WARNING: Interlink jobs in Saudi Arabia

[robertian]

Beware this company. They are currently (1st June 2012) advertising for English instructors for their TVTC program in various centers in Saudi Arabia. However, new employees will find that their contracts are not with Interlink but with a Saudi company called English Gate Academy (EGA) who have a contract with TVTC to supply English instructors. And this is where the problems lie. EGA treats teachers with disdain. They send them on visa runs and will not pay expenses. They deduct money for teaching days missed as a consequence of EGA's inefficiencies. They have victimized some individuals for daring to question them. They deduct money for housing unfairly. The company's accountant acts unilaterally and unfairly and deducts money directly from teachers' salaries at a whim. There is no recourse. Also, they will not issue letters of no objection (needed to obtain another job in the kingdom) even though teachers have fully complied with and completed their contracts. They will try to withhold your passports, even though this is contrary to international and Saudi law. Contract renewals are not at the discretion of the site directors (the teachers' line managers) but are issued by EGA admin staff, particularly the accountant whose knowledge of pedagogy and teaching ability is zero!
My advice: stay away from this company.
Disgruntled

[LJTeacher]

Can you give me an update as to your situation with Interlink? They have offered me a position, and I have heard a mix of "bad" and "it's ok".

I'd appreciate your current insights.

Thanks

[twinmaster]

Thanks for this update, I was offered a position and was supposed to fly over at the end of August, but I've just sent an email saying I'm no longer on board.

Based on the recent (and older) posts and reviews and warnings on a few sites and ESL Cafe I don't want to take the risk.

I'm making 52K baht a month in Bangkok, which is $1,000 or so less, but that's not worth being miserable in a bad situation that appears to be spinning out of control.

I know it's tempting, and one can always think positively and hope for the best, but based on this review and others I've decided it's just not worth it.

Thanks to A. Case for all his great worksheets over the years!

[lalala]

Hi All:

I need to tell you my experience with this company. I was recruited by INTERLINK, but when I saw the contract I realize it was with EGA. This company has been a mess and complete chaos since the beginning. A lot of things were negative and bad in general. The visa issue was a big problem, and a lot of teachers left because they could not bring their wives with them. The accommodation was also very bad at times. I just feel tired of listing the issues, but I would like to recommend to anybody not to work for this company. Be very careful, and do not accept...

[manama]

Hi everyone,
I've been working in KSA for a few months now, and honestly I disagree with everything, that's been said here. Problems with visa, passport, money...?! Nobody was trying to withhold my passport, I got it back along with my residence card and multiple entry visa. I am being paid on time. Money is decent. I have really good accommodation, that I don't need to pay for. There are guys who came here together with wives. People extend their contracts and don't even plan on going home or anywhere else. Working conditions are really good.
I have worked in China before and even though I did enjoy it generally, maybe mostly because I liked the place, KSA - as far as working conditions are concerned - is such a better choice.

[Alex Case]

Are you working for/ through Interlink?

[manama]

Yes