Job Discussion Forums

[chrisp728]

Yikes - I was just idly perusing the KFUPM job ads and it appeared that some of the English teaching positions are now "Saudi applicants only". A former colleague of mine worked there and reckoned it was the best TEFL job in the country (spousal sponsorship; free accom on campus and use of all facilities; good students; Bahrain half an hour away). I had vaguely wondered about applying at some point in the dim and distant fullness of time. Now it looks like it's being Saudised. Anyone got any reports from the battlefield?

[nomad soul]

Saudization has been promoted for years and shouldn't worry you unless you find working alongside Saudi peers off putting.

KFUPM still recruits foreigners. Per a current ad on the Café's job board for the 2018-2019 academic year:

[scot47]

There are many Saudi nationals who could do the job of teaching English at KFUPM.

[spiral78]

Going in the same direction most of north and west Europe has already travelled, in this respect. Perfectly reasonable.

[chrisp728]

I've no doubt that many Saudis can do the job perfectly well, and that it's reasonable for them to do so. However, from the point of view of what I assume to be the majority of the users of this forum - native speakers from Anglophone countries looking to get a job in KSA - it's not a particularly welcome development. Anyone at KFUPM now who can tell us which way the wind is blowing?

On a slightly related note, if someone is already working in Saudi with an iqama and their employer is happy for them to leave and provides a No Objection Letter, and this person conducts an interview with and is offered a job by another Saudi employer, is it possible for them to head directly over to the new job and transfer their iqama to new employer (assuming it's for the same job, ie English teacher)?

Or is it necessary to do the Final Exit, return to home country, do all the degree attestation/medical/etc rigmarole again to get another work visa, then return to Saudi and get a new iqama?

Many thanks for all info on any of the above.

[nomad soul]

[chrisp728]

[sicklyman]

the scenario you are describing does happen but it's pretty much at the discretion of the one who plans to employ you because it's they that have to do the admin. The old employer should provide the NOC and the exit visa anyway, and they'll probably be happy not to have to bother with the latter if the new employer is happy to just do the iqama transfer. Iqama transfers don't require a medical either and any attestation will be done by the new company, not the govt.

BTW, it doesn't have to be for the same job at all since the iqama will be cancelled and reissued and a new job title can be applied at that point.

[Lord T]

KFUPM is still hiring native speakers; and has just offered contract extensions to some teachers in their mid to late sixties. Also, teachers are allowed to sit down during the lesson, unlike in many colleges in Saudi.

[scot47]

KFUPM has also not renewed some contracts of over-60s. Student evaluations play an important part. So if you are ageing and your students think you are not an effective teacher, you may be on the way out.

"Have a good relationship with your students" is Rule Number One. That doe NOT mean being soft on them or letting them do what they want. My experience at KFUPM and elsewhere in the Arab World was simply this. If students see you are trying to help them learn and succeed they will be supportive.

The low level of education allowance now on offer means that those with school-age children choose to move on., or not take up the contract. Those who are happy vto send their children to schools with a Muslim orientation now predominate among the teaching staff with children.

I can still say that in a lifetime of teaching in three continents, including 17 with different employers in KSA, KFUPM was the best living and working environment I experienced.

I had medical problems when I was working there. I had by-pass surgery and i was treated with humanity and respect. i still remember Abdulrahman Al-Kathlan who authorised my sick leave when I was having surgery in Dhahran.
I salute him and his colleagues who made KFUPM such a good place to be.

[leggeymountbatten]

Scott 47 - I know that you are a good Kfupm solider and supporter, and I note that you were treated compassionately over your medical issues while there, but things do change. I say that with the greatest of respect.

There have been a lot of cuts and changes at Kfupm, and the attitude is not the same. As far as many can see, it is now run much like a private sector establishment, with none of the benefits.

One doesn't want to be unkind, but it needs new blood and new direction.

Your comment on the importance of student evaluations are interesting.

They are indeed important. Two points - 1. some teachers tend to over indulge their students because they are aware of the power they have 2. many of the students have a child like mentality. Nothing new there, this is Saudi.

However, a 12 year old child (mentality) writing an evaluation which will determine the future of a teacher, maybe not be the best way to ensure good professional standards in an institution.

Periodic classroom peer/management observation maybe a better remedy.

Leggey

[scot47]

i am tempted to say "Apres moi, le deluge". I left KSA in 2011 and left the main campus of KFUPM in 2009 to go to the green fields (??) of Hafr Al Batin Community College. I am now waiting for Chronic Kidney Disease and other ailments to speed me on to Valhalla. I do not really care very much. I will leave what happens to KFUPM to the Beneficent One.

Go Ye all in the Path of the One Who Sees All.

[In the heat of the moment]

[siologen]

[In the heat of the moment]