Job Discussion Forums

[kazazt]

You would not be telling stories to people who are not interested.

[johnslat]

Dear kazart,

True - except that, in your case, I can only guess that you tried to "tell stories" to "folks back home," but they weren't interested.

However, to claim that "folks back home aren't interested" is an invalid generalization, as proven by my case.

Regards,
John

[kazazt]

No stories -save them for the homebrew parties on the compounds and the old boys in the bars in Bahrain.

[johnslat]

Dear kazazt,

Actually, I saved them for the University of New Mexico and for Santa Fe Community College, where I taught ABE (Adult Basic Education) courses on Saudi Arabia and on Islam.

I also gave (free - for these) talks for Elderhostel (now Exploritas,) an educational non-profit, for Renesans, a local non-profit, and for various
churches in Santa Fe.

Lots of interest here.

Regards,
John

[kazazt]

[johnslat]

Dear kazart,

You're absolutely right - I AM an alcoholic, though for the last eight years, I've been a non-drinking one.
I saw people become alcoholics in Saudi, but I've also seen other people quit there.

Which just goes to show that no one can tell how someone else is going to react to the Kingdom.

You lost me, however, on this:

" . . . b`enjoyed`"

Would you mind explaining what that means?

Thanks,
John

[Gerund]

Unless you have an inexplicable interest in Islam, there is only one reason why any straight guy would be interested in working and living in Saudi Arabia--money.

[scot47]

I am here for the richly rewarding cultural experience, and the opportunity to watch driving at its best.

I also tell lies.

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

Dear kazazt:

Pulezze don't mix it up with John. Firstly, he is a gentleman. Secondly, he speaks with impeccable knowledge. Lastly, he is greatly respected on this board and is of a wit that will leave you speechless.

As scot has said many times...he is the "Sage of Santa Fe"...

NCTBA

[johnslat]

Dear Gerund,

"Unless you have an inexplicable interest in Islam, there is only one reason why any straight guy would be interested in working and living in Saudi Arabia--money."

Why "inexplicable?" Like all other religions, Islam can be a fascinating subject to study. Moreover, given the current state of world affairs, it would probably be constructive were more people to have a better understanding of what most Muslims believe, and how those beliefs can translate into various practices.

But I'd also say that there can be more than "only one reason" besides money. If you're fortunate to have a satisfying job, good (mostly) students, and an administration that leaves you alone to do your job, well, those could also be reasons for living/working there.
As for the "constraints" imposed by Saudi society, how one reacts and/or adapts to them can and does differ widely from individual to individual.
Admittedly, many/most "western" expats don't find it congenial: lack of individual freedoms, very few social diversions (although I knew some teachers who, having actively pursued a "social life" there, found plenty on offer,) and not too many of the amenities that one is used to.
Your mention of "straight" males seems to neglect the fact the at some/many places, married teachers can find employment. I had two wives (not at the same time, of course) while I was there, and therefore my only lack (if it can be called that) was that there would have been a much greater difficulty in carrying on extra-marital affairs.
Moreover, if one is self-sufficient and enjoys recreations that don't necessarily involve social intercourse (e.g. reading, writing, exercising, etc.,) then those social constraints don't seem too burdensome.
So, I'd say your statement (quoted above) doesn't take individual differences into account. I'd agree that for many/most money could well be the only reason, but I'd also say that's not true for everyone.

Regards,
John

[Cleopatra]

Excellent post, John.

Nobody would ever claim that KSA is anyone's ideal destination, or that the restrictions do not seem onerous at times. But as you say, there are ways around them, and if you have a certain type of personality - self-reliant and able to make your own fun - those restrictions don't really seem all that burdensome to start with.

That said, there are many people for whom Saudi ARabia is never going to be anything but an ordeal. But by no means everyone falls into this category. In fact, many people who come to KSA thinking they are going to grit their teeth and struggle through one year at best, soon become surprised at how well they adapt to the place and end up stayng much longer than they had expected.

[zooey]

[zooey]

oops, missed the homophones I'm always on at my students to watch out for

to/too/two

now I know how easily it's done!
(well at least it wasn't "tow")

[h-train]

Yep, despite a lot of heckling from coworkers and friends, I decided to come here. My personal reasons were the following:

1.) paying off a mortgage
2.) working on a second MA
3.) I had absolutely no knowledge of Islam and was/am curious
4.) I wanted some time to think about some things
5.) I wanted a real chance to read these books I've been meaning to read
6.) I wanted to see what the country is all about
7.) Tourist visas are non-existent
8.) I was very curious about the people
9.) I knew I could leave if it was THAT bad

I'm on my 4th month now and am quite pleased with how things have turned out. I don't dread going to work, am making good money, the majority of my students are awesome, and it's sunny every day.

[kazazt]

awesome-where are you working?