Job Discussion Forums

[ardith]

Hello -- I will start work at KAU ELI, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, next month. I have questions for any women subscribed to this forum. What are the rules for western women who come to SA to teach at a university? I plan to look for lodging in the KAU vicinity. There, should I expect to be able to walk around unaccompanied, for example, to walk to the market or to work? Or, for all activities outside the women's campus or outside my apartment, must I be accompanied by, driven by, a male? Do western women there wear abayas? -- at all times? -- in the classroom on the women's campus? I will be grateful for all advice from anyone with experience with these matters. Thanks!

[nomad soul]

Yes, as a woman you...
-- can travel about unaccompanied
-- must wear an abaya when out in public (except when in an all-female environment)
-- must be driven by a male (women are not allowed to drive)

No, you...
-- are not allowed to teach in an abaya; however, your skirts must be ankle length and your tops should provide adequate arm/chest coverage
-- don't want to walk about in Jeddah---it's pedestrian "unfriendly"

Also, see blueabaya.com and americanbedu.com for invaluable info about expat women living/working in the Kingdom.

[ardith]

Thanks very much, nomad soul! I am checking out the websites.