: 360 Location: Tabuk

Thanks.
I couldn't agree more with your sentiments in regard to the hours/pay and see two more red flags with the ad's offerings of training in the "Method" and use of the term "native-like fluency".
Everything about the ad screams ignorant boast or charlatanism.

bulgogiboy · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 803

The sad thing is that they will continue to advertise jobs like that, because they will always find someone desperate enough to do it.

I wonder just how low these salaries can go before people refuse them...?

Kornan DeKobb · Joined: 24 Jan 2010 Posts: 242

Kornan DeKobb · Joined: 24 Jan 2010 Posts: 242

How about this one?

trapezius · Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2010 6:15 pm Post subject:

The biggest red flag there is the phone number. And the spellings are just atrocious.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2010 7:09 pm Post subject:

ATROWSHUSH!!!

NCTBA

Bebsi · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 958

Whaddya mean, red flag?

I applied, got an interview, and was rewarded for my efforts and trust with a wonderful job offer in a town called Midla'a Nouwair...apparently, it's in a region called Rub Al Khali, somewhere in Saudi.

The package sounds really good:

- 40K SAR pm
- Fully furnished luxury 200sq.m. apartment overlooking the local lake, with satellite TV, maid service, superfast i-net, central AC and pool
- 50k settling-in allowance on arrival
- Med insurance, VIP class
- 50k education allowance for each of three children, or cash in lieu
- Free breakfast and lunch onsite
- 90 days paid vacation, in addition to Ramadan & Hajj hols (2 weeks each)
- 3 x paid flights yearly, business-class to any point in the world on Lufthansa, KLM or BA networks
- 12 contact hours weekly, teaching advanced academic English (I told the guy I don't know much about this but he said no worries, it's easy)
- 5 office hours weekly, otherwise free to leave

Is this OK for teaching in KSA, or could I do better? I'm quite well qualified, with an online BA from Axford University in Idaho, a TEFL cert from ThaiTeach in Bangkok, and two years experience teaching conversation to kids in Cambodia.

He said processing of the visa is easy, I just have to send 3,000 euro to an agency (based in Cote D'Ivoire, I think) to process it. It will be reimbursed on arrival in Rub Al Khali, I've been assured.

What can possibly be wrong with this offer?

trapezius · Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2010 7:25 pm Post subject:

^ That's one of the worst offers I have ever seen... the salary and benefits aren't enough!

Bebsi · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 958

Well, that's what I was wondering about. I'm thinking of holding out for something better. Also, I'm looking for a nice job for my girlfriend, who I discreetly want to bring to KSA after my wife gets settled. She likes clubs and cinemas, and I've heard that there aren't very many in Midla' Nowair.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

When I phoned, a nice man explained that the job was mine but he asked for US$545 for visa handling charges. Do you think that is enough or should I send him more ?

Bebsi · Joined: 07 Feb 2005 Posts: 958

Only 545? I 'm supposed to send 3,000 euro...and although I'm not sure I'll take the job, I sent it anyway just in case, cos the nice man on the phone said it had to be sent immediately to secure the job. So I've sent it...with another 500 for himself, he was so nice. He works sooo hard at this recruiting business, although all his family were recently wiped out in a plane crash where a jet was brought down by government agents because his father, a human rights activist, was on board.

I've had another offer, not nearly as good, but it's in Jeddah close to the beach, and this is very important to me, as it's the quality of life that counts, and everyone says how great Jeddah is.

Here it is:

- 6.5k SAR pm
- 500 SAR travel allowance
- 30 days vacation
- 3 days for each Eid
- Medical ins for a hospital in the Briman district...I think it's called Med3W
- Refund of airfare after completion of five-year contract
- 35 contact hours per week
- Working hours Sat-Wed: 07.00 to 13.00 and 16.00 to 22.00; Thurs 07-14.00
- Teaching beginners who are unemployed men in their early 20s, that the govt wants to educate (I'm told they're really motivated)

They say it's single status, whatever that means, but I'm sure my girlfriend can come. I hope so, as she loves the beaches and sunbathing. Are there any nude beaches?

Also, they say I will come on a business visa as this eliminates paperwork. Sounds good to me. I want to buy a car and they said it'll be no problem, as used cars are plentiful, cheap and in excellent condition.

Oh, they said I will have to hand in my passport and cannot get it back for at least 9 months, even if there's a family death. Is this normal?