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Is Living In A Compound Typical For ESL Teachers In KSA?
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JRCash



Joined: 07 Nov 2006
Posts: 91
PostPosted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 9:30 am    Post subject: Is Living In A Compound Typical For ESL Teachers In KSA? Reply with quote
I notice a lot of the jobs in KSA include accommodation and that the money is very good. As I would like to build up savings I'm attracted by the prospect. However, I can't work out whether the accommodation is compound or typical Saudi apartment based? I know that to move to Saudi Arabia basically means accepting a very restricted life when out and about in public but at least living in a compound would afford something closer to western style living. Is it typical for ESL Teachers to be housed in compounds or are we typically expected to live amongst the local population? It is something I would very much consider if I were able to live in a compound but I don't think I would fit in living in local accommodation.
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scot47



Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
PostPosted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 9:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Very few live outside in the cities. Compounds or similar are the norm. Often you have no choice and must take what is allocated to you by your employer.

One big exception is at King Abdulaziz Uni in Jeddah. They pay a housing allowance and let you find a place.

For your safety and sanity I recommend a compound.
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nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
PostPosted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 11:46 am    Post subject: Re: Is Living In A Compound Typical For ESL Teachers In KSA? Reply with quote
JRCash wrote:
I notice a lot of the jobs in KSA include accommodation and that the money is very good. As I would like to build up savings I'm attracted by the prospect. However, I can't work out whether the accommodation is compound or typical Saudi apartment based.

It also could depend on the job --- whether it's a university PYP teaching situation or a military contract, for example. Regardless, you'd really have to ask that question at your interview. Otherwise, post here with the prospective employer's name to get an answer from those familiar with that particular living situation --- whether employer-provided accommodations are on a compound or outside apartment blocks designated solely for teachers and staff.

Keep in mind, things change in the Kingdom, plus, not all compounds are equal nor limited to just western expats. By the way, you'll probably want to avoid job ads that indicate a variety of locations; the company could send you to wherever there's a need and in whatever accommodation is available.

Last edited by nomad soul on Sun Jun 21, 2015 12:00 pm; edited 1 time in total
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JRCash



Joined: 07 Nov 2006
Posts: 91
PostPosted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 11:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
That's good to know, thanks. But does that mean you could end up in an awful compound? The ones I've seen are like hotel/villa complexes with swimming pools, tennis courts etc. but is it possible to get them where there are no/few facilities or where expats are mixed with locals and subsequently there are no freedoms.
What I'll do is find the jobs that interest and then post them before applying.

Also is safety a huge issue? Am I likely to be attacked the minute I walked out of the compound or is it certain parts of the country? I read that ISIS is a problem in the north and Al Qaeda in the west. Is it really wreckless to move to KSA or do you have to be acting stupidly to put yourself in danger?
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nomad soul



Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
PostPosted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 12:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
JRCash wrote:
That's good to know, thanks. But does that mean you could end up in an awful compound?

That's about right. The employer is more concerned that expats have a roof over their heads and not whether it includes fabulous amenities. Also, you could end up in a villa shared with other teachers --- that keeps the employer's costs down. So I suggest keeping your expectations down as well.

and JRCash wrote:
Also is safety a huge issue? Am I likely to be attacked the minute I walked out of the compound or is it certain parts of the country? I read that ISIS is a problem in the north and Al Qaeda in the west. Is it really wreckless to move to KSA or do you have to be acting stupidly to put yourself in danger?

I'm not sure where you're getting that info, yet anything could happen, and if it does, you leave. Seriously, Saudi Arabia is a large country with major cities that aren't anywhere near any borders. However, if you're that worried about your personal safety, mark KSA off your list and consider the other Gulf countries if you still want to work in the region.
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JRCash



Joined: 07 Nov 2006
Posts: 91
PostPosted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 12:45 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I have the same safety expectations I have had all my life. Western cities aren't completely safe and I frequent them a lot. Having a significant chance of being caught up in a terrorist attack though isn't on my to do list so if that's a significant likelihood in KSA then it would be a no-no. If there is a chance someone would jump me, well, that could happen in any city in the world but any elevated chance of anything more serious wouldn't be for me I'm afraid. I'm not trying to be offensive, its just personal safety for me is important particularly as my wife and young son would be travelling with me. Which other Gulf states do you recommend for saving money as you seem to be suggesting that KSA isn't exactly the best spot for me?

What would sharing a villa mean? That I had my own private space within it or just that only my bedroom would be my private area?
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JRCash



Joined: 07 Nov 2006
Posts: 91
PostPosted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 1:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
That said, I should point out that I'm Irish and old enough to remember The Troubles so I'm aware enough of ideas outside of countries not being coherent with reality. For example, many Brits used to think the moment you stepped foot in Ireland you'd be blown up. So I'm equally aware that what I've heard about KSA may not be coherent with reality.
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currentaffairs



Joined: 22 Aug 2012
Posts: 828
PostPosted: Sun Jun 21, 2015 1:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Most ESL jobs (contractors like EdEx/Hussan/ICEAT/Colleges of Excellence) will provide you with a housing allowance. Some provide company acc