Since the latest budget applied changes to the taxation arrangements for ex-pats, it is definitely better to declare as 'non-resident for tax purposes' although it depends on your individual circumstances as to whether or not you qualify as non-resident. Otherwise, under the new rules, you will need to pay tax on your overseas eraned income at Australian tax rates.

Yes, there is a new university opening, but there are also three schools opening in support of it. A boys school and a girls school, presumably for the children of the Saudi academic and other staff, and an innternational school, offering the IB, for the children of the internation faculty members. It's the international school which is allegedly paying its teachers the big bucks.

I'm with specialed here. I'm new to the international teaching scene and am full of the enthusiasm of the newbie! I found the ISR site and the overwhelming impression was of negativity. Not just in the reviews, but also in the articles that are on the site. The majority of them focus on problems and negative issues. It would be great to hear some positive stories. It can't all be bad, otherwise no one would do it!

There is a new international school opening this year in Saudi Arabia, along with a new university - KAUST. The rumours are that teachers at this school will be the highest paid teachers in the world. I'd love to know if it's true! Does anybody know anything about this school? Has anybody been hired ready to start this year? Obviously, money is not the only consideration when it comes to choosing a school to work at, but I'd be interested to hear if anybody has any experiences with this school.