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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
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 Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:27 am Post subject: |
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Lat time I looked at the BAE compound there was no shortage of booze or floozies.
'Wrinklies' from the BAE perspective are those over 55.
As for working there - I have never done that but I know several who are there as I pen my 'curmudgeonly' words. I have not met anyone who can puit his hand on his heart and declarare it is a positive experience.
The watering holes on BAE compounds are full of people talking about 'effin ragheads'
Well if that is what you want out of your time in Saudi enjoy your high tax-free salary and the stress-induced psychiatric problems that go with it.
And as for sour grapes - I do not really want all those pounds sterling. You never know where they have been ! |
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Balzac
Joined: 14 Jun 2007
Posts: 266
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 2:54 am Post subject: |
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Ha ha! Scot47,
you are a wag I do declare!
| scot47 wrote: |
Lat time I looked at the BAE compound there was no shortage of booze or floozies.
'Wrinklies' from the BAE perspective are those over 55.
As for working there - I have never done that but I know several who are there as I pen my 'curmudgeonly' words. I have not met anyone who can puit his hand on his heart and declarare it is a positive experience.
The watering holes on BAE compounds are full of people talking about 'effin ragheads'
Well if that is what you want out of your time in Saudi enjoy your high tax-free salary and the stress-induced psychiatric problems that go with it.
And as for sour grapes - I do not really want all those pounds sterling. You never know where they have been! |
You say there is no shortage of booze or floozies. Forgive my ignorance, but isn't alcohol verbotten in KSA? And where do the floozies come from? Are they Arab women? Westerners? Here's me thinking I'd be leaving my comely wife at home while I go off to earn some bucks for the family (much like the cave men of yesteryear used to go off to catch a wild boar!! LOL) and then work on my PhD in teh evenings and on weekends. You mean I'm going to actually enjoy a social life as well?! Well I never!
Sorry, again I'm probably showing my ignorance but what are 'effin ragheads'? The 'effin' part I got but ragheads?
Also, I'm finding it hard to see how stress-induced psychiatric problems come from a tax-free salary. What are the other problems that go with it if you don't mind me asking?
Scot 47, never knock money in whatever form it comes in, 'I do not really want all those pounds sterling. You never know where they have been!' It's not where they've been that matters my friend: it's where they're going that does e.g. in your bank account!
cheers for your advice and general hilarity! 
Balzac |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 3:51 am Post subject: |
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'Raghead' or 'towelhead' is an abusive name for someone who adorns his head with a piece of cloth. Much used by the NCO class in places like BAE to describe the locals.
Floozies are from many places - but not local. Alcohol is forbidden but that was also the case in the USA between 1919 and 1933. Prohibition does not mean temperance. |
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oxi
Joined: 16 Apr 2007
Posts: 347
Location: elsewhere
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 7:13 am Post subject: |
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>anyone got any info about the BAE Interview and Medical in Preston, UK? I have been offered this in a few weeks and am wondering how stringent either of them are?
I had an interview with them last summer.
2 interviewers, one after the other, were not teachers, asked very little about anything, it seemed just a formality. Asked about past experience. Didn�t ask any hypotheticals, eg. �How would you teach a group about x grammar point?�
The medical included a lot, as mentioned in previous posts. So my thoughts would be: don�t drink/take drugs before, for whatever the period is for it to leave your system�
My timeline was: I applied last year January, interviewed in July, was told it could take months to get confirmation� and got offered a job in October.
Decided not to, because you have to go on single status for about 2 years before your wife can join you. I still don�t really understand why they�re so strict with this � I understand they have limited place on their compound for families. But why they can�t just help get accommodation somewhere off the main compound � I don�t know� maybe insurance?
So I just dream of the nice salary I missed, but the nice wife I kept. |
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Balzac
Joined: 14 Jun 2007
Posts: 266
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 9:29 am Post subject: |
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Hi oxi,
many thanx for the heads up,
| oxi wrote: |
>anyone got any info about the BAE Interview and Medical in Preston, UK? I have been offered this in a few weeks and am wondering how stringent either of them are?
I had an interview with them last summer.
2 interviewers, one after the other, were not teachers, asked very little about anything, it seemed just a formality. Asked about past experience. Didn�t ask any hypotheticals, eg. �How would you teach a group about x grammar point?�
The medical included a lot, as mentioned in previous posts. So my thoughts would be: don�t drink/take drugs before, for whatever the period is for it to leave your system�
My timeline was: I applied last year January, interviewed in July, was told it could take months to get confirmation� and got offered a job in October.
