Job Discussion Forums

[Layla11]

Soon I will be joining PNU as a new English Language professional and I would enjoy any sound information available on recruiters - particularly SBC, accommodations, swimming pool and gym facilities, general work day, colleagues, organisation and professionalism at PNU, what not to pack or what to watch out for...especially in the line of clothing or attitude, what best to wear on the job - I am considering doing shopping there and getting myself a years wardrobe of muslim clothing so as to blend in well... and anything else any one might have to say that will assist me positively. Thank you.

[intrepid traveler]

You will wear an abaya in public, so underneath anything goes. At work you will dress modestly with ankle length skirts and blouses that have sleeves to the elbow. At PNU it seems any kind of footwear is acceptable.

I have seen the SBC compound and it is not much to write home about, though no major complaints from inhabitants. It is convenient for shopping, but really doesn't hold a candle to the accommodations provided to direct hires other than having an outdoor pool. The gym there is a joke, or so I've heard.

Professionalism at PNU is very much a work in progress. Prepare to be frustrated.

[Layla11]

Thank you so much. Will the work outfits be offered by the university or should I bring these along or buy them there? How can one go about getting directly hired by the PNU?

[intrepid traveler]

You supply your own clothing and abayas. Abayas are not worn on campus or in class. PNU seems to be done with direct hiring for the 2013-2014 academic year, at least for the time being, as I have seen no recruiters advertising for them.

[CANDLES]

Layla...

I'm intrigued. Why would an employer provide you with clothes? Is that norm anywhere in the world?

And what exactly is 'Muslim clothing'? It's standard practice for women to wear long skirts and mid sleeve shirts /or t shirts, but with half sleeves down to elbows (not revealing too much on top) in work places. In banks women staff wear trousers. Women in general whether Saudi, Muslims, non Muslims generally wear whatever they like, but under their abayas.

In public you have to wear an abaya/& head scarf whether you like it or not. In the malls you're fine without the scarf...it's generally accepted that foreigners don't have to.

Footwear- usually sandals or shoes no sneakers. Far too hot to wear high heels!

As for some teachers- some are 'born again' something, or inspiring to be missionaries or something similar. Some are just bored and only there for the money. Rest are fairly good people who mind their own business and go about their jobs without too much hassle. And yes irrespective of what the other thread says- there are professional teachers there.

As for thinking of 'direct hire,' did you not say you've already got the job and are ready to work in Sep. So what's the purpose of rethinking your strategy.

As I said at the beginning of this thread...I'm intrigued.

[intrepid traveler]

There is no "uniform" for work. Students at PNU must wear long, plain dark colored skirts. For their tops, it seems anything goes. Teachers may wear any color or pattern for a skirt as long as it is ankle length (I've gotten away with a bit less, but mid-calf would be too lascivious and you might get "written up"). From the waist up, teachers are expected to be modest and not wear sleeves that end above the elbow.

I have not been able to find skirt hangers in Riyadh other than at Ikea which is not conveniently located for me. Also, I wanted a banana tree and nowhere could I find one. Of course, both of these items can be easily improvised. Vitamins and supplements are expensive here and it is difficult to get them into the country if you order on-line (but not impossible, so I'm told). This trip I've decided to take a ten month supply as my free baggage allowance is generous.

Appropriate clothing is readily available there, but I dislike shopping for that type of thing in Riyadh because you usually have to buy the item before trying it on (few shops have dressing rooms even in the malls). Last year I couldn't find many long skirts where I live in the States, but they seem to be in fashion now, so I will buy more here.

So, other than skirt hangers and banana trees (the metal kind), just about anything can be readily acquired here .

[intrepid traveler]

Oh, and you really should purchase an abaya before you get here as you will be in public as soon as you get off the plane. Google "East Essence" and be sure to order a black one.

[nomad soul]

I suggest packing a few basic cardigans and/or light jackets; the air conditioned classrooms and offices generally tend to be quite cold. Plus, Riyadh gets chilly during the winter.

[CANDLES]

Most companies for example SBC, AETG,EDEX, etc. were supplying abayas at the airport last time I was there.

Perhaps you can take one from your home town, if you have an abaya shop!

[Layla11]

[quote="CANDLES"]Layla...

I'm intrigued. Why would an employer provide you with clothes? Is that norm anywhere in the world?


No of course not - I meant if there was a set standard of dressing and if these are available to buy there easily, like on campus... as I have no long skirts or long blouses, I usually wear trousers or suits -



As for thinking of 'direct hire,' did you not say you've already got the job and are ready to work in Sep. So what's the purpose of rethinking your strategy.

The purpose was I´m still actually deciding and this forum might well assist that process - -

[CANDLES]

"Soon I will be joining PNU as a new English Language professional"......

Hence the question as to your strategy!

I wasn't being factitious, but curious. By the sound of it I think this might be your 1st time working abroad/and or certainly Saudi Arabia.

What campus sells clothes? Strange question.

Shops are packed with the latest clothes from M&S, Wallis, Gap, etc...etc., plus designer ones. The various threads have enlightened you on the clothes worn at work place. When I first went there, we were told to pack Asian clothing or similar and when we got there we had to buy long skirts and jackets, so you're lucky to have all these people advising you. We were advised by our agency to the above.

Anyway I've said my bit and I'll leave it at that. Good luck in whatever you do.