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vva · Joined: 19 Sep 2010 Posts: 42 Location: NY, USA

Hello,
I've read all the advice against working in KSA and shared housing, but still intent on going. I'm familiar with Muslim practices (at least of US Muslims), and I'm mostly asking about rural areas...

I would very much appreciate your answers to the following questions:

1. In shared living arrangements, do women usually live with an EFL colleague from the same school?

2. What're the typical travel arrangements for (single) women, on a regular school day? Do they often travel alone to and from the school, or is sharing rides common?

3. Possibly a ridiculous question, but how likely is it that a single woman would get kidnapped or something scary, on a regular day's journey between home and work?

thanks!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Gulezar · Joined: 19 Jun 2007 Posts: 483

Hello,
I've read all the advice against working in KSA and shared housing, but still intent on going. I'm familiar with Muslim practices (at least of US Muslims), and I'm mostly asking about rural areas...

I've met a good many Muslims who find Saudi intolerable. The rural areas would probably be the most difficult for a western woman.

1. In shared living arrangements, do women usually live with an EFL colleague from the same school?

Yes, if the school is providing housing, you are likely to be with colleagues.

2. What're the typical travel arrangements for (single) women, on a regular school day? Do they often travel alone to and from the school, or is sharing rides common?

A travel allowance is usually provided in Saudi. Most folks are in Saudi for the money, so sharing a ride is quite common. An employer might also provide a bus to and from the school.

3. Possibly a ridiculous question, but how likely is it that a single woman would get kidnapped or something scary, on a regular day's journey between home and work?

Not likely, but it is advisable that one travels with some other women. I never traveled alone. When a man and a woman are alone together, there is always a third party (Satan), so it is best not to invite Satan. Travel with another woman as your witness. Traveling alone might invite trouble. Even if you travel in a group, you might be approached by men who are interested in "being friends".

vva · Joined: 19 Sep 2010 Posts: 42 Location: NY, USA

Thank you both, for your detailed replies.

It's Scary! · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 823

What VS said about Muslims in Saudi who are NOT Saudi. They are spelled thusly:

Muslim born in Saudi: "Muslim"

Muslim who is not Saudi: "muslim"

It's the sad truth!

bulgogiboy · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 803

johnslat · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2012 12:46 am Post subject:

Dear vva,

Many of the non-Saudi Muslims I knew there (colleagues, mostly) would tell me (in whispers) "This is NOT Islam."

Well, it wasn't for them, but I have no notion of what your idea of Islam is.

Regards,
John

vva · Joined: 19 Sep 2010 Posts: 42 Location: NY, USA

Thank you all for your input!

I understand the irony that a few Muslim countries, in a very general view, may not consist of very good Muslims, but I have no doubt that key areas within the KSA will consist of wonderful communities, especially for women to work in...

problem is, of course, finding those communities Smile

bulgogiboy · Joined: 23 Feb 2005 Posts: 803

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Gulezar · Joined: 19 Jun 2007 Posts: 483

johnslat · Posted: Mon Feb 13, 2012 4:07 pm Post subject:

Dear Gulezar,

" . . . if you are the wrong sect . . ."

And, for many Saudis, that would mean any Muslim who's not Wahhabi (or, as many of them prefer to be called, "Hanabillah.")

Regards,
John