Decided not to, because you have to go on single status for about 2 years before your wife can join you. I still don�t really understand why they�re so strict with this � I understand they have limited place on their compound for families. But why they can�t just help get accommodation somewhere off the main compound � I don�t know� maybe insurance?
So I just dream of the nice salary I missed, but the nice wife I kept. |
Can I just ask whether you actually failed any aspect of the process? Did you get any actual feedback? And did you have a problem getting to open a UK bank account?
When I talked to them on the phone, they said that because of my nationality, they would be able to get a visa for me pretty much straight away. In other words, minimal waiting time.
I have to agree with you about the 2 year wait for wives. It wasn't mentioned in the ad I answered, and it wasn't mentioned on the application form nor in their emails that were exchanged back and forth. My guess is that it's probably against the European Convention on Human Rights or some other such treaty where it unduly punishes the sanctity of marriage and is a form of institutional prejudice. Or something like that. I agree that it's odd that they don't make any effort as one of the biggest companies in the world to not help provide accommodation off the compound. It's almost as if they don't want the wives to be there. I'd sure love to know what the statistics are for the divorce rate at that place say in the last year!!
I've had to talk to my wife about the benefits and also the possibiltiy that she may be able to come to Saudi as a nanny or in some other capacity. This seems to have pacified here a bit but for how long I don't know.
I figure two years isn't really that long and then a lump sum at the end of it. You also have the 3 free paid return flights per year when you can visiit your loved ones and take a well-earned holiday on a beach somewhere.
Can you remember where you stayed by any chance in Preston? And what if you don't have a UK bank account to have the reimbursement paid into? Will they pay you in some other way?
Anyway, many thanks for all the useful information. 
cheers
Balzac |
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WD40
Joined: 14 Jan 2007
Posts: 104
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 3:57 pm Post subject: |
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You get three holidays
one for the end of Ramadan, one for Eid and then 5 months later the third one.
Do you love your wife enough to leave her for such a length of time or do you prefer the money?
A difficult choice for most |
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Balzac
Joined: 14 Jun 2007
Posts: 266
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| Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2007 11:10 pm Post subject: |
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Hi WD40,
thanks for the heads up,
| WD40 wrote: |
You get three holidays one for the end of Ramadan, one for Eid and then 5 months later the third one.
Do you love your wife enough to leave her for such a length of time or do you prefer the money?
A difficult choice for most |
Can I ask if thatr's the only hlidays you get? What about Christmas/New Year? And do you happen to know exactly how long each of the three holidays are?
I agree that it's perhaps the single most difficult decision teachers have to make: live with the wife or work away from home? However, in selecting the 'prefer the money' option, you are also doing it to help your family have a better life, so I don't really see anything wrong with that. Happens all the time and in every sphere of life. Sacrifices have to be made and don't forget two years at BAE and you can probably buy your own house outright in just about any country in the world. Isn't that a sacrifice worth making for your family?
Thanks for the info 
Balzac |
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egyptfan
Joined: 29 Nov 2004
Posts: 105
Location: Middle East
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| Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 1:16 pm Post subject: |
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Depending on where you are posted, you get what's called 'block leave' i.e. the holidays are based round the 'Saudi calendar'. The dates are fixed, based on when Ramadhan falls etc. You normally get 2 weeks, 3 weeks or 4/5 weeks depending on the location etc. Usually you know the holiday dates about 6 months to a year in advance.
On a more positive note!, you can always bring wife and kids for a visit, as a lot of people on single status do. It's at your own expense, though the company will arrange visas etc. Many bring the family for the summer holiday and it shortens the year,. Though it's not quite Spain, you have the sun and you are together as a family. People work round the system to suit their own needs and cirumstances. Basically, it's up to you to plan your trips and family visits etc. |
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Balzac
Joined: 14 Jun 2007
Posts: 266
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| Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 1:32 pm Post subject: |
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Many thanks egyptfan,
| egyptfan wrote: |
Depending on where you are posted, you get what's called 'block leave' i.e. the holidays are based round the 'Saudi calendar'. The dates are fixed, based on when Ramadhan falls etc. You normally get 2 weeks, 3 weeks or 4/5 weeks depending on the location etc. Usually you know the holiday dates about 6 months to a year in advance.
On a more positive note!, you can always bring wife and kids for a visit, as a lot of people on single status do. It's at your own expense, though the company will arrange visas etc. Many bring the family for the summer holiday and it shortens the year,. Though it's not quite Spain, you have the sun and you are together as a family. People work round the system to suit their own needs and cirumstances. Basically, it's up to you to plan your trips and family visits etc. |
Your info has turned out to not only be accurate, but completely spot on, so many thanks for that. PeterBar has also chimed in today and PMed me with his own take on the current BAE status and pretty much said the same regarding my wife/spouse and the possibiltiy of her staying with me.
