Job Discussion Forums

Kornan DeKobb · Joined: 24 Jan 2010 Posts: 242

All the teachers here are fuming because of deductions from our latest paychecks because of supposedly signing in/out late/early. It didn't matter if you were here and taught your classes, they only care about that clock, a clock which has known problems. People have clocked in, only to be called to ask, "Where are you?" and "Why didn't you clock in?" They are aware of these problems, but choose instead to go by the philosophy, "Deduct first; ask questions later."

One guy received a salary of 750 SAR. No, that's not a typo, SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY RIALS - for an entire month! Many others had deductions of 1000-4000. They sent an email a couple of weeks before advising of the "new policy" - and then applied it retroactively, not to mention that no such thing is in our contracts.

The big irony in all this is that the Dean has formed a task force to address how teacher retention - something with which they have problems every year - can be improved. Call me crazy, but how about by paying them right?

KK

fledex · Joined: 05 Jun 2011 Posts: 342

Why do teachers still go through these recruiters, or even to KSU for that matter, given the poor history of these people? Don't blame it on Saudi. KSU and their recruiters just can't get it together.

Bill Frawley · Joined: 07 Mar 2012 Posts: 6 Location: Riyadh

Xxxxxxxxxx

fledex · Joined: 05 Jun 2011 Posts: 342

Isn't it the responsibility of Edex or ICEAT to pay the teachers, not KSU? After all, those agencies move the teachers around to whatever university they want.

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

teacup05 · Joined: 14 Aug 2011 Posts: 15 Location: International

Unfortunately there are many problems on both the men's and women's campuses which have lead to many teachers leaving before their contracts are up. One problem is the inconsistency with which the "corrective" deductions are administered. Yes, it is ICEATS/EdEx's job to pay us, but ICEAT at least claims that they are fined by KSU if we miss any time at all, even if we are desperately ill.
Before coming here I looked for good information about ICEAT, and found rather general and vague complaints about both ICEAT and the PY. If I get my act together, I'll post something more detailed.
In general my experience hasn't been as maddening as regards to pay as other teachers, and my passport hasn't disappeared for months on end, but it's clear that the ICEAT management are not interested in figuring out how to retain teachers. The problems go far beyond what could be ascribed to cultural differences. The cultural differences, especially differences in communication styles, don't help any, and any recruiters worth their salt would be well advised to employ an expert in cross cultural communication and provide decent cultural orientations to new teachers.
To answer one simple question posted in this thread, KSU does not do direct hire of expat teachers until they've been here and their teaching and credentials have been assessed. The package they offer is considerably less that what the recruiters offer however.

fledex · Joined: 05 Jun 2011 Posts: 342

fledex · Joined: 05 Jun 2011 Posts: 342

fbm · Joined: 14 Apr 2012 Posts: 1

I finally got my visa and I am ready to go to KSA.
I was hired by EDEX. I have few questions if someone can help I'll really appreciate it:
* did the semester start yet?
* is there any good news lately concerning Iqama?
*Is EDEX any better this year? or it's the same

Thanks

fbm

wantok · Joined: 05 Jul 2012 Posts: 168

That was your first post.

A bit of moisture behind the ears, no?

Any sensible applicant would have read the reams of threads about this outfit.

Enjoy your short-term adventure!

Linguist · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 202

fledex · Joined: 05 Jun 2011 Posts: 342

Grendal · Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2012 6:41 pm Post subject:

Well this year there is a new professional system that is requiring its teachers to complete a weekly lesson plan at KSU. Not only that there will be buzz observations and two regular observations per academic year. This coupled with the background checks and punctuality (punch clock) issues will give KSU teachers a stress factor that may break them. Even if one is able to jump through all these hoops, how long can it be done? Retention is a pipe dream that will never be realized here at KSU. One monkey can do a beter job at running the PY programme than all those stuffy, credential ladened Saudi hierarchy hypocrites.

Do not worry. Relax. Everything is going to be all right.
In your dreams.

Grendal

Linguist · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 202

fledex · Joined: 05 Jun 2011 Posts: 342

like maggots