Job Discussion Forums

j44 · Joined: 18 Jun 2011 Posts: 3

dear all,

I do have a fairly pressing question. I am thinking of applying for teaching jobs in Saudi Arabia but I do have a history of anxiety and panic attacks (within the last 5-6 years). From what I have read, I understand that you have to declare it possibly at the state of visa application. Moreover, I read that in Saudi Arabia it is difficult to find anti-anxiety drugs, such as Valium or Xanax. Thank you for your help

Sheik Yerbuti · Joined: 02 Dec 2012 Posts: 105 Location: the promised land

Really dig the quality, veracity, and utility of the new breed
of posters (posers?) on the Saudi board...

Wilsonthefarmer

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Best advice is do not come if you are on psychotropjc medication.

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

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

We all think of places we'd like to live and teach, but heed the others' warnings...know thy self and what you are capable of handling/ managing...

Seriously, Saudi Arabia is NOT the place for anyone who has anxiety or panic attacks. If you are remotely susceptible, this would be the country where you could develop such afflictions.

clyde · Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 52

I will offer a different slant. No you will not find those medications, and being caught with them would be VERY serious. On the other hand, I found Canada and South Korea far more stressful than my life here. If you are the type of person that settles into a routine, you will be fine. I am the kind of person that craves new things and adventure, so I have the opposite problem; Saudi can be extremely boring. If you do decide to come, I suggest desisting from being so open about your issues. While fellow Westerners will be more open and sympathetic, the Saudis won't.

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

in another thread, the OP mentions that they are Italian. Would that in any way negatively effect their ability to secure a position in SA?

johnslat · Posted: Sun May 19, 2013 1:59 pm Post subject:

The problem, of course, is that no one can "predict" with total accuracy how anyone else will "react" to the Kingdom.

Just because I or you were able to "adjust/not adjust easily has no bearing on how the OP will.

However, given the circumstances mentioned by the OP, I think that it would be dangerous to try to assure the OP that she "will be fine," even if such an assurance is conditional.

Taking those circumstances into consideration, I'd say that Saudi would not be a wise choice.

Regards,
John

j44 · Joined: 18 Jun 2011 Posts: 3

dear all,

many thanks for your replies, your advice has been quite helpful.
Now I do have a clearer picture and Saudi Arabia does not seem a wise choice. I do wonder whether the other Gulf countries are similar in this respect.

All the best

fledex · Joined: 05 Jun 2011 Posts: 342

Apply to Edex. These kinds of problems will probably help you move up in the company. Talk to the management.

Grendal · Posted: Mon May 20, 2013 8:41 am Post subject:

Grendal · Posted: Mon May 20, 2013 8:43 am Post subject:

CANDLES · Posted: Mon May 20, 2013 10:02 am Post subject:

Dear j44

Please don't go to the Gulf/KSA or anywhere remotely like that if you have problems.
Unfortunately the expats who are there will be okay with you for awhile, after that there won't be any help for you from them. Everyone is there for their own benefit and having a sick colleague to worry about is not going to cut it. Have a cold, flu etc and yes you'll be fine, but anything major..sorry no.

Best to stay in the 'Western' world where you will be looked after with the right medicines. Good Luck!