Job Discussion Forums

rigel · Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 308

I'm interested in going to Saudi Arabia to work. I have a few years' experience in TESOL and would like to work at a university. I've been dealing with an institute in SA for the past 2 months, and they're being very slow about answering my questions and getting me a contract I want. It offers 21 days of paid vacation a year, a 24,000 SR housing stipend (paid in two installments), and a split shift from 8 am to 10:30 at night with a four-hour break in between. The salary is about 13500 SR. The students vary in age from about 15 up to around 50. I have to pay two months' salary if I quit early, plus give three months' notice. My gut tells me this is a poor deal at best.

Can anyone offer any ideas about this offer? Is my gut right? What should I look out for when striking up a contract in SA?

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Don't take a split shift; full stop.

12 Monkeys · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 82 Location: paradise lost

Dear rigel,

Wait it out. You will eventually get the job you desire. I did and it payed off. I had offers from JUC, M-Trading, Al Yammama, Abdulaziz and refused them all because I had my eye on one that I was sure to get if patiently waited. I have 20 contact hours a week, no split shift, perks galore and recieve 13300 SAR a month.

I get 200 SAR less a month but I have peace of mind.

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Tue Apr 21, 2009 6:53 pm Post subject:

rigel · Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 308

Thanks for all the replies and helpful information. I really appreciate it.

I'm going to pass on this offer and wait for the job I want.

I'm trying to figure out why they're so slow. I assume the 2-month and 3-month notice is standard all over the KSA, so I'm now simply waiting through someone's notice period.

In my SA job search, I've learned it's harder to tell if an SA school in need is good to work for. In other places, it's relatively easy to get out of a contract. All one has to do is run. But runners tell us something about the school if we're on the flip side. In these countries, if I'm replacing a runner at a school, I will pass on the job. With SA, you have to look for other signs to tell if a school is worth the risk, as running is very rare, I'm sure.

It seems KSA is a veritable mine field. If I'm going there, I'll make sure my contract addresses every possible thing that may cause a problem.

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Wed Apr 22, 2009 5:17 pm Post subject:

rigel · Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Posts: 308

Thanks for the reply.

How does one do a runner if his employer has his passport? Does he run for the border and then claim he lost it? What about his bank account? If he runs, will his school try to put a freeze on his account?

If one CAN do a runner in SA fairly easily, that will be a big relief, and I'll feel a bit better about going there.

paradox3696 · Joined: 18 Jul 2008 Posts: 44 Location: Normadic

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 11:35 am Post subject:

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

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

Where I work, if anyone wants to travel during the school year, we have to get a colleague to sign a document that basically states that if for some reason said person does not return that the signee will have to pay the two months salary out of his /her pocket.
It is a pain in the backside, but what can one do. Of course does not apply for summer break.

It does seem to ensure that people will return...also it can be difficult for newbies at work to find anyone to sign off for them for obvious reasons.
Luckily the people I work with are responsible and also many have families so they are not really able to just up and do a runner.

Also we do not get to keep our passport...major trust issues...

Our college does not hire flakey people that would run off even in difficult times. Laughing

But then again I am lucky to have a decent employer...others may not be so lucky.

007 · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 1:33 pm Post subject: Re: A question

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

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

johnslat · Posted: Thu Apr 23, 2009 9:33 pm Post subject:

Dear sheik,
We had the same arrangement at the IPA - for a while, at least. I'm not really sure if they still require it.
And, of course, I certainly never knew about it before being hired. I doubt anyone did. I mean, are you likely to ask, "And does a colleague have to guarantee two months of his salary if you don't return from a trip out of country."
It certainly wasn't mentioned in the contract - at least, in the English version.
Regards,
John