Job Discussion Forums

[PJA]

I just got this offer from AETG for a job in Riyadh.

I have read many things about this company and the KSA in general that do not sound positive.

Salary: $34,000 US per year

1 month paid vacation + national holidays (how many, it seems to vary)

40 hour workweek with 30 or 25 (??) effective teaching hours (effective ??)

Workweek Sat. to Wed. from 0800-1200~1700-2100 or 0800-1700 (?) What would I do during the 5 hour break?

Furnished accommodation or housing allowance of 25% of annual salary (which is preferred do you think?)

600 SAR monthly commuting allowance or transportation will be provided

I am presently teaching in Korea. I have an undergrad degree, TESOL, 6 years experience at all levels and abilities.

I'd like to teach in the KSA, but the handing in of my passport and the necessity of an exit Visa are troublesome.

What about a bank account, cell phone, driver's license?

What about alcohol? I know it's illegal for Saudis but what about foreigners? Is it possible to have a beer without going to jail?

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[It's Scary!]

Alcohol is forbidden in the Kingdom. Full stop!

It's Scary!

[Middle East Beast]

I just got this offer from AETG for a job in Riyadh.

I have read many things about this company and the KSA in general that do not sound positive.

Yeah, there's no lack of that...some of those are my comments.

Salary: $34,000 US per year

Not great for KSA, but being your first time, it's a start. I've had several contracts there and my salary range was $32,000-$53,000.

1 month paid vacation + national holidays (how many, it seems to vary)

That's not much. You need to have at least 40-45 days per year or you could go nuts there.

40 hour workweek with 30 or 25 (??) effective teaching hours (effective ??)

Some places require the recognized "standard" 40-hour work week, but it depends on the employer. I've had that, but I've also had jobs where I only had to be there 30 hours per week. 30 contact periods are too many, and 25 are pushing the envelope. You'll be tired at the end of the day with Saudi students.

Workweek Sat. to Wed. from 0800-1200~1700-2100 or 0800-1700 (?) What would I do during the 5 hour break?

The former sounds like a split shift (yuck!). I wouldn't do that. The latter makes for a long day reminiscent of my days at HCT in the UAE. That sucked.

Furnished accommodation or housing allowance of 25% of annual salary (which is preferred do you think?)

That's a shot in the dark. Provided housing can vary widely in quality. If it's on a western compound it'll probably be good. But I've had a couple of nightmares with housing in the city.

600 SAR monthly commuting allowance or transportation will be provided

I paid 3000 SAR per month to lease a Honda Civic.

I am presently teaching in Korea. I have an undergrad degree, TESOL, 6 years experience at all levels and abilities.

I'd like to teach in the KSA, but the handing in of my passport and the necessity of an exit Visa are troublesome.

True in most cases. The only smooth rides I've had in this respect were with American companies that handled the details for me (including that damnable physical exam).

What about a bank account, cell phone, driver's license?

In my experience dealing with KSA banks absolutely sucks because of restricted hours (usually only open when you're working), endless queues, and waiting, waiting, waiting for service. Try to have your salary deposited into your account in your home country if you have one and use an ATM to withdraw funds. It is possible to set up wire transfers from a KSA bank thru their online banking, which I've done as well.

What about alcohol? I know it's illegal for Saudis but what about foreigners? Is it possible to have a beer without going to jail?

As It's Scary! said, alcohol is verbotten in KSA. If you're going to work in the Eastern Province you can go to Bahrain on weekends for a fix.

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Don't go.
I always say that, but I've been there several times, so who am I to tell others not to go. Just remember, KSA is a prison--you have to have a visa to leave the country. I have been detained there myself...

Thanks

[PJA]

Thank you both. The thing is I have a good thing here in Korea but it's a "is the grass greener" type of scenario.

My guess is most likely not.

Thanks again.

[veiledsentiments]

If you are happy where you are, I'd recommend staying there. You may be able to make a bit more money in Saudi, but the grass is definitely NOT greener in the opinion of the average person.

To gain a little money, you lose so many of the things that make life pleasant.

VS

[Captain Willard]

[It's Scary!]

To gain a little money, you lose so many of the things that make life pleasant.

Yeah, like fun. Fun is illegal/nonspiritual in Saudi.

It's Scary!

[Al-Mansoor]

[It's Scary!]

[Middle East Beast]

[scot47]

Don't forget that you will have endless opportunties for indulging in unnatural practices.

[johnslat]

Dear MEB,

Well "fun" is very subjective; what's "fun" for one may not be "fun" for another.

If someone is "self-contained" and not dependent upon outside sources (i.e. "social fun") for one's "fun" (e.g. reading, writing, surfing the Net, exploring the desert, experiencing the strangeness a different society, etc.,) then fun can be had.

"Stone walls do not a prison make,
Nor iron bars a cage;
Minds innocent and quiet take
That for an hermitage;"

and

" The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven."

Regards,
John

[Al-Mansoor]

MEB, I cannot express it any better than John has. There is your answer to 'fun' in the sun.

Do we really go to Saudi for fun? Hmm...

[Middle East Beast]

[It's Scary!]

Interloper...

It's Scary!