Job Discussion Forums

[turkzonline]

[lapd08]

Not sure if OP will get this in time, but hope this will serve as a warning for ANYONE considering working at PNU (or KSA) with any recruiting agency:

DON'T, DON'T, DON'T....etc. I received nothing but bad feedback from people who had worked in KSA that I knew personally (one had even worked for Aramco and was not a whiner) as well as these blogs, but took a job with another agencey (EdEx) anyway. After a week of getting up at 5:30 so I could make the 6:30 bus for King Saud, I was transferred to PNU (or PU as I now like to call it) and happy at first.

However, I saw the Adwaas (sp?) ad and tried to switch, but could not. It seemed so much better, they promised housing on a compound and gave multiple entry visas and other things.

3 months later, it seems that while teachers working at that agency were housed in a 5 star hotel (as opposed to the hovels EdEx supplies not to mention doubling up and insanely unreliable transportation), they are now being moved into the compound especially constructed for them. Sounds wonderful doesn't it? Well, there's a catch. They have eliminated the living rooms in the villas to squeeze in another bedroom, making it 4 women to a house. One kitchen, 2 bathrooms, 1 dinky washing machine big enough for 2 abayas and 4 women......You know what is going to happen. Worst of all, the women have no choice as Adwaas says since they spent all that money building the compound, they will not give housing allowances to anyone refusing to live there.

As to questions about bringing your children over...this agency made the promise without bothering to check the KSA embassy website where it plainly states that single women cannot bring over their children.

There are a lot of unhappy women, some must have left and I doubt things will get better. Even the local hires (Saudi women) are unhappy.

Now, as to the school itself....how you fare all depends on your race and religion. One of the top administrators is a follower of Louis Farakhan, the Nation of Islam leader who among other choice comments is known for referring to whites as "devils" and has called Adolf Hitler "a great man". This woman has been described as evil, and if you run afoul of her you will know why. She brings in other followers to fill key positions and recruits students as spies.

Speaking of students...some of them are fine and others can only be described with the word "bitches". Basically they are rich, spoiled brats who regard you as just another one of their servants. Their behavior is atrocious and their academic skills and work ethic totally lacking. If you look at them cross-eyed or simply try to enforce a rule like "no cell phones in class", they will make up lies about you and run to the Dean or the administrator I mentioned earlier, who will then run to a dean or anyone who can get you fired. You will never know who your accusers are or have a chance to defend yourself.

Finally, an anecdote to illustrate my point: One morning I was waiting for an elevator with a mob of students, one of whom was in a wheel chair. When it came it was jam packed. I convinced a few of the students to get off to make room for me (sorry, but faculty SHOULD get priority over students), but I could NOT get more to get out to accommodate the poor girl in the wheel chair. On another occasion, some students were riding up and down the elevator "for fun". One was seated on the floor. I had to step over her and tripped. They thought this was hilarious.

Last , but hardly least is the question of pay. I believe there have been problems with both agencies. The first time I got paid it took a total of 7 hours from the time I went downstairs to wait for the van to the time I finally arrived home from the wire service. But at least I got paid. I probably will never get paid for this last month as I have been chasing the director of EdEX and his number 2 man to find out where my pay is, having been abruptly dismissed from PNU "for discussing politics" a week ago. Of course I didn't, but I did remove some candy from a table as I was tired of tripping over candy wrappers on the floor. This resulted in being told "OUR God will punish you for throwing away good food that could have gone to a poor person" and my dismissal in the parking lot at the end of the day while I waited for the van on the grounds that it was reported I had discussed politics in class.

So everyone, please listen and save yourself the agony of coming here.

[turkzonline]

Dear all female teachers who are traveling to work for PNU through Adwaa,
Here's my story. I landed 3 days ago, Adwaa didn't pick me up at the airport. No men would want to talk to me because I didn't have an abaya on. My husband called a cab and we went to a hotel. Contacted Adwaa the next morning with hotel info. They replied they sent someone to pick us up. Now it's the 3rd day and we're still in the hotel. Haven't heard from them since. I'm not worried. Just pissed. Well I got my abaya now and will look for other jobs here in KSA. I was lucky that I had my husband here. It would be a nightmare if I went alone and noone showed up to pick me up at the airport.

