Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tobias]

I don't do brats. I'll make sure there's a 'no kids' clause in my contract. If I see a kid in my class, I am immediately released from my obligation, my passport is returned (if they have taken it from me to hold hostage), and I am allowed to fly outta there that very day.

No kids. No camps. No mix of adults and brats in the same class. Nope. It's this or I don't go. Take your pick, shieks.

[Xuanzang]

So the discipline situation is even worse than Korea?

[pidgin]

I taught in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 99'~02'.

Before 9-11 it was (in a way) paradise for a tefler! That is, all of the things that are "unavailable" were available with a bit of networking and sociability. I lived off-compound in the beginning in a 5 bedroom villa, with 5 other guys, swimming pool, lots of space.

I was able to get continual invites to compound parties on the weekends through making friends, being active online, my girlfriend and running with the Hash Harriers.

I (we) had smoke to smoke, plenty to drink, parties (compound and desert), softball leagues, bowling alleys, bars, live music, etc...etc...

Post 911 life got difficult. By then I lived on a small compound myself and was married. I had a car, a gym, a bar on compound and the other necessities that make "the dunes" tolerable, however, the looming danger outweighed the tax-free high salary and the hum-drumness of my own compound started to stink. Other compounds were bombed and the prevailing atmosphere on the street changed so dramatically from pre-911, it still amazes me.

My info. is quite outdated, but I can say this: Pre-911 I was planning to stay in Saudi until retirement. Post-911, I couldn't get outta' there soon enough.

PS: Tho it's a prevailing myth among teachers in the ME, I DID get lucky enough to nail some "Royal" Private lessons there for two years. 1st year two 18/19 year old princes. 2nd year a young prince and princess.

The ME is really ALL about money,..moreso now. You should have a very crucial and clear financial goal to go there, (as well as be a sincere and happy home-body). <<those are the types that make it, imo.

Balance your need for finances and your need for ultimate freedom (like you have in Korea). Hard to truly say, until you try it, but you are doing the right thing by asking questions.....do the very same with your potential recruiters and schools. DO leave yourself a backdoor!

[pidgin]

**doublepost**

[michaelambling]

Is it me or is the money not that good?

http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=19126

[pidgin]

It has definitely gone down since its "hay-day," which is considered to be mainly the 80s.

However the ability and incentives to save are still in place. IE; less to spend on. No tax burdens plus competitive salaries coupled with a generally low cost of living, and stable currencies all combine to make a favorable situation to sock dollars away,... anyway you look at it.

[pidgin]

[losing_touch]

[Fishead soup]

[it's full of stars]

Is it true you have to give up your passport when working in Saudi, therefore removing the opportunity to do a midnight run? I've heard this from one or two people, so may just be rumour.

I don't fancy the idea of not having control over my passport.

[Tobias]

[pidgin]

[greedy_bones]

[losing_touch]

[seoulsucker]

Buddy of mine just started a uni job in Dubai that offered a $10,000 US signing bonus, around $5,000/month, free housing, 2 round-trip tickets per year, and other bonuses.

Once I'm done with my MA, I'm there.