Job Discussion Forums

[Balzac]

Hi there,

anyone got any info about the BAE Interview and Medical in Preston, UK? I have been offered this in a few weeks and am wondering how stringent either of them are? I have heard from a friend that the medical is easy peasy,

'The interview is just to make sure you've two arms and two legs, pigeonhole your sexual orientation, give you a four-day intro to how (not) to behave in the Arab world and put you through a security awareness course, which is about the only thing you need. The whole thing is nothing like the Brit Council interview. Basically, if you're an Oxbridge graduate you'll climb the ladder. If you aren't you'll be confined to the lower echelons, a rank above the cleaners. '

I would also like to know how long it typically takes for a confirmation of a successful interview and a subsequent formal job offer?

Also, they have offered to put me up in a hotel there. Any info on that would be useful too along with reimbursement of travel expenses.

Finally, why is it that they keep it such a secret as to not allowing wives to accompany male spouses there? It was never mentioned on the application form, nor in the job ad that I answered. Just a thought! Is it an 'open secret', or did I miss something?

cheeers

Balzac

[scot47]

The medical includes a component where they count your brain cells. If the number is in double digits, you fail.

[trapezius]

[Balzac]

Yeah trapezius,

I agree that Scot47 seems a little disgruntled. You think he failed by any chance? Hence his hostility? I mean the medical not the IQ test! LOL

"The medical includes a component where they count your brain cells. If the number is in double digits, you fail."

Yeah scot47, one double digit for every $US 77,000 they pay tax free or for every two IQ points. Nuff said

Let's have some more positive comments please.

Balzac

[egyptfan]

Yes....
The interview is usually pretty straightforward.
The medical can be a bit more demanding!
Eye, hearing, XRay, HIV test, blood tests, etc. and liver function test (make sure you haven't been drinking (heavily!) for a week or two prior to the medical.

Re: expenses. They usually pay train fares, reasonable taxi fares, etc. Just keep receipts.

Contrary to what others may feel, most TEFLers are very happy with the 'pampering' and salary they receive. If you must be in Saudi, then it certainly is one of the best contracts to have. Good luck.

[Balzac]

Wow! Egyptfan,

you're now starting to scare me!

[quote] Yes....The interview is usually pretty straightforward. The medical can be a bit more demanding! Eye, hearing, XRay, HIV test, blood tests, etc. and liver function test (make sure you haven't been drinking(heavily!) for a week or two prior to the medical. quote]

With three tests for blood perhaps I should bring a bucketful of my own?! Blood, liver, and HIV! My face has gone all white just thinking about it!! Methinks they're not looking for a teacher but an urban vampire!

Here's me thinking it would be the usual tap on the knees, listening to the chest with a stethoscope, check of the pulse etc.! Wow was I wrong! I really must be out of touch these days! For the medical for my last job, I was asked how to spell my name and given a certificate without any examination at all after I handed over a few dollars.

How long does it all take? Can't I just supply my own recent medical certificate and do it that way? Do you happen to know if they are both done on the same day? Interview and medical? Well 'tickle me livers' as Jack Sparrow might have said!

Thanks for all the advice by the way!

cheers

Balzac

[veiledsentiments]

You fellows must be new here... Scot47 is our resident curmudgeon... for about 10 years now. When he isn't picking on newbies, he does know a bit about Saudi after all these years.

As far as I know, every Gulf country requires x-rays and blood tests... really all about AIDS and TB actually. The only unusual addition there is a liver function test.

VS

[PeterBar]

The hotels that they use are on the beachfront at Lytham St Annes, about
15 minutes away from the HQ - all the taxi drivers know where to take you. Taxi fares are re-paid.
The X-rays are done at a private clinic about 20 minutes away. A driver will take you and bring you back.

Other features - you need a British bank account so that salary can be paid. BAe strongly suggests HSBC (if you don't already have an account). I find HSBC absolutely useless as their on-line banking does not operate outside the UK.

Opening the bank account was more difficult than passing the job interview. You'll need passport, proof of a "home address" in the UK etc etc.

Compound living conditions in Saudi are generally excellent although outside Riyadh, with Bachelor status you will be sharing accomodation. In Riyadh, at the moment you have excellent single accomodation with superb facilities.

All the admin (Iqama, driving license, multi exit-entry visas) are obtained quickly, efficiently and at no cost to you. You will need a second medical when you arrive. This also will be arranged at no cost to you.

[trapezius]

[scot47]

I have never - in 40 years in education - met sudh a miserable bunch as at BAE ! The job is awful. They get huge salaries, but STILL the turnover is very rapid.

"Go figure" as our colonial cousins might say.

And if you are an aged wrinkly like me they won't hire you ! Ageists !

[WD40]

Have met a number of BAE staff. They are not miserable because they know exactly what they are doing and why they are doing it. Most of the guys I have met (at TESOL Arabia) are OK. They have an easy life (no costs) and are paid a small fortune. They get miserable sometimes like everyone else and if they were really unhappy. they just leave and have a fat bank account.

If we are to say that the BAE lot are miserable, then we must also say that 99% of the posters on Dave's are the same.

[bje]

[Balzac]

[Balzac]

[Balzac]

Thanks for all the info Peter Bar,