Job Discussion Forums

[JerkyBoy]

I am planning on coming to KSA to teach ASAP.

I want to work in a university and teach EAP or similar. I want to try to work P/T at the BC and do privates too. I really just want to come and make and save as much money as I can for about 18 months.

I am thinking Riyadh is best. Could Jeddah also be a good idea?

I have 10 years of classroom experience and have worked for four universities in the UK and two in Thailand (ha ha ha).

I have had offers from Al Khaleej and Education Experts. It seems like a lot of contact hours to me (not that I am lazy). I am applying for lots of jobs and keeping my options open - what is the best deal I can expect to get? All these recruiters seems to be offering a similar package.

I have heard a lot of talk of compounds and compound life but now a friend has intimated to me that these are just for those working for oil companies, etc. and that they are out of reach for ESL teachers. Is that right?

I would be greatful for some pointers as I am going into this pretty blind as I have only just decided to head to KSA and it is happening very quickly.

Thank you.

[JerkyBoy]

I forgot to mention, I have a BA in Modern Languages with Business (2:1 or GPA 3.6) from Oxford Brookes University and a TESOL Cert. (Trinity College, London).

My qualifications are a bit lacking but I have a lot of experience and a good CV.

Oxford Brookes University = Oxford Poly

[Mushakil]

I am heading out there within a month on an Ed Ex so... I will let you know.

[It's Scary!]

It's like, !

[2buckets]

"You want my advice, go back to Bulgaria"
Mr Rick, from the film Casablanca.

To paraphrase Mr. Rick: Stay home!.

Sorry, couldn't resist. Riyadh is the LAST major city I'd choose.

I had many happy years and experiences in Jeddah. Sun, sand, sea, s*x and sideeki. The 5 S's of SA.

[johnslat]

Dear 2buckets,

Having spent 14 years in Riyadh, let me assure you that four of the five S's
are quite available in Riyadh.

No sea, though.


Regards,
John

[JerkyBoy]

When I was in Bangkok, I knew the lie of the land - nothing phased me.

Now though it appears I am entering a veritable minefield ...

I'm not sure I can keep abreast of things without breaking my queries up into sub topics.

2buckets .. johnslat .. you're my guys.

At this particular juncture, I need things to work out, more than ever.

[johnslat]

Dear JerkyBoy,

ALl things being equal, I'd take Jeddah over Riyadh every time. But all things aren't always equal. In my case, I was working for the Institute of Public Administration, headquartered in Riyadh with branches in Jeddah and Dammam.

I worked in both cities for the IPA. The reasons Riyadh was preferable in my case were as follows: 1. In Riyadh, the working conditions were much better since the IPA was headquartered there. 2. In Riyadh, at the IPA, there were great recreational facilities - a gym, Olympic-size swimming pool, basket-ball court, etc. 3, In Riyadh, single teachers were housed within a ten-minute walk to work. In Jeddah, you either had to buy a car or always hitch a ride.

But if I'd had all that in Jeddah, too, that would have been my first choice, hands-down. It's a port city and the locals tend to be much more relaxed around foreigners. That's true in most countries, I think. Look at here in the US. If you were a "foreigner", do you think you'd be more "comfortable" in San Francisco or in Wichita, Kansas?

Regards,
John

[JerkyBoy]

Right ... thank you, John.

There is much to consider ... location, set up, but also the job itself.

Maybe there is only so much you can do from this end? You can ask the employer to provide specifics but it seems that many have become accustomed to fibbing. Or is that only the recruiters?

Being close to the coast sounds nice ... I hope the reality is at least as good as the fantasy.