Job Discussion Forums

MIKEBUCHAN · Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Posts: 106 Location: Russia

Tell me about Bell International in Riyadh. Is it really only for Brits and hires no one else? How about salary - paid on time? What about accommodations - free or you have to pay? Transportation to and from the uni to house - car provided or you have to hitch hike?

Tell me all!

Van Norden · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 409

Do you mean this one?

http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=15255

I doubt it's only for Brits. I think the Bell job in Libya pays in Sterling into a UK bank account, and it's subject to UK tax. Hence the Brit bias.

It only mentions accommodation "allowance."

wannago · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 85

I got a verbal offer from them just today. PM me if you want more details. I'm American, by the way.

trapezius · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 4:59 pm Post subject:

From that link:

wannago · Joined: 16 Apr 2004 Posts: 85

I wasn't told it was against the rules...its King Saud University.

Longton · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 148

The university is in Riyadh.

I worked for Bell in Libya for a year in 2005/2006. I found them to be an excellent employer. They always paid their salaries and expenses on time. For the first two months of my contract my salary had UK tax deducted from it but then I got non-resident status and my salary was paid in full without deductions, and the earlier deductions were refunded. It is a very professional and well respected organisation with their HQ in Cambridge. I would recommend them.

MIKEBUCHAN · Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Posts: 106 Location: Russia

Thank you all for your input.

I said somewhere else that when Bell finds that you are not a Brit, they never answer. I have to correct that statement. Like Wannago (and I am American too), I was called today (25 July) with a job offer from Bell! However, I would have to pay for housing with Bell - it equalled 3 months salary. I was told that they gave a stipend for transportation just the same as PMU gives one - however I have forgotten the amount of either.

I found that Bell paid a bit higher than PMU, but the cost of housing made the salarys almost equal. The next option - Al Kobar vs. Riyadh - which do I want to live in?

It is unfortunate that the liveliest threads get locked - can anyone account for this? Maybe not in public, so email or PM me --- OK?

trapezius · Posted: Wed Jul 25, 2007 5:41 pm Post subject:

Riyadh: Bigger, fancier shopping and eating, dry weather, very hot, crazy conservative.

Khobar: Not as big or fancy, humid weather, not as hot, and importantly, a lot more liberal.

Other can fill in!

MIKEBUCHAN · Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Posts: 106 Location: Russia

Guys,

I was in Tabuk and Khamis on the west coast 12 years ago and both were great! We had too much fun!

I think I already know which city I'll go to. Kinda easy when one company says that your wife can come on the same flight and the other company says she can come, but at some future time.....................

rxfaith · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 71

Hi there. I'm new to this and have some questions b/c my husband and i are trying to get a job in Saudi.

How qualified are you guys? Just wondering how qualified one has to be to be considered to bell centers? Also mike, did bell centers say you can take your wife along on the flight?

MIKEBUCHAN · Joined: 18 Mar 2007 Posts: 106 Location: Russia

rxfaith -

I sent you a PM about the spouse.

I think many foreign schools and colleges are requiring some form of TEFL course work and/or a Masters degree in something connected to teaching. Although I could be wrong -- I've seen adverts for any warm body, just show up and you are magicly transformed into a teacher - no problem.

I really think someone that is or has worked for Bell can answer you better about day to day Bell operations.

Mike

Van Norden · Joined: 23 Oct 2004 Posts: 409

Have a look at the link I posted above:

Qualifications:
Applicants must have:
* a bachelors degree
* an internationally recognized Certificate in ELT (such as Trinity or CELTA)
* 5 year's experience in teaching

The following would be an advantage :
* Teaching in an Academic enviroment
* MA

rxfaith · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 71

thanks for the info...i appreciate it.

we're really trying hard to get a job in saudi so we'll see what happens...

rxfaith · Joined: 26 Jul 2007 Posts: 71

anyone have a link to jobs at pmu?

KSA-UK · Joined: 03 May 2005 Posts: 31 Location: Sandy Arabia

I was offered a job by Bell. They only offer single status visa. I presume they give some sort of business visa. Sounds a bit dodgy to me because I've read quite a few posts on this forum about similar employers contracting for "prestigious uiversities". Their package is OK, but I need more info on the type of visa they give their employees.