Job Discussion Forums

Griff-James · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2007 7:35 pm Post subject: The Saudi Workload

What's the workload like in a typical educational institution in Saudi?

Is it as demanding, in terms of time and effort, as the UK?

Or is the work ethic more relaxed.

Examples please!

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu Nov 22, 2007 8:10 pm Post subject:

As a rule, work loads are light in the Kingdom, and the attitude to work is relaxed to say the least. This is both good and bad - on the positive side, not much will be expected of you in terms of putting in long hours or adhering to high standards of professionalism. On the other hand, it follows that your colleagues in the admin dept. will be equally slow in processing your visa, and the maintenance people might not rush out to repair your AC as quickly as you would like.

Also be aware that there is often a double standard regarding 'work ethics'. That is to say, "Westerners" are often expected to work harder and to a much higher level of efficiency than their Saudi counterparts. Then again, we usually get paid much more than them, so maybe it's fair enough.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

---"Then again, we usually get paid much more than them, so maybe it's fair enough."------

Westerners get paid more than Saudis? Where?

Cleopatra · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 5:59 am Post subject:

Everywhere I've worked for starters. Back in the days when "Westerners" still worked in admin, they got about 30% more than Saudis. Also, I have worked with one or two Saudi teachers, and they all got considerably less than I did.

007 · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 12:50 pm Post subject:

trapezius · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 2:41 pm Post subject:

It is universally known that in this country, in general, an American would get paid more than a similarly educated and experienced Saudi.

On top of the salary, the foreigner would also get the other perks, such as lavish housing, tickets, children's education, car, etc, which a Saudi would not receive.

Cleopatra · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 2:59 pm Post subject:

trapezius · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 3:10 pm Post subject:

Yeah I was talking in general, not just for teaching jobs. Many companies give cars to some of their employees during the period of employment.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Cleopatra's experience has not been mine. The salary scales are worked out differently but are generally comparable. Where a westerner and Saudi are doing the same job the Westerner may be getting more money, but that is because he has more experience.

If you add in the perks the Saudi gets, such as retirement on full pension after 25 years, then I suspect they'll end up on top of the expat.

Cleopatra · Posted: Fri Nov 23, 2007 3:36 pm Post subject:

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

Not to jump into the middle... I know that it is not common, but I do know a TEFL teacher who was met at the airport in Riyadh with 'his' car. He was unaware of this benefit and was happily surprised.

But, this perk is usually (almost always) outside of education.

VS

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

King Faisal school in Riyadh gave cars to all western teachers when it first started.

Saudi4Ever · Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 135

the navy base in jubail gives their teachers cars.

sheikh radlinrol · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 1222 Location: Spain

When I worked in the Magic Kingdom we were given a car (shared between two teachers) and free petrol (gas). A good perk. Still think, however, that KSA is the worst place in the world.

The_Prodiigy · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 252

Must be. It's strucrured to make like uncomfortable.