To be honest, this has been a major 'bone of contention' between us (me and the wife, and the subject of a few heated discussions of the last week or so!) so it's really great news to know that she can come and, not only visit on a regular basis, but actually stay for several months with BAE's blessing and visa and my financial contribution.
Up until an hour ago, I had wrongly assumed that BAE was anti-family and whether unconsciously or not, prejudicial to couples. Sorry for that.
Great news egyptfan! Thanks a lot. 
all the best
Balzac |
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oxi
Joined: 16 Apr 2007
Posts: 347
Location: elsewhere
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| Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 4:27 pm Post subject: |
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>Can I just ask whether you actually failed any aspect of the process? Did you get any actual feedback? And did you have a problem getting to open a UK bank account?
No I did get the offer, but turned it down as I'd already started something else - less money, but could take my wife with me.
I've still got my TSB account from 15 years ago.
>Can you remember where you stayed by any chance in Preston?
I don't remember, but it had a nice four poster bed. Was a bit hot and stuffy. I actually took my wife with me for a couple of exotic, sunny days in Blackpool after the interview. I knew I'd have to pay for her train ticket, but was a bit stunned when the hotel charged double. Should have sneaked her in round the back.
It is a pain that the job is single status and I think I've had the same heated discussions as you with my wife. It's nice to hear that BAE help get spouses over for holidays - I didn't get much of that sort of information at my interview although I made it clear it would be my biggest issue.
>PeterBar has also chimed in today and PMed me with his own take on the current BAE status and pretty much said the same regarding my wife/spouse and the possibiltiy of her staying with me.
Would you or Peter mind PMing me that info too? I'm happy to offer you any more info... but it sounds like you know a fair bit more than me now.
I've actually started the ball rolling again with BAE. I might get to Saudi yet! |
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Balzac
Joined: 14 Jun 2007
Posts: 266
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| Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 4:57 pm Post subject: |
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Yeah, no problem on my side oxi,
| oxi wrote: |
Would you or Peter mind PMing me that info too? I'm happy to offer you any more info... but it sounds like you know a fair bit more than me now.
I've actually started the ball rolling again with BAE. I might get to Saudi yet! |
Off to bed right now, but I'll provide you with all the info you need tomorrow, ok?
As to Peter, you'll have to wait and see what his response is although, if his email to me is anything to go by, I'm reasonably sure he'll be happy to spill the beans to you, too.
cheers
Balzac |
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WD40
Joined: 14 Jan 2007
Posts: 104
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| Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 7:20 pm Post subject: |
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The teaching is crap, the students are unmotivated , the teaching materilas dire and the methodology victorian
On apostive, you are home by lunchtime and you are free all day. You can make friends for life and study for an MA or higher as you have a lot of free time on your hands. Food is quite cheap when you dine out (in the single mens section though if your family is with you you can dine in the family sections.
Read up on the culture and expectations and you will fit in nicely |
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PeterBar
Joined: 20 Jul 2006
Posts: 145
Location: La France profonde
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| Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 8:43 pm Post subject: |
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| One small correction to what I have said - the visit visa is valid for 3 months from the date of issue. It is a single entry-exit visa which allows the spouse to stay for 29 days. It can be extended for another month, then the spouse leaves and can then have another visa issued and repeat the process. |
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Balzac
Joined: 14 Jun 2007
Posts: 266
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| Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2007 1:56 am Post subject: |
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| WD40 wrote: |
| The teaching is crap, the students are unmotivated , the teaching materilas dire and the methodology victorian |
Wow! Is there anything you liked bout the teaching/classroom side of things?
| WD40 wrote: |
| On apostive, you are home by lunchtime and you are free all day. You can make friends for life and study for an MA or higher as you have a lot of free time on your hands. Food is quite cheap when you dine out (in the single mens section though if your family is with you you can dine in the family sections. |
Sounds good to me as I have to work on my PhD anyway, so the free time will be a real boon. Can I ask what is typical KSA food having never been there? Is western food freely available there or are you forced to eat the local fare?
| WD40 wrote: |
| Read up on the culture and expectations and you will fit in nicely. |
This is always the best advice I think, no matter where you're going!
Thanks WD40
Balzac |
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WD40
Joined: 14 Jan 2007
Posts: 104
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| Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2007 5:41 pm Post subject: |
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My brother worked for Bae until a few years ago. I was privy to a lot of information.
The best part of the teaching is the end of the day when the students might get some sleep as sleep deprivation is the order of the day.
The food is wide nad varied - whatever your taste it is available. Local Saudi food is very nice. |
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