Job Discussion Forums

[jmsauer]

I will be leaving soon to start teaching at the IPA. When I interviewed, I was under the impression that there was a compound with a good number of expats. However, I was just informed that I'll be staying in an apartment building ten minutes from the IPA that houses about 50 or so Saudi IPA employees and 5 westerners.

I'm definitely taking the job, but I just wondered if anyone in this forum is familiar with the area.

Thanks,

Jonathan

[cmp45]

Hi,
Regarding your question about the single men's IPA housing. I work for IPA and live at the single men's apartment block. It is indeed a 10 -15 minute walk to IPA which for most of the year is quite pleasant to walk.

I think your information regarding nationalities living at the apartment building are a bit skewed. Yes, there are some Saudis but also other expat teachers from Jordan, Eygpt, Syria, Scotland, UK, America and Canada, etc. I'd say a good mix.

When I arrived 2 years ago, I got a satelite dish set up on the roof of the building which requires some effort to get done. If interested, you can inquire about this when you arrive. You have to buy your own TV.

The building is old but they have recently renovated many of the bathrooms in most of the apartments.

I have a one bedroom but there are some apartments that have 2 bedrooms. Just luck of the draw when you arrive determines the sort of apartment you get.

There is air-conditioning in the living room and bedroom ~ essential to have for part of the year. Fridge and stove in a small kitchen. The apartment is furnished but will need to buy your own bedding and extras for the kitchen and any other small appliances you may need.

There is light security at the front entrance of the building. There are a number of small convience shops nearby as well a larger 'Panda' supermarket you can walk to( which is a little further away) that has everything you need in the way of food stuff. Also many other larger supermarkets that are also further away. Lots of shopping malls too.

There is also a laundry service, and barbershop nearby too. There are many restaurants; mostly Indian and Arab style. As well as larger 3, 4 and 5 star hotels that have health clubs and restaurants.
I think you get the picture ~ Riyadh is a big city so eventually you will find the ammenities that you need ~ some are nearby and some you would need to take a taxi.

IPA has it's own indoor swimming pool along with a basketball, tennis and soccer gym and a weight room + sauna for teachers to use. Always looking for new tennis players


If you are the adventurous sort, there is a public bus system you can try and figure out to save a few riyals. I have never bothered to figure it out but have taken the odd bus just for fun to explore the city and see where it takes me. LOL A spontaneous and cheap way to entertain yourself!

If you are looking to do more extensive shopping then the area of 'Batha' has many interesting shops which is a short taxi drive away ~ postoffice, clothing, electrical, shops~ pretty much everything ~ you will eventually learn to find what you need.

You will learn your way around soon enough. As well many of the teachers are helpful in that regard all you need to do is ask.

The married teachers are in the process of moving into a new compound which is about a 20-30 minute taxi ride from IPA.
I am quite happy to be living within walking distance to IPA and find living within the local community more interesting; that's just my opinion.

Hope this helps and am sure after the initial adjustment of moving in and getting settled; you will be fine.

[scot47]

IPA is good. They have branches in Riyadh (the BIG one) in Jeddah and Dammam.

John Slattery (of blessed memory) worked in the Riyadh site. I have known people in the other sites.

[veiledsentiments]

I miss JohnSlat... was supposed to meet up with him and his new missus early this year, but had to cancel. Maybe in December...

VS

[True Dreamer]

IPA certainly has great facilities as cmp45 mentioned.... the Sauna, Swimming Pool and Gym.... can't see many other institutes beat that

[dmb]

[veiledsentiments]

I guess it's called 'having a life.' good for him...

VS