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

A member posting on this thread has just received a 4-week temporary ban for inappropriate, insulting and confrontational comments (now deleted).

Future instances of this type of behavior here will result in immediate permanent bans to include ISPs.

This is not the board to do this kind of thing on. Some boards permit it. We don't.

Members are encouraged to contact the Mod Team by Report Post or PM to report inappropriate postings.

[Sheikennotstirred]

Is there anyone here working for PNU who was recruited by World Education Group/SBC, who has any experiences positive or negative to share?

They seem much more organized/professional than some of the other recruiters being mentioned on the thread. However, having heard some of the things here, I am wondering how much better they are realistically likely to be...

[veiledsentiments]

It would seem that the management and student issues may exist no matter what recruiter you use.

Thus far I can't recall reading one positive thing about PNU working/teaching/living conditions on this board. You do have the factor that it is the unhappy people that tend to post... but it is rather overwhelmingly bad on here.

VS

[c_dange]

I'm a Canadian who was recruited by World Education Group to sign a contract with SBC. Ultimately, I decided to go with them because 1) they were more informative and responsive than other recruiters; 2) they were more honest with me about the housing situation and settlement allowance; 3) they are trying to get me into KSA faster than other recruiters are; and 4) they are being honest about the fact that they will be obtainig a business visa for me.

Although the American recruiter that I'm corresponding with at WEgroup has been excellent, on the one occassion that I spoke to the SBC rep working with her, he seemed kinda sketchy. I attributed his 'untruths' to cultural difference and counted myself lucky enough to see through his attempts at deception. On the other hand, Adwaa's contract looks better in comparison, but that's because they've changed it without the approval of SBC in order to get teachers to sign. However, they cannot deliver on many of their promises once teachers arrive in KSA.

Ultimately, you have to realize that no matter who gets you to Saudi, you'll be working for SBC in the long run...and no matter the difference in the English contracts you receive, you'll be subject to SBC's contract and their treatment once you're there. So in my opinion, it doesn't really matter who you sign with (as long as they're not working on behalf of EdEx).

If you are a Canadian, you might be concerned to know that the issuing time for a business visa has recently increased from 1-2 days to 1-2 months. In my case, WEgroup is still working to get around this resriction because my visa had already been approved before this rule was imposed about 2 weeks ago. But from what I hear, they've now stopped accepting applications from Canadian teachers. Adwaa, on the other hand, has told me that the only way to proceed is to apply for my visa in Ottawa and wait the 40+ days. Yet, they're still not being honest with me about the fact that this would be for a business visa...if I were applying for a work permit/Iqama through Ottawa the process would take 8-10 weeks and require a police and medical check.

Either way...you're taking a calculated risk. And if you want to pursue this position (which I do) then you have to expect the unexpected and realize that the reality may not match promises that have been made on paper.

[julie.taufiq]

I know this is a bit off topic on this thread, but I have to mention that I, too, am Canadian waiting for a Saudi visa. I received my visa authorization slip at the end of September (the 30 to 45 day wait was imposed Sept 1, 2011) and applied for my visa on October 3rd. It's been 56 days and still no word. I have also tried to get over through recruiters, but no one knows of any loopholes to have Canadians get to Saudi any more quickly. The Saudi Embassy in Canada's website makes it clear that, except for Hajj / Umrah visas, EVERY visa class must wait the 30-45 days. See: http://portal.mofa.gov.sa/Detail.asp?InSectionID=2813&InNewsItemID=104113

I've also posted links for more info on my blog: http://pinkjeddahsunset.blogspot.com/p/further-reading.html

For awhile, I heard that Adwaa was sending Canadians who had already signed contracts to apply for their visas via Qatar (it was taking only 5 or so days at the time), but Saudi has since put an end to Canadian applicants applying through this avenue.

[c_dange]

It's true that if you apply trough the proper channels (ie. the Saudi Embassy in Ottawa) you can expect to wait over 40 days for your visa to be issued. When I applied about a month ago to various recruiters, they were all honest with me about the fact that I'd be sent to Doha in order to get my visa issued, which would take only a couple of days. I know of a colleague of mine who did exactly that without a problem.

