Job Discussion Forums

[bootita]

Helloooo,

My recruiters would like me to "come now" (meaning within the next 3 weeks).
BUT the school year (at PNU) ends in early June.....
So, is it better for me to "come now" and just get myself over there? Or should I wait for the Fall/start of new school year????

Any thoughts???????

Thank you

[nomad soul]

Apparently, they're trying to get you in country to have you teach the summer session. That would also be during Ramadan, which begins around the end of June this year. Something to consider in deciding whether to start in the next month or two: It will be hot and the students will very likely be sluggish and possibly grumpy from fasting.

[bootita]

thanks nomad soul. but it seems like I dont have much of a choice. I feel if I even ask to come later they will cancel the contract all together.

I would really like to start the year fresh and in the fall...

Also, I have done quite a bit of work on my visa (should be getting stamp in passport any day now), and if I make too much of a fuss about coming later, then all if that work will have been a waste if they decide to cut ties with me completely

[joleen7]

I have been at PNU for a year now and I would advise you to do as they tell you. This is the nature of the beast. They can fire you at the drop of a hat and obedience is essential. There are NO summer courses , by the way.The recruitment process is so slow and complex that I would just do as they tell you, and forget making your own decisions.

[joleen7]

This aspect of life in KSA is for me the most difficult, not Saudi itself,which I think is quite interesting and relatively free..but The Workhouse and all its rules and pettiness is the real challenge.
Also, the students are exhausting.
(I accept it because I want the money, but it is quite a challenge, being obsequious).

[nomad soul]

[joleen7]

that's right, she will not be paid over summer. This happened to several teachers last year..they arrived in May and cleared off for the summer, starting work properly at the end of August. She can ask til she's blue in the face for info but I suspect she'll get nowhere. I would advise coming whene they tell her tp come, or forfeiting the post.

[joleen7]

if she is PNU direct hire, they won't send her anywhere else for the summer, as they have nowhere else to send people.

[CANDLES]

Well, she'll have to go as per the contract and spend time wandering the streets of Riyadh and admiring the great city until time for work beckons.

[scot47]

Normal procedure at government unis is that summer salary is "pro-rated". If you arrive half-way through the school year, you will get half what you would get for the full year. It also impacts on final bonus. No gratuity for part-years.

[joleen7]

yes- if direct hire, you arrive when they tell you to, then leave again for the summer break with pro rata dosh for the holiday

[nomad soul]

However, I suspect she's signing on with EdEx or some other contracting company.

[scot47]

Lord have mercy !

[ttxor1]

[CANDLES]

Yes! Don't work, don't get paid; work then you have to work the whole of the summer session.