January 17, 2009

Specialist Training Australia, Saudi Arabia Operations, Update

I would like to show new appreciation for Specialist Training Australia (STA) and its Director / Representative David Kerr for their continued disruption and negative influence in my career search.

Recently, after two attempts to secure a Letter of Release from this organization needed to accept new reputable employment in Saudi Arabia and not receiving this letter, but instead merely receiving a copy of an accurate account of what had earlier taken place between the company and myself which had been posted on the Internet, and can be seen on the Teachers Discussion Forum of this site dated July 30, 2008, I have decided to update my impression of this organization which is outlined below and now up to date.

1)While receiving a Letter of Offer from STA while in Indonesia, I was suddenly notified to return to the United States for visa processing since two candidates had suddenly pulled out (their reasoning of what now I can understand). However, there were no real negative reports posted at the time, money was good - ok, I'm off !

2)After paying for my return and the costs of medical tests required which were in excess of USD $1100 alone, and without medical insurance to cover the costs, I was then sent a contract from another company, Al-Haddaff Company which I had never heard of and which did not include many of the benefits included in the Letter of Offer. Upon questioning this, David Kerr sent an email stating that unfortunately some of the correct information was not sent out to candidates. Furthermore, he stated that this contract was only to be used for obtaining the visa and it was non-binding and would not be used. Non-binding and not legal nonsense!

3)Asking for and receiving a signed letter of on Al-Haddaff Letterhead stating that this contract had been canceled, and assuming a new contract would later be sent, I proceeded with the visa processing and was granted a Saudi visa for entry. However, due to not receiving a new contract from the company, who I assume was a subsidiary of STA, plus additional inquiries and confirmations suddenly not being answered, I saw no choice but to decline the offer.

4)Update to the present. Just recently, as mentioned, I received a good offer from a reputable university in Saudi Arabia with a clean record. However, after making two requested attempts to secure a Letter of Release from STA, which I never anticipated since I had received a Letter of Cancellation of Contract and had not entered the country on the visa therefore never starting work for the company, the Letter needed was not given due to the original warning I had posted on this Forum. Instead, I was sent merely a copy of this posting by STA nothing more.

Did STA who unfortunately created this situation by not being upfront nor completely honest with me at the beginning, truly believe that after incurring all the costs and time associated with getting the Saudi visa, and then not rectifying the situation, not expect for me to post an account on the Internet of what had happened?

Instead of taking responsibility and taking an honorable approach to trying to rectify the situation, they have now continued with a vindictive action by not issuing a Letter of Release, so this unfortunate situation could be put into the past.

I have not had income now since April 2008 declining many job offers to have originally accepted employment with STA. I would again like to express my admiration for such a company who has played a role in disrupting my career and objectives.

I would highly recommend any instructor contemplating joining this organization, not to be blinded by the money in the offer, and to seek employment elsewhere.

Kai Lamborn