Job Discussion Forums

[harold]

I'm looking at this offer from a recruiter (pre-interview) and I wonder how much of the allowance I'll spend in rent. I found a lot of information here about what it costs to live in a compound, but what about off-compound life? Anyone know what that might cost? I understand that there will be market variations between places, but any estimates from any places would be helpful.

Also, do most teachers live on or off compound?

Thanks so much for any info.

[CANDLES]

Most teachers live in compounds. Some opt out (couples) for obvious reasons. Cost of living is not too high- you can stock up on essentials without worrying too much. The only expense I found is when I travel -(air tickets/hotels), otherwise you can save a lot of money.

[sicklyman]

it would help if you were more specific about where you will be based and who you are interviewing for. Where "most teachers" live in Saudi is a tad vague

For example, if you are in Eastern Province, you may decide to visit regularly or even live in Bahrain. That will have a very different effect on your spending than staying put in Saudi for the whole term of your employment.

Furnished/unfurnished? 1 bedroom/2 bedroom? Dependents coming over? Car?

[plumpy nut]

***********

[scot47]

The best jobs are where you are housed on campus and you can walk to work. I cannot imagine the horrors of having to drive through the traffic in Jeddah, Riyadh or Dammam from apartment to workplace !

KFUPM wins again !

[babur]

From a lifelong KSA resident

[scot47]

That is why I said - go for a job where you live ON CAMPUS. This is deffo not the same as on a compound !

[harold]

Hi and thanks everyone.

Candles, thanks for the info. When I checked out the links that people posted on this forum, compound rents seemed to be very expensive. My offer includes a sizeable 'allowance' for travel and housing and such, but I'd only want to go to Saudi if I could save a lot of that, too. So, good to her life isn't that expensive.

Thanks, Sicklyman, I don't know where I'll be based. I'll just be assigned somewhere if I get the job. It's an al-Hoty contract (Aramco subcontract). I've read that the subcontracted positions for ARAMCO have a considerably different situation than the direct hires, and that they do not usually live on the ARAMCO compounds (whatever that means). No dependents; coming alone. I'd probably try to find a cheaper place if the rents are high, as the purpose of the move is to save up. I guess I'm also fishing for general info like what you said about Bahrain. I don't have any idea of how 'compound' or 'off-compound' life would differ, other than the general idea of a gated community of expats vs. a regular saudi urban neighborhood.

PN thanks for the figures. I was hoping housing would be cheaper and that's very good to know before the interview.

Scot thanks; I'll have to find out about transportation wherever they want to put me.

[harold]

babur, that person's compound situation doesn't sound so great. i guess there's a lot of variation in the quality of the compounds. price of the off compound place looks good. thanks a lot.

[nomad soul]

[veiledsentiments]

[scot47]

If you get cheap off-compund accommodation you will have to get to work. Will you buy a car ? Better you than me !

[harold]

scot, the towns don't have public transport?

[harold]

thanks noman soul, i'll ask about this in the interview.

VS - sounds like a difficult combination of both lonely and also tired of people around you. anything other than the golden handcuff that keeps expats there?

[scot47]

Major towns in KSA have very basic bus services. These are next to uselss for getting to and from work. Taxis area available and not too expensive for occasional use. Do you want to spend SR 1000 a month on getting to and from work ?

That would mean a lifteime bar on membership of the Fabled Fraternity of the 500