Job Discussion Forums

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

I just received an offer from KAU which includes a housing allowance of 17K plus an extra furniture allowance. My question to everyone is whether or not this is enough to live in Jeddah for a year? I need very little. To call my lifestyle "spartan" would be exceedingly generous - mattress on the floor, a table and one chair, etc. All I really need is a small (studio or 1 bedroom is fine) apartment in a decent part of town and close to work.

Also, another thread mentioned staying in a hotel while you look for a place. I've lived this way in Taiwan for an extended period and it's also acceptable. How do I go about finding a decent hotel?

Thanks for your help.

DirtGuy

2buckets · Joined: 14 Dec 2010 Posts: 515 Location: Middle East

Is that 17K a year, or month?

If it's a year, it will indeed be spartan.

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

Just checked the offer and it is indeed per year.

It sounds like I would need to kick in some money from my salary if I want a really nice place, which I don't.

DirtGuy

Dominic-Pax · Joined: 20 Oct 2009 Posts: 77

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

OK, so I guess this is not the greatest housing allowance. The contract, however, is way better than the one I got from the recruiter that shall not be named.

Can anyone tell me what I can expect to pay for an efficiency/studio apartment within an easy commute distance of KAU? Are there such places? I don't even mind staying in a hotel long-term as long as it's not too expensive.

Thanks.

DirtGuy

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Here's some info: http://www.kau.edu.sa/Content.aspx?Site_ID=126&lng=EN&cid=9427

Also, that 17,000 is for an unfurnished flat. You'd pay more for one with furnishings.

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

nomad soul,

Thanks for the link as it's really helpful. Given my lifestyle, I think I'll do just fine over there. Besides, I've already gotten an offer from the brother of one of my students. I get a free place to live if I teach him English and he already works at KAU. This could get interesting.

DirtGuy

johnslat · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2012 3:49 am Post subject:

Dear DIrtGuy,

"Besides, I've already gotten an offer from the brother of one of my students. I get a free place to live if I teach him English and he already works at KAU. This could get interesting"

"Interesting" may not be the best word for it. Living with the brother of a student? You're a braver man than I, DirtGuy (Hmm, "braver" may not be the best word for it Very Happy

)

Regards,
John

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

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

heck...dirtguy...based on what you wrote you seem to be looking for the cheapest...so why not consider shared accommodation...there are lots of South Asians, Pakistani labourers, etc looking for roomates...paying as little as 200-400 Riyals a month so with 17,000 a year housing could even save some from that.
oh yeah...you already found a rent free place...guess that has to be the cheapest...wow!

You are either a very adventurous soul or a very foolish one...maybe a combination of both Very Happy

Good luck...you are going to need it.

Yes, I agree it will certainly be ...interesting for you...just a bit of extra advice...while you are in the thick of it...maintain your sense of humor...

CamTam · Joined: 05 Jan 2012 Posts: 32

Dear John and IS,

You men are just too much. Why do I feel like the lone female around here?

BretHarte · Joined: 17 Aug 2011 Posts: 94

I'm surprised that you haven't learned that what students promise, insha'Allah, and what happens can be separate things.

DirtGuy · Joined: 28 Dec 2004 Posts: 529

Aw, c'mon people, have you no sense of adventure? There is a little bit more happening in this situation than I've said but no matter. Do a worst-case analysis here and what do you get? If all goes south, I move out and live in a cheap hotel until another opportunity appears. That's no big deal, right? Besides, at the very least, I have a contact at the school where I'll be working who can help ease the transition to a new country. How does one put a price on that?

The main thing I have learned is that there are accommodation scenarios other than just paid housing. This gives me hope that I can save even more money than originally planned.

DirtGuy

BretHarte · Joined: 17 Aug 2011 Posts: 94

I would think that working in KSA means we have a sense of adventure. My educated guess is your student's brother won't follow through.

For contacts:

You won't be the only foreigner at the school, so it's not like you're Bear Grylls being dropped off into the middle of nowhere. Post what city you're in and ask if people to PM you to meet up. Ask your school for emails of employees you can check with. Check out TravelChums, Lonely Planet, CouchSurfing to contact people as well.

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