Job Discussion Forums

[goodooga]

Any comments on working at the Institute of Public Administration in Riyadh?

[veiledsentiments]

Did you do a search? There has been quite a bit of discussion of IPA over the last few years. Be sure to tick "search for all terms" to narrow your search. Because this branch of Dave's is blocked in Saudi, current teachers may not be able to access or post.

VS

[johnslat]

Dear goodooga,

Well, I taught there, on and off, for nineteen years (from 1980 to 2003) so, clearly, I thought it was a good place to work.

Of course, so much can depend on who's the Director of the English Language Center there. During my times, they were OK.

But, from what I hear now, the current director isn't so great.

However, my opinion would be that it's still one of the best places to work in the Kingdom.

Regards,
John

P.S. Are you male or female?

[Wordsmithy]

The IPA is among the better organized operations in Riyadh (which isn't saying a whole lot) and the government is quite reliable with payments. That IS saying a lot. Life outside the school on the other hand is hampered a great deal by various IPA and government policies and it's nearly impossible to know which policies are locked in and which ones the IPA or ELC simply doesn't care to disturb -- assuming you can figure out whether something is a "policy" since nothing at the IPA is documented. Examples include exit-reentry visas, living accomodations, visas for family, vacation days etc.

The IPA campus itself is almost obsessively clean and neat. On the downside, like much that goes on in KSA, the administration doesn't seem to care whether anyone re-ups since they know there's an endless supply of teachers...even as they acknowledge that bringing in new teachers is far more expensive and distuptive than simply holding on to proven performers.

[I Rub Ruchi]

The IPA has changed a lot recently, mostly that it now has a very Saudi feel. Last year 15 foreign teachers were recruited with high qualifications, but almost all have moved on to better offers. I think there were at least 12 teachers who quit all at once.

Many teachers have had trouble managing classes for various reasons. This is a new occurance, it could be on the part of inexperienced teachers or unruly students. Many students know they will pass to a higher leve every two months with no effort.

Housing for teachers is still below standard for singles and married teachers. Western wives have not been satisfied being safely placed on a compound with high security.

Teachers must give two months salary to get an exit visa for a holiday. Or they may ask another teacher guarantee that exiting teacher will return. If the teacher does not return, then the teacher who signed must pay two months salary. With this in mind, there is no spending the weekend in Bahrain or Dubai if one wishes.

If you are a male who does not drive, then you will like the location of your housing and work.

[Wordsmithy]

Rob R's comment seems pretty accurate. As with anything in KSA, however, everything depends on whether you are male or female, single or married.