Job Discussion Forums

heavie · Joined: 28 Jun 2009 Posts: 8

I have been offered work with the European Centre in Jubail. I was hoping somebody could give me some information about this company. I have read some posts about other employers, but nothing about European Centre and realise I must proceed with caution with employers in Saudi Arabia. They seem to be some kind of agency and have contracts in Yanbu also. Any information would be appreciated.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Do a search; there should be plenty of posts, though some have been sanitized beyond recognition.

Middle East Beast · Joined: 05 Mar 2008 Posts: 836 Location: Up a tree

When I worked in Jubail in the early part of this century I had a friend there who worked for them. At the time they loaned their teachers to other schools that needed short-term help. So the working conditions depended on your assignment.

However, I did see his living conditions first-hand. He lived in a villa with three other teachers. Except for separate bedrooms, everything was shared. The place was dirty, and there's no way I would have shared with some of those guys he was stuck with. He had no car, but I did, so I took him where he needed to go.

His salary wasn't very good, around 10,000 riyals per month if I remember correctly. I know it was substantially less than mine.

Nice guy, I felt sorry for him working there.

I liked Jubail, except for the polluted air.

heavie · Joined: 28 Jun 2009 Posts: 8

My thanks to both of you, Mr. Jones and the beast. I did a search and found some posts, Sorry it was laziness on my part not to look at the other pages. They seem to corroborate what you say Mr. Beast, not a very nice place to work. The guy seemed a little casual about the interview also. He never asked for references or asked me too much about my teaching experience or qualifications, I could be anyone. I suspected a degree of unprofessionalism from him at the very least and that is why I posted on here. Glad I did, Thanks guys.

Middle East Beast · Joined: 05 Mar 2008 Posts: 836 Location: Up a tree

You're welcome. I'm glad I could be of assistance.

All the best, whatever your choice regarding this offer.

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

The European Center started in 1997 I believe and trains students from the Industrial City. Salaries range up to SR 12,000 and the British manager is a gentelman with 13 years management experience in KSA.
The EC has state of the art facilities and is pleasantly located on Fanateer's lovely corniche.
If you're a first timer, then you could do much worse than work for the EC.
You would not want to work for S AL Q of the nearby International House which is a third world sweat shop on a blacklist due to the Saudi owner's creepy, psychotic behavior. No reputable company in Jubail or Yanbu will now deal with International House.
I would say go for the European Center, in all honesty.

Pikgitina · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 420 Location: KSA

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Pikgitina · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 420 Location: KSA

So we're in agreement then, Stephen Jones! Take up employment with the European Centre if you have no alternative or when your alternatives closely resemble a nightmare from Hell. Laughing

(BTW, what I know of SBC and IH in KSA comes from this forum. However, I have some 1st-hand experience with the European Centre.)