Job Discussion Forums

londone7 · Joined: 07 Jun 2013 Posts: 11

Hi I'm looking at Saudi jobs and they all seem to say 30 days vacation

Does this mean one calendar month or is it 30 working days = six weeks
How is this typically broken down throughout the year?

What public holidays are there other than the two Eid holidays and Independence Day?

Also some say 'at end of contract'. does that mean the last month is vacation or how does that work? Dont I get time off in August?

Thanks Very Happy

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Since these advertised positions are mostly with contracting companies (direct-hire jobs typically offer at least 60 days of summer leave), be aware that the reality can differ from what the ad states. In other words, there's no clear answer. If you read through the threads on this forum, you'll see posts from teachers who have experienced major issues with their employer/contracting company in terms of honoring this benefit.

So, the short answer to your questions is it depends on the employer and the contract terms and conditions. But it also depends on the employer's history of adhering to the contract---if they're dodgy when it comes to paid holiday time off.

Anyway, best to ask these types of questions during your interview. Better yet, research the specific recruiting company and employer/contracting company before applying for the position. Even better yet, if your qualifications are strong, go for direct-hire opportunities.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Direct hire with iuniversities is much more generous. My contract with KFUPM stated 60 days annually plus public holidays. That is common with state unis.

Teachers there are now on holiday until mid-Auigust.

Nevertheless, some postershere will assure you that you should go and work for one of the Slave Traders who deal in human flesh - and misery !

lcanupp1964 · Joined: 12 Dec 2009 Posts: 381

I'm a direct hire at KAU and we are off from June 6th - August 24th with pay. Two years ago, we had around 20 teachers that were hired though a private contractor and those teachers could not leave until July 6th. They didn't have to report to work and sit at their desk all day, but they could not get an exit visa until 30 days after the direct hires. Try, try and try to get a teaching position as a direct hire.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

You will still get those who are sick telling newbies to find a job with a contractor !

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

lcanupp1964 · Joined: 12 Dec 2009 Posts: 381

I wanted to add a little bit to what the last poster said about direct hires and contractors that may, or may not give you smaller breaks during the year.

At KAU (as a direct hire), we only teach a total of 90 full-time, eight hour days per school year. Yes, it is spread out over the school year (Sept. - End of May), but the teachers take a lot of smaller breaks too. We get about five days break between the four quarters (7-8 week terms), we get about ten days off in Jan, we get off for Haji (sorry if misspelled) and a few more smaller breaks over the year.

We get BOTH "one nice big chunk" in the summer (60+ days) AND a good amount of smaller breaks during the school year. In addition, one could leave the country during all breaks.

Off-topic alert. This is my 150th post!!! I should be able to catch up to Scot47 in about 27 years.