Job Discussion Forums

[SMAli]

Hello everyone...

I figured instead of looking up answers, that are some times outdated, I would ask my specific questions here..

So I was recently offered a job at PNU through SBC and I am currently in the process of obtaining employment visa. SBC stated that I have to pay for my visa expenses as well as extra luggage and they will reimburse me when I land in cash. Did anyone have troubles with claiming your money back from them?

Also how is their accommodation in Riyadh? they sent me some pictures but they look like ad pictures.


I was offered 11.650 SR per month for salary is this normal? i tried negotiating but no luck. ( ps. I have a BA and TESOL certificate with almost one year experience)

I noticed on my contract that it says if I wanted to return they will pay for my ticket to the capital of my hometown, Ottawa, Canada in my case, but I live far west. is this also normal?

I would very much appreciate anyone who can help me with these questions, I've already learned a lot from this site.

Thanks

[nomad soul]

For starters, don't expect anything to be "normal" in terms of Western standards and expectations; otherwise, you set yourself up for major disappointment or worse. You need to come to the Kingdom with low/realistic expectations, a lot of patience, and a healthy sense of humor.

Although I've never worked for SBC, I can answer a few of your basic questions. In terms of your salary, negotiating for more money is fruitless because your qualifications are bare minimum and don't warrant a higher amount. Also, SBC, like all the other contracting companies, acts as the middle man and profits from a percentage of the employees' earnings. They're a business and are more interested in padding the company's coffers than adding to yours.

If your contract specifies paid airfare to Ottawa, then that's what you'll get. Apparently, some companies provide airfare only to certain major cities; the employee has to pay the rest of the trip out of pocket.

As for SBC's housing for PNU teachers, you might check if it's still shared, which was the situation for my friend a couple of years back.

I suggest you do a search within this forum. There are threads about SBC including some particularly interesting ones from 2011-2012.

[tigress]

Dear Smali,

I've also read much of the content on this site, which has proven insightful-the good / bad and ugly. I'm South African and have just accepted an offer from Skyline Solutions on behalf of the Client.
The process you mentioned is practically exact to mine, so hopefully that's a good thing for both of us- I'm also concerned about the reimbursement/ apartment etc.

I'm a first time esl teacher, and quite frankly a bit paranoid after some of the scams and dodgy dealings I've read about here (from seemingly reputable instituitions) as well. Such as recruiters interviewing candidates above the number they require in lieu of drop-offs etc, and at the last minute when you've paid visa and medical test expenses they stop all communication and you're left further in debt with no employment!

However it was mentioned by some posters that telltale signs of scams or fraudsters are: 1) Asking for placement fees, 2) Asking for credit card details, 3)Making unrealistic promises (exorbitant salary offers).

Holding thumbs we get some reassurances from the experts.
Take care,

[sicklyman]

[nomad soul]

[tigress]

Thank you for the above information, I also read about some dodgy dealings regarding PNU.

Any info on Skyline Solutions and Al Khaleej Training and Recruitment?

Thanks

[cultofpersonality]

Tigress...I used to work for them. They are a decent company, not perfect but reliable in terms of pay, resident permit etc. If you want to find out something specific or more information just PM or ask away on this forum.

[tigress]

Thank you for the reassurance, truly it's one of the replies I was hoping for. Put my mind at ease in terms of investing in the visa process.

I doubt any company in-country or abroad is perfect. I'm sure people have had good and bad experiences, I keep a realistic view in all things. Appreciate your feedback and will pm shortly.

Thank you.
P.S Apologies Smali for hijacking your thread :p

[myohmy]

I know many SBC employees and it seems they are not the worst contractor to go with. Female staff in Riyadh will live in shared villas on a seedy compound that is not well-maintained but does have a pool. The "gym" there is a joke but I believe you will have the option, for a price, to use the PNU faculty gym. The university is desperate for teachers and so the requirements have been reduced along with salaries (SMALi's offer actually seems quite reasonable in light of her minimal credentials and lack of experience). Last semester there were many first time teachers and it was not a pretty sight. However, if you want to be a direct hire you will need at least 2 years experience. The pay and accommodation is much better but working conditions are the same for all. Prepare to be frustrated, have classes of 30+, be micro-managed and teach students in an environment where 90% of them couldn't care less about doing more than the bare minimum.

[SMAli]

Thank you all for your support and answers it is very much appreciated!!!

[baa_baa]

hi!

My friend just got a call for PNU. WE are thrilled. BUT then he gives her a number to call. He says that she will continue with this application. My friend called all morning but the mobile seems to be off. So she calls the first guy back and he gives her another number which is also off.

should my friend still believe she will get this job?


V & nomad soul???

[nomad soul]

[SheikMilkShake]

I think they are still on Eid vacation if they didn't answer your phone calls.
Some may be out of the country for annual vacation ( a month).

Hope you will hear from them soon.
Have a great day!

[baa_baa]

Nomad-Hmm. I'm not sure how she will find someone working at PNU, but we will keep that in mind. - to communicate through email.

Yes he is a recruiter for PNU - I think sbc. We went through the applications shes done, trying to figure out who it was. She got excited when he said for PNU. We couldn't stop bouncing for awhile well until she made a phone call to the other number.

Yes she is in ksa. Looking for a job. Shes currently at cba. Those dumbuttz pay her every 50 days. Now we live together and I'm trying to help her out.

Milkshake you just made up my friends day. We will hope that that's the case.

[nomad soul]