Job Discussion Forums

[Susan WW]

Any possiblity to hear feedback from expats who are non-americans or british.. who has been in KSA working and living..
All I have heard so far is negative responses...and complaints about humidity, prison like accomodation, visa procedure, same gender harasssment, certified documents problems....etc.
I need not hear stories which expats cannot/aren`t allowed to do...
just want to know how to enjoy and make the most of it while one is there..
If you know any good things one should look forward to, share it with me, and with all readers.
Or anyone could give me info on any website or local one,etc. to hear the other side of stories..
Thanks

[007]

[Susan WW]

Thank you for your side of the story.
Still your answer is not what I really wanted. Perhaps, you didnt understand my question., or I didnt make myself clear,heehee.

Anyway, For information, I am not from Japan, just happen to be teaching in Japan for the time being.
It was unbelievebly hard when I first arrived to Japan 2 years ago,I was teaching at Public schools, between Japanese school teachers/Education Authority staff, and me, mutual misunderstanding, negative responses,etc..
As of today, I could strike a converstaion in Japanese with any Locals, ranging from Prime Minister Abe`s advisor to some country/village people(not YMCA/Macho man) who speak local dialect. I can even ask any principal to sing a song for me. They love karaoke, you all know that. Yes, how to break Japanese ice, this is what I have learnt, so anyone coming to Japan, please PM me.more than happy to share.

All the same, the complaints I read about KSA/Mid-east are really useful for a new comer, and thanks.
Tell me more if you come up with any more D`s and Dont`s.
Susan

[trapezius]

[Susan WW]

Are you saying that arab colleagues dont talk to you(me) at work , do they only use English, do all of them speak English but dont socialize with expat(teacher) outside work hours?? Can all students speak English
( I wonder they speak better Englsih then I do??)??What do they (arab colleagues) do after work, go home spend time with family or any visible activity they enjoy in public????
How about local arab speaking people, do they speak to foreigners/you??Or do you chat with them?Or is it fobidden too?
Sounds like hostile unsociable people living in KSA,
I know many muslims from all over the world in NZ and they are very sociable, and happy to say Hi to anyone, and chat.
life must be very hard for Arab muslims under religious constraints.
Some of my students from Asian countries, learning English in NZ, ended up leaving NZ being unable to communicate effectively in English, because they all stick to thier own flock, eat thier own food, and not open up to locals. Some`d join local churches (impossible in KSA for non Muslims), or night classes/ local cook classes,etc.. (possible in KSA??)., doing better.

[Stephen Jones]

The problem with learning Arabic in Saudi is twofold.

The first problem is that because of your line of work you will not need Arabic to get on with colleagues. The second is that because most shop assistants and service personnel come from Asia they will speak English rather than Arabic. Their jobs are becoming Saudiized but they are being Saudiized by Saudis who speak good English.

The second problem is identity. When I lived in Catalonia I didn't need Catalan as I spoke fluent Spanish. But I learnt it because I wanted to be a Catalan. Much as I like many aspects of Saudi Arabia I don't want to be a Saudi.

[007]

[Bob Gorn]

The problem is NOT that Saudis are hostile or unfriendly. In fact, you will find most of them to be almost heartbreakingly friendly and somewhat desperate to give you a good impression of themselves and their country. Most Saudis that I have met are very talkative and willing to go out of their way to show you the best side of KSA. It will be very different from the usual experience in Japan. Saudis do not hesitate to develop close, personal friendships with foreigners.

As for liking the country....I'm from the US, and I know you asked for non-US replies, but this is my two cents anyway. You won't find many non-Muslims who like Saudi Arabia. The country is sand and ugly concrete buildings, and even the deserts and the beaches are loaded with trash. Even looking beyond the restrictions on Western lifestyles, there is nothing to do... even conservative Muslims complain of boredom in KSA.

However, the good news is that you will find plenty of people who enjoy their lives in Saudi Arabia. They may not like the place, but it is possible for people to develop a circle of friends, have a healthy family life, and enjoy work. I've even known British teenagers who loved their lives in the Kingdom so much that they didn't want to leave to go to college. Life on a compound can result in close personal bonds with others, and if you can stand that kind of closeness, you might really enjoy yourself.

[trapezius]

[Susan WW]

[quote="trapezius"]

[Susan WW]

[quote="trapezius"]

[scot47]

' Does one needs to be in KSA '

Maybe this sort of basic grammatical error explains why Saudi employers prefer native speakers ?

[Susan WW]

[The_Prodiigy]

Saudi Arabia is an unendearing place. Physically there is little to offer - a dearth of variety (lots of sand; the cities ugly and sprawling)

The roads are jammed, the streets dirty and dusty, the architecture horrid.

Without exception, shops and offices close for prayer time, the corner mosques bellowing out the wotsits with brass bells loudly.

Non-muslims are exempt, but the sounds constantly disturb any inner-peace you may have.

I found the administration of the schools and colleges shockingly inept and adhoc. The students, with few noble exceptions lazy and highly prone to cheating. Music is halal, art and free-thinking discouraged and no decent Thorntons or opportunities to jam.

Closed-mind country that sticks two fingers up to logical thinking.
They have created a false society that imposes draconian restriction on movement, speech, relationships, humour ... ... ... ....

Satire is non-existent there.

When you see the hypocricy between what the "princes" teach and the lifestyles they lead regular folk become cynical and furious.

Unique.

[scot47]

I am reluctant to write to people who use GREEN ! Attention-seeking behaviour which indicates a deeply neurotic and exhibitionist personality.

This is even more true where this GREEN person has expressed a desire not to hear from USANIANS or UKANIANS, and admits to having adopted the 'One True Faith'.