Since the Hajj holiday ended on Nov. 12, a new policy has been put in place that requires Canadians applying at any of the Saudi Embassies worldwide to wait the standard 40+ days in order to get their visa issued. This is to enforce consistency with the wait time in Ottawa and discourage Canadians from finding a way around this policy.

That being said, it's no secret that 'wasta' and personal favours go a long way in usurping official rules in the ME. So I've been told by one particular recruiter that there's still a chance that they can get me over there faster. It's to their advantage to do so. If this strategy fails, I'm prepared to wait the necessary 1-2 months.

Meanwhile, I'm still considering job offers in Oman and S. Korea, while continuing to work here in Toronto. In short, you have to protect your interests and keep your options open if you're to avoid being disappointed.

[baa_baa]

[Mushakil]

FYI, I have a friend working at PNU, I don't know which recruitment company she went through. I do know though that...

1) It took a looong time to get her visa processed.

2) She loves it there.

[baa_baa]

[Mushakil]

She hasn't replied.=)

[baa_baa]

[lynnknows]

VS, this is just for you. I am working at PNU and I am happy here. NO, it is not perfect. someone please tell me one job that is. My work load is light. The girls/young ladies, are sweet. My group of girls are well mannered and eager to learn. The program is set up in a way that makes it easy for the teacher. Lesson plans are done for you, the test are given to you each week along with an answer key. All we have to do is mark the students exams.
I call it eaching for dummies because their is not much I have to do compared to the other jobs I have had in the gulf.


As for SBC, yes they are having a few issues but I do not blame them. Adwaa promised many things to many people. I know what they promised me. I thank God I didnt listen to them and did things the right way.

SBC is a small company that IMO took on more than they could handle. They had no idea what it would be like to employ over 400 women. They are going through a rough patch now but inshaallah they will get things together and next year will be better.

There are people here with valid complaints. Some mothers have been seperated from their kids and or husbands for several months. Some of them have no idea if they will be able to bring their families here. I would hate to be in their shoes. I dont feel any mother should HAVE to be away from their child.
There are some women who were promised their own place or a housing allowance. SBC told Adwaa they housing was to be shared, however, Adwaa did not tell the women this information. I think most of the women have come to terms with this and are making a bad situation positive. They have shared Thanksgiving dinner, they go out nice outings, they have game night, whatever they can to try to be happy.
The housing allowance is only given to women with husbands here. This is becasue it is against the law to rent to a single woman, unless its on SOME compound. The thing is the housing allowance is not enough to live on a compound. When I went looking for a place the first thing out the realitors mouth was where is your husband. The lease has to be in your husbands name.

There are women that SAY they have not been paid. I cant only say I overheard one conversation with one of these women in the HR depeartment and I can say in HER case her complaint was NOT TRUE. I heard what really happend from her mouth but when she tells the story online and to other women, its not the same story.

I think Saudi is not for everyone. One, there are too many recruiters that lie just to get paid. Another thing is many people come here thinking things will be like they are at home . That is far from the truth. Saudi is NOTHINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG like our home countries, nothing like Dubai, Doha, Kuwait even. Its like another world sometimes.

Even being a muslims does not always make it easy. I think Working at PNU can be a good experience for many women if they come with a positive outlook. Do not expect much. You will need to hav e patience, be willing to think outside the box and just do your job.

My offices mate and I are happy. Like I said its not perfect but we have are ok with the way things have turned out so far.

OH, I just wanted to say one of the older post said something about a woman being a member of the NOI. I just want to say that is so WRONG, WRONG, WRONG. Just because a woman is an African American Muslims does not mean she is a member of the NOI. I personally find that statement offensive and IMO, it shows the lack of knoweledge that person has about ISLAM, the NOI and it shows that person NEVER spoke to this woman at all. During the orientation she maked it VERY clear that she is a Sunni Muslim and WHY she is in Saudi.

Thats it. I dont know how long the fourm will be open but I hope I was able to shed some light on whats going on and what NOT going on.