Job Discussion Forums

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

People have been asking this question here now since June... and all we hear is

crickets...

VS

MecMS · Joined: 06 Aug 2010 Posts: 8

The crickets are not going to be chirping anymore. I can state as an employee of the company in question that I don't know a single person who is satisfied with the experience. Aside from being paid (though not on time) for our teaching, we have had countless promises broken, and we have not yet been reimbursed for expenses incurred to get our visa (they were supposed to be repaid many weeks ago). I don't care to get into details since just about everything related to the company has been frustrating, but I can unequivocally state that management is disorganized, unhelpful, the personalities of people in authority throughout the country are almost universally seen as unpleasant, and I would not wish this job on people looking to have a positive experience in KSA.

GladToBeFree · Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 45

.....

brasscat · Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2010 3:12 am Post subject: WARNING ABOUT AMERICAN HIGHER ED

I worked for American Higher Ed in Jeddah.

They owe me over $3500 in pay and medical costs. After 1 month still no money.

The Jeddah Compound is at the end of the main runway of Jeddah International. Planes fly over the villas every 3 minute, below 1500 ft.
It is located 1 hour from the school and city.

There was black mold in half of the villas.

That was the good part! Send a message for the major bad news.
brasscat

caballo · Joined: 06 Apr 2008 Posts: 39

I interviewed with them last summer, and did not reach an agreement with them. It didn't seem right. For example, they would not specify the number of contact hours. I'm sorry to hear that teachers with them have had a difficult time, but I'm happy that I avoided it at least.

brasscat · Posted: Sat Jan 01, 2011 3:46 pm Post subject: Further Info

AHEd contracts to provide teachers for several locations in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Labor Law says; A work permit is required to work in the KSA under contract. AHEd sent 80 teachers in on business visas. Also after 4 months no Iqamas have been issued.

Current employees are being sent to Abu Dubai for business visa renewals.

I still have not been paid my November pay check.
brasscat

caballo · Joined: 06 Apr 2008 Posts: 39

Their recruiters/interviewers specifically and repeatedly promised me last summer that no teachers would be sent to Saudi Arabia without the proper work visas. This is yet another third-rate, rogue employer. (For information on another egregiously bad operation, see my entries on Saad Group-now bankrupt and virtually defunct.) Why doesn't the government of Saudi Arabia clean up its act and crack down on these criminals?

brasscat · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 4:04 am Post subject: Simple

When you pay the right person, then you play. See the point?
brasscat

caballo · Joined: 06 Apr 2008 Posts: 39

Of course we can't blame the Saudis for the entire fiasco. American and other non-Saudi recruiters help perpetrate this kind of fraud on unsuspecting teachers like yourself. Without a proper work permit, you have no legal standing in the Kingdom. If you have to pass through a roadblock or find yourself mixed up with the police in some way... Question

Do the authorities(clowns?) at your school at least allow you to keep your passport?
I sometimes wonder how some of these mendacious recruiters manage to sleep at night.

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

brasscat · Posted: Sun Jan 02, 2011 5:48 pm Post subject: A Great Escape

A fellow Instructor e-mailed me today and said he had escaped the Jeddah/AHEd trap.

He is now in Kabul, Afghanistan. Does this give you an idea of how bad the situation is?
brasscat

caballo · Joined: 06 Apr 2008 Posts: 39

Of course, Saudi Arabia is a corrupt country. that goes without saying. Transparency International ranks it 50th in the world and that may be too generous. But this type of employment fraud is aided and abetted by non-Saudis:the avaricious and despicable recruiters. It would not be possible without their complicity because Saudis are unable to recruit on their own.
The only possible way for this to change is for educators to not accept these jobs.
What do you mean by these jobs? All jobs in Saudi? Are there any reputable employers? In a country rife with corruption, who can you trust?

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

agmoe519 · Joined: 07 Sep 2010 Posts: 11

I am currently negotiating for a contract with AHed.

They are telling me that they want to send me over on a Business Visa.

No word on the salary yet. My expectation is btw 3000 and 4000 USD a month.

Awaiting the contract to be mailed to me for review.

Looking for info from people who have worked for them ...

trapezius · Posted: Mon Jan 03, 2011 10:05 pm Post subject: