Job Discussion Forums

KME0050 · Joined: 02 Jun 2010 Posts: 87 Location: U.S.

Hello Again--

When I come to teach in the fall, my 21-year old son is planning to join me. He is a college student who can continue his studies on-line, but who would like to experience the country/culture/language with me. He is in Morocco this summer doing volunteer work for a humanitarian organization, so will have had a small taste of Arab society, albeit a comparatively liberal one.

For those of you who have lived and worked in Saudi Arabia for some time, can anyone predict any particular challenges a 21 year-old American male might face there? He is smart, outgoing and friendly, a little shy with girls, athletic, and a tall, fair-skinned, blonde, blue-eyed pretty boy. . . problem?

A (Saudi) friend of mine in Abha is already looking around for work opportunities for him, both volunteer and paid. He is studying both graphics arts and elementary education and is working as a teacher's assistant in Morocco right now. (EFL!)

I am hoping that with school, and hopefully work and friends, he can stay busy and happy. However, he is used to having a lot of freedom and a very active social life (including night life).

If it doesn't work out, he can always go home, but I really hope it works out. If there is anything we can do by way of preparation to ensure a successful experience (for him), I want to do it.

Any thoughts anyone?

Thanks!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Will he get a visa to come with you? Do not be so sure !

KME0050 · Joined: 02 Jun 2010 Posts: 87 Location: U.S.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Most non-muslims, and those new to the peculiarities of the Saudi interpretation of Islamic Law will not be familiar with the concept of a "legal guardian". Perhaps you can explain ?

KME0050 · Joined: 02 Jun 2010 Posts: 87 Location: U.S.

Gerund · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 80 Location: Amerika

[quote="KME0050"]athletic, and a tall, fair-skinned, blonde, blue-eyed pretty boy. . . problem?

Yes, big problem. I spent seven years in KSA. I was younger, thinner and had (and still have) blond hair. Apparently, the Saudi men found me quite attractive because I was continually flirted with. If I walked down the sidewalk, it was not unusual for a car to slowly follow me. When I was teaching military cadets, they would wink at me, blow kisses, tell me endlessly that I was handsome, and if I was unsuccessful in avoiding shaking hands, they would not let go of my hand and start fondling it. In my first week there, before I knew any better, I accepted a ride from a seemingly respectable middle-aged Saudi guy, and before I knew it, he had his hand on my leg and was suggesting that we go to his nearby apartment for (you can imagine).

I am NOT exaggerating. I even had a student expose himself to me. This is no joke, and it was one of the reasons that after seven years in KSA I couldn't stand it anymore.

Explain how things are to your son in Happy Land for Men and tell him to be VERY careful. They don't call it Sodom Arabia for nothing.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

It took you 7 years to figure out that you did not like it ? I suppose people learn at different speeds.

KME0050 · Joined: 02 Jun 2010 Posts: 87 Location: U.S.

[quote="Gerund"]

Gerund · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 80 Location: Amerika

First of all, how nice to find someone who knows the difference between averse and adverse.

The experiences I described took place in Damman and Jeddah. I never lived in a small town, but I doubt there's much of a difference. It's pandemic in Saudi society, and any guy who's spent any time there can confirm it.

The only advice I can give you is what I already gave you. He should keep his wits about him at all times and not be naive and trusting. He should not accept rides from anybody--even if he thinks he knows and can trust the guy, even if he seems respectable, even if he is known to be married.

Saudi Arabia is a different planet.

Gerund · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 80 Location: Amerika

KME0050 · Joined: 02 Jun 2010 Posts: 87 Location: U.S.

007

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Watch out too for feral cats, especially when they proffer advice.

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

Two things you should avoid bringing with you to KSA: pets and 20 something blue eyed blonde boys! Seriously, life in KSA is stressful enough, bringing your young son may create more problems than you can imagine! Read Gerund's comments again. Abha is a mine field, full of lecherous men! Morrocco is not the same as KSA. You may need to have a very 'open/honest conversation with your son, if you decide to bring him over. Honestly, I would advise against bringing him over. You would probably fair better without having to worry about your son. The Saudi youth have no life in their own country, so how do you think your son is going to manage. There are two main activities in KSA: praying and shopping; unless your son is a devout Muslim and spending his time immersed in the Quran, he will soon be looking for "other" activities, some of which could land him in serious trouble. One can only go shopping for so long each day. The main problem is not so much the shopping, but who he meets while he is out and about. Unless he is able to entertain himself alone at home for hours on end, it not a good idea to bring him to KSA! Boredom can be hazzardous to your health in KSA.

007 · Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2010 11:19 am Post subject: