Job Discussion Forums

[veiledsentiments]

[rwright]

Thank you all for the warnings; it is likely that I am going to turn down the EdEx contract though I am going to wait a couple of days longer to assess my options in Korea (I have another interview tonight but still haven't received my FBI check back and am hoping there aren't any problems).

I really appreciate the thoughtful (and thought-provoking) comments. I am an older teacher (39). I ignored the 'red flags' and advice about a bad school when taking my first teaching gig...and got screwed. I don't want to make the same mistake twice!

[nomad soul]

[rwright]

I would like to know this, too; is there a difference between men and women being provided a MEV via EdEx?

[cultofpersonality]

Female teachers are not easy to retain...they need an incentive. In my old company some of the females had multiple exits for this very reason. Men are far more expendable than female teachers in the Kingdom. I've seen females have some ridiculous demands met that I wouldn't have dreamed of proposing.

[Gulezar]

[plumpy nut]

[veiledsentiments]

[nomad soul]

[veiledsentiments]

[scot47]

Multiple exit/re-entry visas are more common than they used to be. Government universities like KFUPM led the way but many employers now offer them. Some will even let you keep both Iqama and passport with exit visa, although this is against Jawazat rules.

[rwright]

I responded to EdEx's offer with one of my own including stipulations about not being moved around, multiple exit/entrance visas, asking for more money, etc and they have responded (via my recruiter) positively so far. They have also given me contacts with women working via EdEx in Saudi to ask questions (I will email them later today). I am still looking at Korea but the offers there have been a bit manic (10 contact hours a day, 50-60 hour weeks not including planning time, only 10 annual days of vacation time, etc) and would not be conducive to me working on my MA simultaneously. So Saudi is back on the table for me but I am also continuing to work with a couple Korea recruiters.

I am fortunate enough to have a relative who is helping me negotiate my contract. He is ferocious.

BUT I still have multiple concerns. I still have many questions about actual teaching female classes in KSA: How is the active classroom for a woman? What is appropriate attire; I hear that the women are terribly well dressed and conservative but I do not quite know what that entails and what is expected from a western teacher. Are the classrooms well-appointed technologically? Are the rules concerning what types of media are and are not allowed clear? What about games; do the students actively participate?

In Riyadh, there are women's gyms? What does a woman wear in the gym? My gym clothes are scandalous!

Both men and women, what do you wish you knew before you went to KSA? What do you wish you would've taken with you?

Thank you all again for your help; these are such difficult decisions!

[caliph]

rwright:

The recruiter's responses may be positive, but that's no guarantee that when you arrive they will be honored.

Emails to women working at EdEx might be legitimate, but again, be wary.

The recruiter wants to get you there so he can get paid. Once you are there, you have no rights and it is difficult to get out if you want.

[nomad soul]

[fledex]

Be sure the contract says exactly what they promise you, such as placement in a specific place without any clause for temporary transfer to other places. Keep in mind, Edex WILL lie to you. At least you can point to something in writing if there isn't any clause allowing changes from what is promised, such at "this contract may be changed."