Job Discussion Forums

[grayskies]

Candles, I believe what I've said is clear.

Would it make a difference if I've been in KSA for one month or 10 years?
My perception is just that, it's mine.

Furthermore, I did not create the 'us vs. them' scenario. It does exist. No matter what your objections are, they will always exist.

I cannot be more clear. Either accept it or not, but there is no need to beat me up over it.

[CANDLES]

Yes, it makes a lot of difference. As I said before some Westerners seem to think that they are far superior to the Arabs and do create a 'them' & 'us' situation which does not fare well for a happy community

Of course your opinion is yours- no-one is taking that away from you and I certainly am not 'beating' you up about it.

Let and Let Live!

[johnslat]

Dear grayskies,

" . . . because we choose to keep a low profile to fit in . . ."

Huh? I have no problem with anyone's keeping a "low profile." That's not what I'm talking about at all. In fact, I've found that the best way to keep a "low profile" is to do my job well and mind my own business. Teachers who put minimal effort into their classes have been, in my experience, ones whose profile soon stops being low.

Of course, I suppose if one is at an institution where slacking off IS the norm (Hi, Norm ), then one WOULD stand out if one put any effort into doing the job well. I'd find it impossible to stay in that kind of environment, but I can certainly see why others might not. As I wrote before, whatever works for you.

This all reminds me of my very first "real job," working on summer vacation as part of a "clean-up" crew for the state highway department. I was young, about 16, I think, and when we were dropped off with our shovels and brooms, I started to clean up the litter. After a while, the crew boss (who'd been standing around with the rest of the crew, leaning on their brooms and shovels) strolled over. "Son," he said, "take it easy. Don't kill yourself. You're making the rest of us look bad."

He had me transferred to another crew the next day, and it all worked out since everyone on that crew actually did what they were being paid to do.

Regards,
John

[cmp45]

Vote John Slat for Mayor!!! well stated...comrade!

[grayskies]

This is the reason why people are put off by this forum, you have made some of our comments personal. It is not about you John.

[Sheikit]

if i could steer us back for a moment...

assuming you interview with the head of the department, an english speaking person,...is this person normally involved in the decisions of the hiring/contract/salary committee?

are salary offers based on how highly you were recommended/desired by the interviewer,or is there a set formula based on years of experience and degrees?

[grayskies]

This is what I've been told through HR depts. (direct hire), salaries are based on teaching experience, references which include letterheads and your educational background.

I have worked for both public and private universities. I have always tried (in vain) to negotiate for a higher salary. In a polite, yet firm reply, was told no. The HR let it be known that the KSA universities follow a strict pay scale.

This does not mean it will apply to your circumstances.

[nomad soul]

If it's a direct-hire situation, salary will generally be calculated based on academic qualification, TEFL certification, and more importantly, years of verified relevant experience. That employment verification must be in the form of an official, signed letter or certificate of employment from each previous employer and should state your employment begin and end dates as well as your position.

[Sheikit]

grayskies-- which paid more, public or private uni?

[grayskies]

Private universities pay much better than public ones. I have dual Master's degrees. One is related to science, the other is in education. Also, I studied TESL at a university, not through an ESL certification program.

This is why I said, your case may be different. As others have rightly said,
ivy league universities, time of application and published works may hold special consideration.

I wish you, all the best. And always negotiate!

[CANDLES]

Most teachers at KSU negotiated even though some of them had never been to KSA or outside their respective countries apart from holidays. Some had MA, some didn't , but had taught ESL in various schools, colleges

So it can be done.

[nomad soul]

[Sheikit]

how much, on average, does each year of experience earn you?

[cmp45]