Job Discussion Forums

[brnrd]

I applied for a few jobs in late August through early September, and did not do well in the 3-4 AM interviews,but finally secured(?) a very low paying position on September 13th.
Since then I have been dealing with the Saudi recruiter, a visa company in Ottawa (I'm Canadian),and indirectly via visa company the Saudi embassy also in Ottawa.
It has been over two months of:
Being sent documents to sign,but it turned out they were the wrong documents, after I had FedEx'd them to Ottawa,so new documents were sent a week later.I FedEx'd these.
To be honest, I've become quite confused over the whole process.
Rather than requiring AB & C at the start, it's A..amended A...then B...etc etc
University transcripts,and another FedEx
Then a request for my CELTA school to email attendance? Notice was sent from the school I attended in Toronto
Then a request for my CELTA certificate to be notarized-FedEx'd
Now, they are asking for :
"I’ve received your notarized Teaching certificate. Thank you for providing that.I just wanted to confirm if you’ve had Cambridge send an e0mail(sic) directly to the Saudi Cultural Bureau, at this e-mail____"

What? I contacted the Toronto CELTA school,and she supplied two links and they are for replacing lost CELTA documents at 39 pounds a piece.I could not on UCLES ,CELTA, Cambridge Language Assessment find a contact e-mail;because apparently all they want is an email(stating WHAT?)

My patience is getting short.Any help appreciated.Boy ESL is getting...!

Cheers, William

[spiral78]

Are you going for your first EFL gig to a bottom-feeder job in SAUDI (I assume it's your first job in the field as you mention your CELTA)?

No wonder you're not sure about EFL This is not the recommended start of a career (or even a short stint) teaching language.

Just FYI, the Middle East is not characterized by efficiency in any respect whatsoever. You need to have a very high tolerance for ambiguity to work there/with them.

[scot47]

Will they be as inefficient with getting your accommodation and paying your salary ?

Being in KSA is stressful enough without the hassle of working for a cowboy.

[brnrd]

I totally hear you, and that certainly is one of my concerns.Security and safety of uppermost concern. You know, when you've never been/experienced a certain place,all you have is hearsay-mixed messages.

No no I was in ESL since 1995 China,and a few months IELTS examining in Manila.
The Filipino that interviewed me, has been just sending a standardized email with "how are things coming along", "let us know if you need anything."So if I don't get an answer here,I'll ask for assistance from him.

No ESL now is looking for qualifications far and above what I have,from back in the day -For doing the same thing,no less.

This job, which I think I may have mentioned in another post $3000 USD per month,accommodation, 1 month free salary after 11 months.Job consisting of Headway (and good old Interchange,both Ad nauseaum ) at (I forget) a Riyadh university to IELTS "Band TWO" students(males of course) Band 2? I'm surprised they don't require intermediate Arabic,but anyways.
Cheers for replying,
William

[spiral78]

This gig is definitely going to put you off EFL forever Good luck!

[sicklyman]

you're your own worst enemy if you follow through on coming to Saudi with that lot. I'd steer well clear...

[billings]

DO NOT TAKE THIS JOB! Do not waste your time waiting for this job to materialize! Find a country/location which will accept your qualifications; Mexico, Costa Rica, Southern Europe, Spain, Italy, Greece etc. - accept the pay will be low, but you will have a good time, gain experience and you will be able to save if you do part-time/private classes. Forget Saudi for now!
If you really want the potential of Saudi money (in reality very difficult), get yourself a Master's.

[plumpy nut]

Those countries will be much more professional. The days of making big bucks in Saudi Arabia is over with the advent of putting out large amounts of money and time (which is money) prior to getting a job that doesn't pay that well in the first place and then quickly being fired or released for sketchy and flimsy reasons. Also important things like references corresponding to the time spent are not usually given out by Arabs, This is one of the many things that makes the whole teaching scene in Saudi Arabia incompatible with a future profession. You can work here, and when you have to leave, or it's time to leave find out that your options are now even more limited than before. It's ironic that Middle Eastern countries are superficially picky about degrees and past teaching jobs held. They are absolutely dishonest and dysfunctional through and through.

[brnrd]

Dear Plumpy,
I could say the VERY same about the country I taught in for 24 years.Then again,some brave souls may connect the dots and think it a systemic problem.
William

[currentaffairs]

I would recommend getting a job at a College of Excellence. They are a rung up from the EdExs and ICEATs of this world.. You will still get hassle but the pay and the overall conditions are better. BA, TEFL cert and 2-3 years of experience will get you in.

[brnrd]

I've decided enough is enough.it is now 9 weeks... Got to put your foot down at some point.I'm going to email the visa contact to ask about status tomorrow, and wait for a reply.I'm going to take a wild guess and expect an in progress kind of response.Then Friday afternoon, just email her and tell her I've had enough, this is FAR too much time,and I can't apply for any OTHER job,because my passport has been up in Ottawa for 5-6 weeks,so send it back to me!

Now,assuming I apply for another KSA job:

A, Will this effect my application in the near future ?
B. Could I expect the same shenanigans ?

Live long and prosper,
William

[nomad soul]

[plumpy nut]

[brnrd]

Dear plumpy nut,
So 2.5 months after getting the job, and still waiting for a temporary 3 month visa, is par the course? Then,I wonder what happens when my 3 month temp visa expires...hmm?

Cheers

William

[nomad soul]