Job Discussion Forums

[expat68]

I spent some time teaching for this company in an isolated part of the the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I went in knowing full well the region was strict and the weather harsh. And I have had experience living in the Middle East which eased any kind of culture shock one might get. However, what I came away with was a pretty negative experience, not due to the locale, but due to the management and ownership at these companies.

For a school that boasted technology as their prime selling point, there are no computers for the students to use. Computer labs doors remained locked and dust collected on furniture awaiting PCs.

The school's facility itself was a disaster. They put our staff and students in a dilapidated apartment building whose rooms had been converted to classrooms. No one bothered cleaning or fixing it before the term started. Broken windows, broken toilets, smashed out door hinges and bolts were commonplace. There was a general uncleanliness of the place as empty water bottles blew down thick dusted corridors. It was the most disgusting environment I'd ever taught in.

Despite the fact that we had to put up with these dirty conditions, we received a condescending email from a Saudi supervisor asking the foreign staff to dress more professionally.

The power in both the school and the apartment we stayed in regularly went out because bills were not paid.

Passports were held in Riyahd which made it extremely inconvenient to travel on short notice. We had to do the legwork in retrieving our documents so we could travel.

Salary payments were in cash and regularly late.

The application process to get an iqamma was convoluted and changed daily. No one new to the school had an iqamma when I left.

But the worst offense of this company is that it has failed to pay an employee his final settlement after he had to leave the country for a legitimate family emergency.

I've taught in 5 different countries and have had wonderful, amazing experiences in each. However, enter into a contract with INTERLINK/EGA with extreme caution.

There are good points to the school, but the bad certainly overshadow them.

[alsysgo]

I really appreciate your post. I have been offered a job with this outfit. As long as I come in on a visit visa, do you think I will be alright if I decide to leave? I would be able to leave the airport without an exit visa from the company right? I was hoping to go and make some money, then move on to a better place. Any thoughts?

[nomad soul]

[veiledsentiments]

I wouldn't even consider them. You say that you have an MA and ME experience, so yahoos like this should be avoidable.

VS

[alsysgo]

Thanks Vs and Nomad..Definitely going to avoid this place.

[expat68]

alysgo

A wise decision. You are very welcome. Believe me, I tempered my post with just the facts. There is a deep-seated corruption in this place from the top down.

Good luck. There are plenty of better schools out there for you.

[aliceinwonderland]

I am currently considering teaching in the Middle East, after spending two years teaching adults / university students in Korea.
I had a very interesting time there and learnt an enormous amount, but went there sooo unprepared and don't want to repeat the same mistake.
During the past month or so, I've been researching companies / agencies that advertise jobs in the ME on the Internet (Interlink is one).
I have come across nothing but warnings and bad news about most / all of them.
I am inclined to take most of it quite seriously because I certainly don't want to end up not being paid / being deported because of visa problems / etc etc.
Some commenters advise that "you can do better than (XYZ) company" -- but where, and how?
Maybe I'm looking in all the wrong places?
I'd really appreciate any advice / answers.

[nomad soul]

[aliceinwonderland]

Thanks for the info nomadsoul.

[Elzoog]

I am the teacher who took over for Robert, who had to leave due to a family emergency (and I am guessing the originator of this thread).

I would say that in general, this company is not bad as long as you are just in it for the money and not in it to have a life. Many of the teachers who complained about withholding pay or money, were trying to get their wife into the country. Or visiting family during vacation, and so forth.

The company has an interesting approach to pedagogy that I was interested in learning, but in the end I concluded that Saudi Arabia is simply unlivable for me personally.

Let's be clear guys. Going to Saudi Arabia is smart pretty much ONLY IF you want to make some money. It's not smart if you want to have a family life, experience some culture (other than Muslim culture) or have something to do on the weekends. It is also smart ONLY IF you are willing to pretend to be something you are not (if you are not interested in Islam) which is not something I am willing to do.

[scot47]

expat68

Can you reveal the town where this school is located ?

[Middle East Beast]

For those who may be concerned about the ability to leave the country before your contract ends, I'd advise reading your contract closely before getting on the plane--forget the offer letter, I mean the contract. FGS, don't get on the plane without seeing your contract.

Some KSA employers are implementing a resignation provision that practically eliminates the possibility of resigning. For example, they will impose up to a 180-day advance notice. That's ridiculous for a one-year contract, esp. in KSA of all places. Also, some employers will require you to repay all recruitment costs (this might be expected during the probation period, but definitely not afterward). Finally, some employers are including a provision that you have to repay what they call potential losses of business as well. How the hell you figure that amount is the question that could result in you having to pay them thousands just for the privilege of leaving. There's at least one employer that requires all three of these provisions. I call these provisions the imposition of indentured employment.

You don't want that in any country, but esp. not in KSA.

MEB

[scot47]

Avoid these outfits and go for
KFUPM
IPA
KAAU
or God forbid, one of the military establichnments