Job Discussion Forums

randytheringworm · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 25

Does anyone know whether this place still exists?
I worked there pre 9/11, from '97 to '98.
Cheers.

Gnome · Joined: 05 May 2004 Posts: 74

Yes Randy, it still exists and is currently looking for TEFL Instructors. Perhaps you can tell me what it was like working there. I have the impression they like to hire Brits, have shared accommodations, and not a very good salary. What were your impressions? They always seem to be recruiting.

lionbrian · Joined: 26 Apr 2003 Posts: 136 Location: Micronesia

STAY AWAY! Try an Eikawa in Japan or a Hogwon in Korea!

randytheringworm · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 25

The job at training centre wasn't half bad, although I may have a selective memory.In any case I was there 8-9 years ago so a lot must have changed.
The weather was only unbearable for a few weeks in the summer, but for a lot of the year it was picture perfect.
I just had an RSA certificate at the time, no M.A. , but they took me anyway. The job was a no brainer. I stayed for for an extra month because my contract ended 4 weeks before the term was up.
There was shared accomodation of these clapboard houses in a camp called "Briga".
I remember going to Dubah ( the departure point of that ferry that sank a few weeks ago) on the Red Sea on the weekends. Good diving there.
Tabuk is a sizable city, not just a speck on the map

darkside1 · Joined: 16 Feb 2005 Posts: 86 Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Why stay away?

I worked at NWAF hospital teaching international school betwen 2001- 2003 and had a pretty positive experience, with some reservations.

The guys I knew who worked at the training centre had longer hours and slightly less pay than me and were in their 50s doing a 'retirement run', but there were few complaints about the work itself, the students etc.

Maybe the set up has changed since, but the facilities as I remember them are basic but adequate and the climate more bearable than other parts of KSA. Housing was/ is shared and the compound old, although I believe new units have been built.

I played in a band and was friendly with people up at BAe in Tabuk which doubtless made my life a bit easier. Shops, banks, restaurants in town all adequate. Rec facilities and cafeteria/ internet on the hospital site functional. They don't mess you about with pay or a LONO at end of contract. There are worse gigs and you could move up a rung or two of saudi jobs ladder from here. IMHO

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Tabuk is cool. Well that is maybe the wrong epithet. I was there way back in 1970, when the Min of Ed in Saudi still recruited Yookay teachers for secondary schools.

I am old !

Anyway Tabuk is in a handy location for zooming up to Jordan. Petra. Wadi Musa. Akaba. But will they give you a multi-exit visa ? Here in Eastern Province of KSA they are routine now - even for those mutts over in BAe.

mouse5 · Joined: 11 Jan 2006 Posts: 142

Yes, it still exists BUT you'll be earning SR 10,000, live in shared accommodation, be bused to work, work 5 1/2 days a week. You can earn much more in the Eastern Province - and enjoy the delights of Bahrain!

usool · Joined: 11 May 2004 Posts: 147

Hello

Just out of curiosity where exactly in the Eastern province can you earn 'much more than 10K'?

A lot of the information regarding salaries is so bogus its unbelievable. There are two high paying jobs: SALTS and Bae. One for Americans the other for Brits. Then there the ARAMCO gig, which is about 20K. Other than that its the unis and they all pay the same which is 7850+350 per year for experience to a maximum of 10 years plus 150-200 per hour for overtime. Other than this you have Berlitz/IH/EF who all pay about 7000 for many hours of work.

Would anyone like to add anything here?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

The previous poster has got it summed up. There are a few people earning big salaries at BAe, SALTS and a few other military contracts.

Aramco seems to have given up hiring dirtectly and relies on Contracting companies. The unis are not big payers but, together with some State Colleges, give nice holidays. SR10,000 a month seems to be about the ceiling, which can be enhanced with overtime and/or summer courses.

Privately-run schools, including the franchises do not pay well

darkside1 · Joined: 16 Feb 2005 Posts: 86 Location: Glasgow, Scotland

A US outfit had a gig in Tabuk (not at the hospital) 2- 3 years ago paying 14k plus accomodation and transport.

A hospital in the eastern province (KFMMC I seem to remember) was offering 10k at the same time.

Genuine int. schools will pay above 10k but below BAe/ SALTs (but you have to be qualified for that sector).

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

JIC & YIC and affiliates (JIT, UCY & UCJ) pay up to SR12,800 starting salary. If you stay a long time you will end up with over SR15,000 annually. This itself is around 200 EFL jobs though only a certain proportion are available each year.

Then there are plenty of company gigs that seem to pay around SR12,000 to SR14,000.

KFUPM and affiliates seem to max out at around SR11,500 starting salary.

Aramco tends to be contractor work. Reasonable salaries though.

usool · Joined: 11 May 2004 Posts: 147

Then there are plenty of company gigs that seem to pay around SR12,000 to SR14,000

For example?

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

I know someone who is on 20+ at what used to be Marconi.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Marconi is classified by the bearded ones as a 'Crusader Institution'. Safer in Civvy Street ( or is it ?)

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

The Saline desalination company was looking for people some time ago. In general there are plenty of companies and institutions you have to know about through friends.