Job Discussion Forums

JRJohn · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Posts: 175

I have several years of teaching experience, and a TESOL cert. I have worked in Japan, Poland, Korea, Turkey, and Spain, and taught extensively in U.K. summer schools. I taught in Embassy summer school for 6 weeks, then went to Oman. The pay and holidays were great. I adored the camping trips into the mountains etc. But I was in a small town, which was not good, and the college courses were a joke. Not having a car was an issue. I stayed only 1 semester. I got a written reference, but would it jeopardise my chances of working in the Middle East again?
Today, I saw an ad for jobs at King Saud Univ in Riyadh. What are the pros and cons for those who get picked? What is it like to apply? I know Saudi Arabia can be pretty tough?
I assume I would need to have a car to live in Riyadh.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Not sure that a car is necessary. I have lived and worked in different jobs in Saudi Arabia but have remained car-free.

Cleopatra · Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 7:29 pm Post subject:

Grendal · Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2010 8:00 pm Post subject:

You really don't want to drive in Riyadh. It's pretty crazy there during rush hours and that's when you will be using the car. Utilize your transportation allowance and hire a driver by the month. It's much easier that way and you don't have to worry about parking. You can always rent a car when you are going out of town. If it's a two lane highway then I usually use the left lane until someone going 5800 kph wants to pass flashing their high beams, then I signal to the right lane and switch. The reason for this is because in the city and on the highways they have no concept of yeildıng to traffic, they just drive straight in and cut you off in the right lane.

Regards.

Grendal

teach star · Joined: 06 Oct 2010 Posts: 10

What are the pros and cons for those who get picked? What is it like to apply? I know Saudi Arabia can be pretty tough?

The application process will move very quickly, as they're desperate for more teachers. However, the visa process is long and gruelling. You'll have to go back to your home country, front the costs and wait--some teachers waited 2-3 months to get the visa. Bell may not help you much.

The pros: decent salary (when you get it), pleasant students and colleagues.

The cons: You will encounter lots of hassles from the management--everything from bad accomodation, bad transportation, long commutes, being paid late or having your salary withheld and last but not least:
too many forms and too many administrative hoops to jump through.

When something goes wrong, they'll promise and promise but the promises don't usually materialise and chances are you'll be left with a feeling of injustice.

I can't recommend this job. You can do better elsewhere.

svatopluk · Joined: 16 Sep 2009 Posts: 81

Wicked_Witch · Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2011 6:22 pm Post subject: Employment Visa

It's my understanding that a work visa for saudi arabia MUST be obtained in one's home country. Has anyone been able to get a visa in Bahrain?

gibon · Joined: 22 Feb 2010 Posts: 40 Location: Warsaw

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

Now may not be the time for attempting to get a visa or a beer in Bahrain.

VS