Job Discussion Forums

[skeptic]

Hey all,

Could someone, anyone, pass on the wisdom of their experience? After a series of brief, error riddled, and relatively uninformative email correspondences with a recruiter, I just received a job offer from the U. of Bahrain. I've had no interview (either formal or informal) with the school. Is this normal? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

Skeptic

[veiledsentiments]

Hello Skeptic,

I am not terribly useful as to Bahrain, having only visited there. I have had friends who taught at the University of Bahrain and liked it well enough.

But, what worries me is this 'recruiter' situation. Outside of Saudi, recruiters in the Middle East tend to be problems. And this one sounds worse than most. I think I would only take the job IF I was directly employed by the university on their normal foreign hire contract. Definitely not if you are employed by someone else who farms you out to the uni.

VS

[skeptic]

Thanks VS,

The offer did come on UB letterhead, and is from their director of personnel. What raised a flag for me was that an offer was made without ever having contact beyond email document exchanges. Is this normal? I am an experienced teacher, but...no interview? This goes beyond flattery. I plan to call them and discuss the contract terms. Based on limited input I've found on the boards, or in your case been offered, I have to believe this is a quality institution. I'll now take that belief with me into the contract discussion.

Thanks.


If anybody else has info about UB, please share it. Also, at 700+ BHD/ month, with the standard package of housing, Ed, and transport, is this a reasonable sounding offer for the country?

Skeptic

[veiledsentiments]

Hi Skeptic,

700 BD is only about US$1850. If you have an MA plus experience after, that would be quite low. If you have a BA, CELTA, and more than 5 years of experience, it would still be low. Standard package should be furnished housing, medical, annual tickets, some education allowance, gratuity, and two months paid summer leave.

You didn't mention where you were teaching or your experience, but if you are trying to get into the Middle East and need a job, it is OK. Bahrain is not one of the rich Gulf states, so its pay will be low. But, if you are going to talk to them and you have an MA or extensive teaching experience, I would try to get a higher salary - say 800 BD. Much depends on how badly you need the job and how badly they need you. as usual

"Quality Institution?" that might be an overstatement, but it is better to work for than many. When I was there visiting on the campus, I noted that the classes were sexually integrated and the students very outgoing and friendly.

It would be nice if there was someone around who had taught there lately, but late July is travel time.

VS

[Mark100]

I don't think that is enough money.
If you can negotiate the salary up to at least 800 or 900 a month may be it would be acceptable but beware Bahrain is not cheap and you will have to be careful with your dinars.

[skeptic]

Again, thanks for the advice,

I take it that salary negotiation is commonplace in the ME? I will see how flexible they are. I can't imagine that USD $2000/month, untaxed, would not be enough to cover basic expenses and put a bit aside. How expensive is Bahrain? And, is the salary (as I've evidently assumed) tax-free? Any UB teachers care to comment on my private line?

[veiledsentiments]

Skeptic

I don't think we've ever had a UB teacher post here. So, if one does PM you, please tell them to share their knowledge with all.

As to salary negotiation, it is not commonly negotiable in the universities, but these are uncommon times. Second, it is late and they may need someone. But, to succeed you would probably need an MA and impressive experience. If this is your first overseas job or first in the Middle East, I doubt that you would succeed.

If you are single, $2000 (750 BD) is certainly sufficient to save some money especially as housing is provided. If you are married with children, you will run through much of it. Naturally it depends on your lifestyle. If you plan to hang out nightly eating and drinking in one of the hotel bars, you will run through that money rather quickly. Personally, I would be able to save $1500 a month of it, but I live quite modestly.

All Gulf salaries are tax free

VS