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Cleopatra
Joined: 28 Jun 2003
Posts: 3657
Location: Tuamago Archipelago
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 Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 5:01 pm Post subject: |
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| She even mentioned socks and, to blend in, a face veil. |
I wonder if this person has ever set foot in KSA? Somehow I doubt it.
No need for a face veil, certainly not for socks, which are only worn by the most conservative Saudi women. As a foreigner, it's perfectly acceptable to wear just an abaya (there are some rather elegant ones available these days - honestly!) and a head scarf when in public. Some people do go without the latter, but it does make them stand out (even) more than they would otherwise.
And actually, getting 'pegged as a foreigner' can often be better than being completely covered, and therefore having people assume you are Saudi. This is because it is tacitly accepted that the norms for foreign women are somewhat different than those for Saudi women. For a foreigner to be seen shopping alone, for example, is considered rather odd, but not subversive in the way that it would be for any Saudi woman. My advice is that you adopt a 'happy medium' in your dress: don't obviously flout local customs, but don't try to 'go local' either - unless you want to, of course.
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| do you know of any great websites that "tell it like it is". I can find plenty of religious ones but I would like one that is "From an American or Western point of view |
I personally think there is no one "Western" point of view. Nor is there one "Western" experience in KSA. Ex-pats in KSA come from many different backgrounds, have widely differing personalities and expectations, and perhaps most importantly of all, live in very different circumstances in KSA itself. Someone living on the giant, self-contained ARAMCO city in Dhahran, for example, will have a very different experience from someone living in a city-centre apartment block in Riyadh or Jubail. |
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tweaka
Joined: 18 Nov 2005
Posts: 32
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| Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 3:36 pm Post subject: |
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Well, I just heard from Saudi Aramco. Looks like I got hired but here's the catch. They won't pay for the airfare for my husband and son. And the living quarters aren't on the camp but in the city.
The Aramco rep I interviewed says that SRACO will call me in a couple of days.
I wonder what they'll tell me. I'm not looking for a big offer here.. AT ALL.
Ahhh well.....  |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
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| Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 9:47 pm Post subject: |
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See... I warned you that the perks listed on that website were not for lowly education sorts... too bad...
VS |
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Cleopatra
Joined: 28 Jun 2003
Posts: 3657
Location: Tuamago Archipelago
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| Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 9:21 am Post subject: |
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| They won't pay for the airfare for my husband and son. |
That's a pity, but in the scheme of things - and if you're getting a good salary - it's not all that much over the course of a year. What's more important to know is: will they provide accomodation suitable for three people, will they pay health insurance for your dependents, and will they pay for your son's education, assuming he is of school age?
My guess would be that they are only offering single contracts, so the answers to these questions would be 'no'. But do ask. |
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Anytime now
Joined: 29 Apr 2005
Posts: 59
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| Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2006 11:28 am Post subject: |
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I am sorry ARAMCO has been disappointing. In the end, you may find that you can accept it. However, with this business about not flying your family over, that's an indication of how your family will not be taken care of once you get there.
It is interesting that they have not said a word about salary. I find it unconscionable that companies talk about everything else to lure you, but then throw the salary in at the end when you have decide too quickly.
At this point in the game, all the companies and universities are desperate, so hold them up for more benefits or salary, if you dare. Accepting just an OK offer will not make it feel better when you go through the culture shock with your family. They need you.
Good luck to you!
Anytime Now |
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tweaka
Joined: 18 Nov 2005
Posts: 32
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| Posted: Sat Jul 22, 2006 2:51 pm Post subject: |
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Hi...
I JUST got my contract. Like.. today. That's why I haven't said anything. It looks like it's a single deal but the pay is VERY good. Mid 60s. Housing gets paid through the company at a pro-rate so I'll have to pay rent but it's low, low, low.. like nothing.
They don't pay for the tickets, I think, because the monthly salary is so high. I wouldn't necessarily be an ESL teacher. From what I'm reading it's more with technology because of my doctorate.
Problem is that I can't take it because of my contract here. I'm hoping that they will hold it until Jan. 2007. Not much that can be done. They waited too long.  My school district has sued people before, yeah I know. But I figure, if they offered it before.. they'll offer it again or at least hold it since they didn't have enough people to take the job when I interviewed.
I'm fine with what they offered.. I just wish it was sooner. |
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