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Lala78
Joined: 18 Mar 2010 Posts: 8 Location: London
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Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2010 4:28 pm Post subject: Bell in Libya |
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Hi, I'm thinking of applying for the position Bell are advertising in Tripoli. First of all, I should say that I am happy with the financial package. 22.5K with free accommodation and meals is good enough for me. I know you can earn more by going direct with oil companies but I'm a single female and I want to live in the city and have the social network that working for a school can offer.
I would be grateful if anyone could give me some info about working conditions with Bell/their partner, and living conditions in the accommodation that they offer.
Also, I know that Tripoli isn't the most exciting place to live in the world. I don't need wild parties or to be able to buy loads of Western goods. I would just like to be able to make a few like-minded friends to hang out and have a decent conversation with, have a beer occasionally, and read a good book, preferable on a beach or next to a swimming pool. Does that sound like a life I could have in Libya?
I'd really appreciate any constructive advice that anyone could offer.
Many thanks. |
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Lala78
Joined: 18 Mar 2010 Posts: 8 Location: London
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Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2010 5:13 pm Post subject: |
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OK, just noticed a thread about this that I didn't see before. Sorry for any repetition. Is this stuff true though? Does anyone on here have experience of working for them? |
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basiltherat
Joined: 04 Oct 2003 Posts: 952
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Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2010 6:03 pm Post subject: |
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if by 'beer' you mean non-alcholic beer, you should be ok. Alternatively brew your own.
Otherwise, it sounds like you might be ok. Be aware that Tripoli can look like a construction site in some areas, especially along the coast.
Construction of hotels and other high-rise structures is going full steam.
Best
Basil |
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Lala78
Joined: 18 Mar 2010 Posts: 8 Location: London
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Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2010 6:22 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks Basil... Sorry, I've looked at info for so many countries in the region that I got confused about where you can and can't drink. Libya doesn't have licensed places then? |
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basiltherat
Joined: 04 Oct 2003 Posts: 952
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Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 6:45 am Post subject: |
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No. Unfortunately it doesn't.
Several added issues of interest:
Also, the impression I have had since coming here (Libya) is that IT skills among local office/company staff are generally very poor but are slowly improving as the younger generation take over.
Malta is only a 45 minute flight away so if you feel the need to get out to re-energize your batteries, you could quite easily spend a weekend there ... depending, of course, on how Bell react to that idea.
Bring books with you or make sure there is a library of sorts in Bell. Alternatively, download books from the internet, if the ones you like are there, after you arrive.
Best
Basil
Last edited by basiltherat on Thu Oct 21, 2010 9:25 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Knaved
Joined: 27 Jan 2010 Posts: 34 Location: Earthquake zone
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Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 3:15 pm Post subject: Bell in Libya |
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The Tourist Village Beach resort is a mere 10 minute walk away from the Bell villa in Tripoli. You can sunbathe on the beach or take a dip in the swimming pool and then have as many non-alcoholic beers as you want!
The TVBR also has tennis courts, restuarants, a bowling alley and a cinema on site.
There is a sufficient number of books in the villa to keep you occupied for a few months, satellite TV's in all rooms with 5-6 movie channels and a communal Showcase satellite TV with hundreds of channels.
Knock off DVD's can be found in Tripoli at about �1 each. There are 2 brances of Fergiani's Bookshop in town with paperbacks at �10 each. Lots of restuarants and shops to pass the time in and a cracking museum with the Leaders VW Beetle from the days of the Revolution.
Social get togethers outside of the 'family Bell' can i am sure be instigated as seminars etc throw open the opportunity to meet up with teachers/employees from other organisations in Libya. |
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officeboy
Joined: 15 Feb 2010 Posts: 26 Location: Libya
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Posted: Sun Mar 28, 2010 3:19 pm Post subject: |
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I do sometimes wonder if people who post on here actually work in Libya.
Anyhooooo
Bell living conditions are shared accommodation, mixing locals and expats, never good, Bell's staff turnover is dire.
If you come in on a tourist visa, your not getting to Malta until your on a Business or Resi visa. Business good for six months multi entry, Resi visa's good for a year but you need an exit/entry visa for every trip, so soon uses up the passport pages.
Having a beer is possible, at a price, around 7 times the cost of the UK. Or as suggested, homebrew, there are some great dry kits available that are packaged as cake mix
There are a couple of book shops down Gergaresh, soft backs at around 3 GBP each, mainly Penguin Classics or remainders, so not a great choice.
Socialising is good amongst the expats just don't tell people your a teacher, I know it sounds harsh but 90% of the teachers here are stuck in jobs they don't like, so all they do is moan, hence, no one wants to hang around with teachers except teachers.
For more specific advice, PM me. |
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NoahSal
Joined: 01 Dec 2010 Posts: 12
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Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2010 12:17 pm Post subject: more info on Bell in Libya |
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Hi all, im new to this forum so i cant pm anyone as yet. Im considering Bell in Libya so would like more info on them from anyone who has worked for them? Shared accomodation sounds ok though I guess it depends on the details of the arrangement.. Lala78 did you get out there in the end? Knaved, you still out there? |
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Asmudger
Joined: 05 May 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Scotland
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Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2010 12:35 pm Post subject: |
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As Officeboy works for a direct rival of Bell I'd take what he says with a very large pinch of salt - see some of his other posts.
I have worked on this Bell contract and would contradict him on a couple of points.
The accommodation is really just teachers sharing a villa - some rooms en suite, all rooms with fridges and individual satellite tv systems, live in chef, rooms cleaned every day etc. The Libyan partner might put up one of their local staff once in a while but it would only be for a noght or two tops. It's not ideal but having worked in the desert previously I can say that the accommodation with Bell is heaps better than on any of the desert jobs.
The turnover of staff I would say is far from dire - I don't know where this belief came from. When I was there pretty much everyone stayed for their full contract - with quite a few people renewing.
In summary I would say that it's a good job if you are able to handle Libya.
Libya isn't for everyone but Bell is probably the best option out of those available. |
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NoahSal
Joined: 01 Dec 2010 Posts: 12
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Posted: Wed Dec 22, 2010 4:06 pm Post subject: Thanks Asmudger |
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Thanks for getting back to me.. im still mulling over it. What did you think of the money situation, is it exactly what it says on the tin from Bell? I guess it must be with staff being quite happy as you say. I wonder if any of you guys took the plunge with the arabic language? |
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NoahSal
Joined: 01 Dec 2010 Posts: 12
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Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2010 12:00 pm Post subject: Berlitz in Tripoli Libya |
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Hi all, anyone got ant info on the Berlitz gig in Tripoli?
Thanks!
NS |
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officeboy
Joined: 15 Feb 2010 Posts: 26 Location: Libya
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Posted: Sun Jan 16, 2011 12:36 pm Post subject: |
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A Direct competitor of Bell, Hmmmmm, I think not.
As with all comments on here, take as much advice as you want or need.
As for taking mine with a pinch of salt, I tell it as I see it, having been here for nearly 5 years I try to be as honest with people as I can.
Happy new year y'all |
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