Job Discussion Forums

lapd08 · Joined: 12 May 2008 Posts: 82 Location: New York

I've received an "initial contract" from a group called "eduguide". I take it they are recruiters. I have not found anything in the forums, so I take it they are new as well.

The "contract" is very vague and only mentions a "client", a salary and a few other basic terms-such as contact hours up to 30 per week. This strikes me as way too much. Also, the vacation is only 30 days per year, which again for a university (and I believe it is a university and not a private language school) is too little.

As it is only an initial contract and I do want to work in Saudi Arabia, I am thinking if I sign it and I get the final contract and am not happy with it, I don't see what is to prevent me from negotiating for better terms at that point.

Also, I think I can question the hours at this stage.

I have not worked in Saudi Arabia before, but understand that this is the way it is done: i.e. you get an initial contract, then another follows. I have 5 days to reply, so I'd appreciate any responses.

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

lapd08 · Joined: 12 May 2008 Posts: 82 Location: New York

Thanks for your reply. It seems this company is also called "Educational Experts" and there are several posts under that name.

The recruiter does indeed call it an "initial contract", but the document itself says "preliminary job offer".

I have sent off a list of questions before returning the document, including questioning the salary, but am not too hopeful of a change. Will insist on an assurance from the employer for a multiple entry visa and a few other things.

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

To get your foot in the door; to get some gulf experience ... the bad news...first...getting work experience could very easily and quickly end up becoming a very bad first Saudi experience. Your first time in Saudi should not be with an outfit you have not heard anything about; with a vague employer it then becomes a crap shoot, you just will not know until you arrive...the odds are stacked against you.
Why would you not research and apply to the more known established universities? Most of the decent places have been mentioned on this forum - perhaps someone else can offer a list again??? Smile

The good news, USE YOUR INTUTION, your gut tells you it is a bad deal, you said it yourself, ,you stated that the offer and information was vague, 30 hours is too much, if they are all class room teaching hours and no over time... typical work week hours are anywhere from 16-22 hours depending on your qualifications and the place, anymore and you should be paid overtime.
If you are willing keep your head firmly logded in the sand, then maybe you will do okay but in my humble opinion, I would advise against it. Just walk away!

johnslat · Posted: Sun Jul 10, 2011 1:10 pm Post subject:

I can't give a 100% guarantee about this, but I know that in many cases one signs the "preliminary job offer" (sometimes called "letter of intent") but doesn't get to see/sign the actual contract until one gets to the Kingdom.
If this IS the case here, then the signee had better have a LOT of trust in the employer, And, from the terms mentioned, I don't think that's warranted.

Regards,
John