Job Discussion Forums

lizard · Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 14

Do any of you work at IPA or know anything about it? I'm going though the interview process with them, and am trying to decide if I should accept an offer.

I've done a lot of reading on this forum, but have seen very few comments about them. Any hints or tips would be helpful Smile

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Jeddah ? Dammam ? Riyadh ?

John Slattery used to be with them but he stopped posting here long time ago.

They are okay but most vacancies are in Riyadh which is not everyone's cup of tea.

lizard · Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 14

The opening is in Riyadh. I've heard it's pretty conservative there - is that really the case? I don't have experience in the ME, but I imagine that any city in Saudi would be conservative Smile

Can you give me details on what makes IPA okay - but not great?

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu May 25, 2006 9:06 am Post subject:

usool · Joined: 11 May 2004 Posts: 147

Hi

The IPA is for a certain type of conformist individual. The regime is very strict, you have to stay in your offices even when theres no work on for weeks on end at times, you're not allowed to leave the building even for breakfast during free weeks or days or hours. If you don't fit into the white/Christian brigade then its probably a no-no and definitley not if you're a Muslim with a beard.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

So the IPA is staffed by the Klan ? Seems a bit unlikely !

lizard · Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 14

Thanks for the comments about IPA and Riyadh - I will continue to think about if I really want to accept an offer... but I suppose there are good and bad things about every job in every location Confused

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

From what I have read here over the years, there are a few places in KSA that are better than IPA, but there are MANY that are worse.

VS

The_Prodiigy · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 252

Riyadh is accepted as the second-most conservative city or town in that country.

It is a sprawling mass, unpleasant on the eye, choked with traffic.

Despite having surplus land, money and access to cheap foreign labour to build a modern, clean mass transportation system, the authorities have control over an ugly, essentially inconvenient metropolis.

And with the massive increases in population since the 80s things can only become more uncomfortable.

When oil cash finally evaporates KSA will be akin to the poor tortoise lying on its back, legs in the air, completely vulnerable.

IPA is near to an old part of the city. Teaching facilities look satisfactory.

If you DO teach you will be faced with students who have dismal extrinsic and instinsic motivation to learn, coupled with poor discipline, ingrained from early years and extremely hard to counter.

I would not recommend it.

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

Lizard,
This will be my third year at IPA. If you want to ask specific questions about the college you can send me an email.
Generally speaking I have no major problems with the college. Mostly just the usual mundane stuff you have to contend with no matter where you are working such as exit and re-entry paper work for visas. Setting up bank accounts etc. when first arrive.
I personally enjoy working at IPA and the students range from low achiever to high achiever , but most fall some where inbetween. I have not had any disapline problems. It will depend on how much Middle East experience you have and also your age...seems if you are older and have some ME experience you will cope much better in the Kingdom. You need to be self reliant.
I play tennis with some of the colleagues, as well take on-line courses, and have my artwork and creative writing that keeps me busy. If you need to be surrounded by friends all the time, it may be difficult here, eventually you will find a network of friends, but it takes time.
There have been a few teachers that were fired and some resigned and some have been forced to retire due to the new policy for age restriction.
The city is all that people have stated, if I didn't like the job at IPA I would definitely not stay in Riyadh. You get used to it LOL. Anyways I have a 5 year plan so expect to complete my goals and then move on.
If you want you are welcome to email for any specific questions you may have.
cheers.

jonks · Joined: 29 Jan 2006 Posts: 1240

Isn't this a phonetic alphabet? Confused

Jonks will go back to sleep now... Embarassed

Desert Storm · Joined: 13 Mar 2006 Posts: 30 Location: Classified

can anyone tell me about the normal time frame it takes to be offered a position after the interview?

I interviewed with these guys back in mid-March, they said they were very interested but I have yet to receive an official offer letter.

lizard · Joined: 22 May 2006 Posts: 14

I just received an offer from them today (after interviewing last month). I'm not sure if it's good, though - SR 9,600 (I have an MA and about 5 years of TEFL experience) plus the normal flights, housing, vacation and all. Any opinions on if I should accept it or not?

Cleopatra · Posted: Wed Jul 19, 2006 8:48 pm Post subject:

I think it's hard for anyone to advise you when we don't know what options - if any - you have. The IPA sounds like a fairly standard offer, though pay is a little on the low side for someone with your qualifications and experience. Also, I believe the holidays are less than the are at other 3rd Level colleges in KSA - only 45 days in summer, I think. However, it does have a good reputation as regards work environment and professionalism - though I don't have much personal knowledge of the place myself.

rogan · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 416 Location: at home, in France

The IPA will not pay:-

Your travel costs from your home city to the airport where you take the Saudi Airlines flight to Riyadh.

Your medical exam costs for your initial medical test at home.

Your visa costs.

Your medical test cost in Riyadh

Your Iqama costs (500 SAR)

Your exit/re-entry visa costs (200 SAR)

The IPA will give you accomodation in a single apartment 10 mins walk away from the centre with very bad phone connections (4 lines for 40 apartments) Or accompanied accomodation on their own Saudi compound with very few facilities that are operating - no swimming pool, erratic internet, erratic phone service.

They will keep your passport.

They will not give you a LONO

The salary you quote is about the middle of their salary range which goes from 7 500 to 11 000 SAR

Most expat colleagues are fine.

3 long standing teachers were suddenly told 1 month before the end of term that they had to "retire" Others left for newer pastures and several did not have their contracts renewed.

My guess is that they have suddenly realised that they are going to be short of staff for the new academic year are will be rushing through some applications.