Job Discussion Forums

Ghostbuster_01 · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 4

IH in Saudi Arabia is now in a hot seat. A leading UK university is investigating IH concerning the illegal use of copyrighted materials (mass reproduction of placement tests, books, etc.).

Markemark · Joined: 08 Jun 2009 Posts: 82 Location: ksa

As IH main office in London is investigating them for their 6 month notice clause. They are also looking into the issue of teachers being prevented from leaving for vacation, prevented from leaving the country even after their contracts are completed, the despicable policy of role over contracts, S AL Q's grinding cheapness with regard to the exploitation of teachers FORCED to work 70 hours a week for 7,500 Riyals, the dingy and otherwise vile accomodation and a whole litany of complaints against S AL Q's psychotic behavior.
At the end of which- the sleazebag can simply slip IH a backhander and all is forgotten.
Seriously though, copyright issues aside, IH in Saudi Arabia is likely to be disaffiliated entirely because of S AL Q's con artistry within weeks.
In the meantime, if you are trying to get out of IH, the current extortion rate is $14,500!
YOU ARE TRAPPED.

Cleopatra · Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2009 6:25 am Post subject:

Mass photocopying of books is the norm in Saudi Arabia, and, from what I've heard, throughout the Middle East. No doubt it's technically illegal, but it goes on a lot. It's normal for entire classes to photocopy an entire text book rather than buy it.

Ghostbuster_01 · Joined: 03 Jul 2009 Posts: 4

S. AL. Q is charging SR200 (Two Hundred Saudi Riyals) per examinee for taking the copyrighted examination, which IH buys the original set from an authorised distributor in Riyadh. For example, S.AL.Q's large corporate customers have a need for placement test, say, 500 candidates. That's around SR 200 x 500 = SR 100,000. IH's corporate clients should be informed well that they are being cheated by S.AL.Q. To cover up this criminal activity, International House sometimes uses original placement test for big events, like exams being taken by managers and executives. Ask any IH Saudi Arabia teacher and they will tell you about this.

littleoldlady · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 286 Location: knitting heaven

I am appalled by this. I did my CELTA with IH in the UK and understood them to be a very professional organisation worldwide.
Copyright infringement is theft.... and what happens to theives under the Shariah?? Exactly...

I just pray that all those trapped in this vile situation manage to escape - whatever the financial cost.

Markemark · Joined: 08 Jun 2009 Posts: 82 Location: ksa

Littleoldlady, Cleopatra, several others who have replied to the red flag over this whole IH scam, 'the trapped' are now coming forward to speak up and shout out about S AL Q's abuse- and this is largely thanks to this forum.
I was with IH for 8 months, and i don't doubt a word of ghostbuster's on the copyright infringement. S AL Q is basically a cheap, nasty, dirty little criminal with a penchant for psychological violence.
It is one more reason for IH main office in London to nail S AL Q with disaffiliation. For me, however, S AL Q's worst crimes remain those committed against the teachers who are trapped like animals- unable to get out. Six months- or pay $14,000 has nothing to do with legitimate labor practices and everything to do with barring exist to those seduced by as Littleoldlady says- the complete myth that IH is 'a professional organization wordwide.' Unfortunately, as soon as you meet a rat like S AL Q- you know you've been woefully tricked into going out to KSA with the worst type of organization- a pitiful excuse for a language school because S AL Q chooses to make life hell for those stupid enough to work for him.
Arab teachers: 1500-3200 SR working 60 hours a week
Native speakers: 6,350- 8300 SR- 40 hours a week+ FORCED overtime
Teachers under lock down- no exit visas, no trips anywhere- just work for more work, round and round- like a mouse on a wheel.
Pay clippings and unexplained deductions.
Verbal threats and harassement from S AL Q
Muslim teachers EXPLOITED
Native speakers lied to and cheated
Arab teachers treated like human garbage
NAIL S AL Q WITH DISAFFILIATION

littleoldlady · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 286 Location: knitting heaven

I intend to write to IH London on behalf of those poor people. I know I am just one lone voice but......
In fact, unless there is any objection, I shall do it Monday morning 9.00am BST. As some people on this forum know, I have very VERY strong feelings about being exploited, abused and trapped in a foreign country.
LOL ( not laughing at all)

sugardaddy22 · Joined: 14 Jun 2009 Posts: 11 Location: Al Ain

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone (and especially Cleopatra and Veiled Sentiments) a happy Fourth of July. Why the concept of human rights and basic freedoms, tolerence and general human decency that you have helped to introduce to the Persian Gulf are..well..they are just what they are.
Thank you Cleo, thank you VS..

Trust me, your good works will not go unnoticed by future generations.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2009 7:44 pm Post subject:

sugardaddy22 · Joined: 14 Jun 2009 Posts: 11 Location: Al Ain

Darlings!

Of course I meant it as a compliment.

All of you, and especially Cleo and VS (and trust me , I could name a few more noble souls )..are just doing magnificent work out there.

Good luck...and continue in your glorious persuits.

johnslat · Posted: Sun Jul 05, 2009 6:58 pm Post subject:

Dear sugardaddy22,

Spurred on by such fulsome encouragement, how could they not?
By why the spurs?
Regards,
John