Job Discussion Forums

[vabeckele]

Just got a job offer from the NIT administration - SAR 9800 plus 25% for housing or on a compound, plus a little more for transportation (1000).

I have an unrelated master's (econ.) and 3-4 years experience teaching ESL. I am a Brit, if that helps any.

[spiral78]

Question?

[vabeckele]

Sorry - Is this a reasonable offer? What is the compound like? It is also a 2 year contract. I know I can stick out a year, but two? I am not so sure as it is my first trip.

I have read about issues with exit visas, money being withheld or having to reimburse stupid sums, letters from employers preventing one from gaining any other employment etc...and my contract pays everything AFTER the fact - I can see problems.

Is it true all teachers/workers that come into S.A. have a 90 day probation period, where they can walk away without any repercussions?

I hate to be so distrustful, but I have learnt the hard way in Vietnam to ask first.

I also apologise for so many difficult and complex questions about this institute and working environment.

[nomad soul]

[lcanupp1964]

I spoke with four Western teachers that worked at NIT in Jeddah last year. They now work at KAU along with me. They all said that it was not the best place, but "do-able". NIT won't cheat you out of money, but there's a ton of BS you have to go though. The main reason most teachers get a job there is to gain the experience in the kingdom and then apply at another place in KSA that pays more (like KAU). Please keep in mind that I am stating second hand news because I never worked there, but I do believe the teachers I spoke with didn't like working at NIT that much, but they said there are worse places you could work at. Pay was low and the four teachers that left to come to KAU makes an average of around 3,000 � 5,000 more SR per month. I helped the ELI recruit teachers last year, so that�s why I know a little about the pay difference. My advice is to work there if you don�t have the three years of experience AFTER your last degree and then leave as soon as you can. In regards to living in a compound, forget that sales pitch. NIT will put you up in a long-stay hotel and you will not have the chance to choose the housing pay and live in a private apt. The worst part is that NIT will only give teachers a Business Visa, which is not legal to have AND work in KSA. You can't open up a bank account, rent a car (can be done for the right amount of money),or rent a place to live (that's why they put you in a long-term hotel). They will tell you that they will process the res visa for you, but it will not happen. Good luck!

[meInst]

[vabeckele]

Many thanks for the illuminating comments.

I will need to consider this, carefully. One of the reasons (apart from cash) to come over was/is to build up my resume and experience, that, and travelling to yet another destination to learn about what's on offer in the world.

Money isn't everything, but..if that is to be the case, which it normally isn't, I would like a supportive team behind me - yes, I know, I'm dreaming again.

One more question: Is it frowned upon in S.A. to negotiate on the contract? I would like to up the salary, get legal status to work, shorten the contract to a year and live somewhere liveable.

Thanks again.

Lee

[lcanupp1964]

Dear OP,

It's best to do all the negotiating BEFORE you fly over. Even then, some places will make you sign a different contract, knowing that you are far from home and (more than likely) you won't want to go back home. I turned down three offers before I signed a contact with my school. In regards to some of your requests (i.e. less than a one year contract), you will be hard-pressed to find any school who will want to do that. That's the only good thing about working on a business visa (yes, old timers, I know it's illegal to work on a business visa ) - you can leave anytime you want, but you would have very little (if any) rights.

[vabeckele]

Dear Icanupp1964,

Sorry, I meant to write less than 2 years as that is what the contract has stipulated. A year, for me would be better if I get too bored, frustrated or uncomfortable. I would also like to be on a compound in the vicinity of other expats as opposed to living in a motel. Not that I am in need of daily social interaction between us. Just nice to know they are there - a hello and a good evening these days counts for my social calender.

I have written to them asking for clarification of the issues I have with living conditions and obtaining the right visa. Later, I will also ask for a salary increase as well. That is if they can provide sufficient evidence to satisfy my queries.

Thanks for your input. I am amazed I haven't been flamed and booed etc...as is so common on these boards.

[vabeckele]

I will send anyone the transcripts of the negotiation process - it is like pulling out teeth

[veiledsentiments]

So... you are posting your email from the employer? That might get any offer withdrawn quite quickly... especially including their name.

You can use the "edit" button to remove that...

VS

[vabeckele]

Dear ....,

I must thank you most sincerely for taking the trouble to explain the position so clearly - I am really most grateful, and I do want to work for your institution, because you have set my mind at rest through your direct explanation.

There is only one important point that I do not understand - please forgive me if I seem stupid, but it is the wording in your letter which is in bold type:

"but as soon as a Working Visa is available we are sending our Instructors back to their home country to process the visa at our own expense".

Following your kind offer of employment I have of course been studying the official online information on the visa process, and I have been under the impression that the whole process can take place in Saudi Arabia? have I misunderstood completely because I take your letter to mean that you will send me back to my home country, where I myself will 'process the visa' through the local Saudi embassy at your expense?

Please believe me that I do wish to accept your most kind offer of employment, but I really am terribly confused about this most crucial matter of the visa; I am sorry for trying your patience. I will respond immediately.

Yours sincerely,

[fledex]

Don't go to Saudi for so little pay. NIT also doesn't have a great reputation. I'm not sure why though, just what I heard from a former colleague who worked there. There are plenty of places in Asia or the Gulf that will pay you that kind of money and can offer a much better lifestyle than Saudi. If you are going for the culture and to be close to Mecca, Oman or UAE are nicer places to live: more to do in other Gulf countries.

[scot47]

Some employers have the 90 day probation period. I had that at Saudi Arabian Airlines.

Not all do. When I went to KFUPM, there was no probation period, although clearly a discreet eye was cast over what I was up to in my classes.

With KFUPM many employees arrive with dependants. Where there is a probation period there may be a wait.

[abayababy]