Job Discussion Forums

[Sweaty Ted]

I am seriously considering teaching in KSA starting this autumn. I am 38, a citizen of the US and Ireland, have two BAs (one in English literature and another in Spanish, with a minor in French), two advanced degrees (M.Ed. in teaching ESL to adult learners and a master's degree in Spanish), three years of EFL experience in Paris, eight months of EFL in South Korea, one semester at a community college in Chicago, an internship in Nevada for one semester and I am currently teaching English and ESL at a community college in Arizona, where I have been employed for a year; in addition, I have been teaching Spanish at a state university since 2008.

I would like to know if there is a reputable recruiter you could recommend. Also, I am interested in the following employment conditions: 45-50,000 USD per annum, accommodation that is not shared with anyone, and instruction of adults only. Thank you in advance for any advice you can spare.

[cmp45]

Reputable ....recruiter? These two words definitely do not belong together regarding KSA... I am sure with your quals.... you should not have to deal with recruiters...step up to the front of the line...target the places you are interested in and apply directly.

BTW: Teaching adults in KSA??? Keep in mind...they may look like 'adults', but a lot of them have the mindset of a typical highschool student.

[nomad soul]

I second that! Sweaty Ted, if you scan this forum, you'll see plenty of negative comments about recruiters. I've already provided you with several websites listing numerous job ads from universities and institutes that hire directly---focus your job hunt efforts on those employers. But apply soon because interviews are in progress to fill positions starting this fall.

[Sweaty Ted]

Thank you! I am defending my MA thesis the second week of April and wrapping up my classes at the state university and the community college in early May. I plan to get to work on applications after I defend my thesis and that particular burden is finished with.

[veiledsentiments]

I realize that this is a high pressure period for you, but the best jobs fill quickly and you may very well be too late if you wait until that late date.

VS

[Captain Willard]

Well, if you supported your argument sufficiently, then you would not need to feel so defensive about it!

[CamTam]

Dear Sweaty Ted,

I am sorry to tell you that the recruiters for Saudi Arabia are, at best, tolerable. If you want to come work in Saudi Arabia, I have one question for you. "How well do you deal with ambiguity?"

Best of luck,

CamTam

[desert_traveller]

...

[cmp45]

[scot47]

Direct hire is the only way to go

KFUPM
IPA

Read lots iof the posts here for more ideas.

[Imdramayu]

No, I can't recommend any reputable recruiters because they don't exist here!

If you want to land a job direct hire job here, do this

1. Get an MA in something related to TESOL.
2. Learn the ropes from school of hard knocks: take your lumps @ IPA or other such schools -- then move onwards & upwards.

[johnslat]

Dear Imdramayu,

" . . . take your lumps @ IPA or other such schools -- then move onwards & upwards."

Having worked at the IPA for nineteen years and never received a lump, I wonder if you would clarify how such lumps are given there. Also, to the best of my knowledge, there aren't too many places in Saudi that I'd classify as "onwards and upwards" from the IPA - KFUPM and ARAMCO are the only ones that spring immediately to mind.

So, could you let us know how long you've worked in Saudi, and what your experience of the IPA is?

Thanks,
John