Job Discussion Forums

[c_dange]

Hey Everyone,

I've been working at PNU as an ESL instructor for their PYP and I'm now back in Canada for a 1-month paid vacation (as promised). I just want to give a short review of my employer and the university to add a little balance to the many negative posts here. I'm a native english speaker, in my late 20s with an MA in Women's Studies and a TESL cert. from International House Toronto.

I was recruited by World Education Group and hired to work for SBC (Saudi British Centre) around Nov. 2011. I was originally willing to accept the offer of a business visa, but due to some bureaucratic complications, it was later suggested by SBC that I apply for an Employment visa. The entire process of collecting my documents/medical and applying for the visa took me to March 2012 when I was finally handed my ticket. (Officially, only 43 days were spent on the visa processing at the embassy in Ottawa). The worst part of the whole waiting period was reading about the horrors of living/working in KSA here on Dave's ESL...much of which was exaggerated and misinformed. On the other hand, my recruiter and employer were very reliable and communicative during this time.

Upon arriving in Riyadh I moved swiftly through customs (I think the security guy was asleep when they scanned my bags) and was picked up promptly at the airport by an SBC rep. The all-women's compound I'm living on is spacious, with a lawn and garden, pool and gym. I share a 4-room, 2-floor villa with one other teacher. She lives on one floor, I on the other, and we both have our own bathroom. There are a handful of children that live on the compound with their mothers. But you'd have to be quite the curmudgeon to have a problem sharing your space with the odd well-behaved child. Transportation is provided to and from work, promptly. And occasionally you can request a driver in advance to take you to the doctor, bank, or on shopping trips. There are two malls and numerous restaurants within walking distance, and yes, I walk frequently, unattended and at night.

The Prep Year Program is still at the old PNU campus, although there are promises of moving to the very beautiful and much celebrated campus in 2013. In all honestly, things at PNU can sometimes be disorganized. The students are not the most motivated, but they are charming and there are a few gems in every class. The hours are fair...4 hours of contact time in either the morning or afternoon and 4 hours of prep time for the rest of the day. Things there are not up tight, teachers are given a lot of leeway, and nobody seems to mind if you come in a half-hour late or leave a bit early.

I was able to get my employment visa changed into an iqama within 2 weeks of my arrival, with the support and initiative of my employer. Those who arrived on business visas are now being sent home to get their employment visas during their vacation time. We have all received round-trip tickets to our points of origin or another destination of our choice. The disadvantage of working on a business visa is that if you leave the country, you may not be allowed back in...which happened to many people around Jan. of this year. Whereas, with an iqama you simply need an exit visa from your employer (which can be easily obtained within 48-hrs). As for opening a bank account, banking is made extremely difficult for women in KSA...so whatever your visa status, your employer provides you with a bank account to make things easier. In all honesty, those who arrived at the beginning of the last academic year have encountered quite a few snags. But I believe the kinks have been worked out, as my experience has been very good and I've just renewed my contract until June 2013.

One last note: one of the original recruiters for SBC was very deceptive, untrustworthy and ended up giving SBC a bad rep on this board. They (Adwaa Rabia) were soon after dropped by SBC, but not before they contributed to the negative experiences of many who were recruited by them. I can't comment on EdEx (the other employer supplying PNU), except to say that no matter who your employer or recruiter is, we all end up in the same place. EdEx provides hotel/apartment style living for their single teachers...which means no gym workouts or pool lounging. However, they are much more supportive of women who want to sponsor family members. So, something to consider if that's what you're trying to do.

Admittedly, living in KSA is not for everyone...but it only takes an adventurous spirit and an open mind to adjust well. I've made many great connections, having been in Riyadh only 4 months, especially amongst my female co-workers. So, at the risk of sounding like a recruitment ad...if you're a smart, sane, and friendly woman then this gig just may be for you!


**PM me with any questions you might have. And FYI, Dave's is not censored in KSA!

[GoldnSilver]

It's nice to finally hear something positive, thank you for taking the time to post all this info.

[veiledsentiments]

Dave's was unblocked many months ago...

The main negative that I saw in your message is that you only get one month off in the summer? Normally university level teachers in the Gulf get at least 2 months, and a couple of my employers it was 3 months... with pay, of course.

VS

[AnneCO]

Thanks for the post. It is hopeful to hear that an institution has taken steps to eliminate a bad recruiter.

[c_dange]

One month off for summer vacation...then 2 weeks for Eid (which happens to fall in August this year)...one more week for the second Eid in October...and 3 weeks in January for a mid-year break.

Thanks for your support everyone!

[veiledsentiments]

[c_dange]

We were offered up to 2 months vacation...but were given the option of returning to Saudi early for extra pay. So long as we're in the country we get paid, even though there won't be any work until after Eid. So technically, we get 2 months off and could stay away til the end of August... but I'd rather have the extra money. With a multiple exit visa I can leave again during Eid to another destination. I'm quite satisfied with my situation...and it's word for word what was promised in the contract. I don't know about other ME countries but 1 month paid vacay after 11 months working is standard in Saudi.

[veiledsentiments]

I know of people who get the normal 2 months in Saudi...

VS

[johnslat]

Dear c_dange,

". . . . 1 month paid vacay after 11 months working is standard in Saudi."

It seems to be "standard" where you work, but in all my time there, I never knew of anyone who got only 30 days summer break.

At the IPA (Institute of Public Administration) we always got at least 60 days and usually, it was more. As VS posted, we left when the grades were in and didn't have to return until just before the fall semester started. So, most years, it was actually more like 75 - 80 days.

I hope some others post about the length of their summer holidays; I'll be very surprised if 1 month is now standard.

Regards,
John

[scot47]

At universities it is standard to get 60 days plus the Eid holidays.

[nomad soul]

Same where I'm at: 60 days plus Eid holidays.

[vamanos12]

well, I'm glad to hear something positive posted about this school. After months on this site I was hard-pressed to find any school or situation without it's skeletons. I'm talking to the recruiter now about how much time you have off in Summer and it's vague, but I figure at least the contract must say. They do everyone a disservice when they don't give enough Summer vaca-you need time to recover your sanity and continue.

[Weather Here Sucks]

Dear c_dange,

I feel the need to inform you that the posts about the PNU were not �exaggerated� or �misinformed� � most of the posts about the place were based on facts, obviously mixed with strong feelings at times. I taught there for two years (left last July) so I am familiar with the things that happened there during that period.
It�s good to hear that your first 4 months went well and that you are (still) happy. However, I think that your experience is pretty unique because I heard that the PNU is still in the state of utter chaos and that nothing really changed for the better.
I wish you all the best and I hope that your remaining time stays a positive experience. I am considering going back to teach in Riyadh this year, but NOT to the PNU and I wouldn�t recommend it anyone.

[AnneCO]

I hope you keep us updated c-dange. I'd like to think some order is coming out of the chaos. Are there western teachers who have been there for over two years? If so, what are they saying?

[Linguist]