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PurpleFinch
Joined: 10 Feb 2013
Posts: 3
Location: Asia
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 Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 2:44 am Post subject: Just a few general questions |
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I'm considering working in Saudi Arabia but to be honest I really don't know a lot about the country or culture beyond what your average westerner would know, so I have a few odd questions which I hope someone could answer.
1. How do Saudis feel about Americans?
2. What do foreign male teachers wear? Do most men wear neckties?
3. When interviewing should I mention that I was in the Marine reserve 25 years ago?
4. Should I say I have a religion when I don't? God is goodness in my view.
5. Is there anything I shouldn't take? Computer? Files of music, western movies?
6. Is food expensive? Do most people shop once a week? Do most people shop in markets or supermarkets?
7. Is it easy to get haircuts there if you are foreigner?
8. Are clothes easy to find and cheap? Do Saudis take offense to westerners wearing customary Saudi clothes? Are there any traditional 'Saudi' clothes that westerners traditionally wear? Are tailor shops common there?
Sorry for the odd questions. Feel free to answer any one. |
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cmp45
Joined: 17 Aug 2004
Posts: 1475
Location: KSA
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| Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 3:25 am Post subject: Re: Just a few general questions |
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| PurpleFinch wrote: |
I'm considering working in Saudi Arabia but to be honest I really don't know a lot about the country or culture beyond what your average westerner would know, so I have a few odd questions which I hope someone could answer.
1. How do Saudis feel about Americans?
Judging by the number of Saudis that are now studying/visiting the USA, I would think that many 'love' Americans and their way of life. However, I think once you get here it will be more...how do you feel about Saudis? What goes around comes around...I wouldn't fret too much about this question as many will having varying opinions
2. What do foreign male teachers wear? Do most men wear neckties?
Yes, the norm is dress shirt, and tie, but some places are okay without a tie. You can always ask your prospective employer. It helps to look like a professional, even if you aren't.
3. When interviewing should I mention that I was in the Marine reserve 25 years ago? I don't see why not, but 25 years is a long time ago and better to ask yourself...is it relevant to your current situation? I am sure others will have a better answer to this one.
4. Should I say I have a religion when I don't? God is goodness in my view. God is goodness? Well, I am sure most would agree with that sentiment...but, KSA is not the place to waffle about your religion, Islam rules the day in KSA, best to just say you are Christian and avoid any further discussion. Again, you will certainly get a wide range of varying opinions on this as well
5. Is there anything I shouldn't take? Computer? Files of music, western movies? Take what you think you will need, but keep in mind there are laws that prohibit books, film on pornography, Christianity...(political anarchy?) I think you could easily do a search on this.
6. Is food expensive? Do most people shop once a week? Do most people shop in markets or supermarkets? The notion of expense depends on your taste, as you can get almost everything you can get back home. They have huge supermarkets as well as smaller markets. You can eat cheaply or as expensively as you like. Of course if you eat out it can become more expensive than cooking at home. Keep in mind that alot depends on where you will be living in KSA. the larger the city, the more variety you will have.
7. Is it easy to get haircuts there if you are foreigner? Yes it is easy; getting a 'good' hair cut on the other hand may not be so easy... generally most barbers are adequate. Indian barbers will speak English, many Turkish barbers don't, but you can still get a decent hair cut even if they don't speak English. Haircuts for men are cheap!
8. Are clothes easy to find and cheap? Are there any traditional 'Saudi' clothes that westerners traditionally wear? Are tailor shops common there?
Yes, you can get cheap off the rack or go to a tailor to get clothes made fairly cheaply.Again there are highend shops and cheap rag shops; alot depends on what your taste in clothes.
Do Saudis take offense to westerners wearing customary Saudi clothes? Unless you are a Muslim, you really shouldn't be walking around in a thobe in public. However, this just my personal opinion and I am sure there are some westerners that do. There aren't any laws that say you can't as far as I know.
Sorry for the odd questions. Feel free to answer any one. |
There are plenty of sites that address all your questions...if you are eager to learn more...just do a general search on the Internet. The location of your job will impact alot on the quality of life ...although some will say it doesn't matter where you are ...life in KSA sucks Personally, for the most part...I don't have a problem, and quite enjoy my time here. It helps if you are self reliant and find ways to keep yourself entertained during off hours. |
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abayababy
Joined: 26 Dec 2012
Posts: 109
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| Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 7:55 am Post subject: |
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| I concur with what cmp5 wrote. You're lucky he or she responded first, politely and succinctly. Other newbies are not so lucky and told to do a forum or google search to get the information they seek. Still others express vile sentiments about life in Saudi. Personally, I think life here is more than bearable. If your employer is decent you can have a fairly good time at work and save money too. Even if you are a woman, you can have a life here. |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
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| Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 9:33 am Post subject: |
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Many Saudis disapprove of foreigners, expecially Westerners and non-Muslims, dressing in Saudi clothes.
Why would you want to mention you were in the Marines Reseves ?
When asked about religion just say "Christian". Avoid discussion of religion.
Last edited by scot47 on Thu Mar 14, 2013 8:23 am; edited 1 time in total |
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PurpleFinch
Joined: 10 Feb 2013
Posts: 3
Location: Asia
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| Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 2:51 pm Post subject: |
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| Thanks for the quick responses |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
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| Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 4:25 pm Post subject: |
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I would only mention the military experience if the job is military related. There are military related jobs for men all around the Gulf.
VS |
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sheikh radlinrol
Joined: 30 Jan 2007
Posts: 1222
Location: Spain
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| Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 4:37 pm Post subject: |
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I would agree with the above and add that getting a haircut is one of the pleasures of Saudi. They do a thorough job, massage your head and neck and trim the hairs at the top of your back. At least my barber did.
Not only that but it�s dirt cheap and the barbers are open till about 11 p.m. Good Luck. |
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mashkif
Joined: 17 Aug 2010
Posts: 178
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| Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 8:16 pm Post subject: Re: Just a few general questions |
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| PurpleFinch wrote: |
| 4. Should I say I have a religion when I don't? God is goodness in my view. |
No, you should (need) not. I put "atheist" on my visa application (which got changed into "Christian" on my iqama and it was all I could do to stop myself from asking it be changed) and whenever anyone asked me -- and students DID ask me, multiple times -- I said the same. No-one got offended (and I wouldn't have given a !@#$ if they had) but they did look at me as if I was completely out of my mind for not believing in the existence of a god.
I vehemently disagree with the advice to deny your identity and walk on eggshells. Making them realize that not everyone in the world thinks or acts or believes the same, or conforms to their stereotypes, won't kill them. It might even open their minds a tiny bit.
Basically, so long as you don't say anything negative about Islam or Mohammed, you're gold. Sometimes it's difficult and I had to really bite my tongue on many occasions, but I didn't relish the prospect of some bearded Neanderthal slicing off my head...  |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
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| Posted: Wed Mar 13, 2013 8:26 pm Post subject: |
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| I never saw my role in KSA as that of one who "opens their minds". In fact I find the idea that I have the truth and that they are in heathen darkness makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. I was not in KSA as a missionary - for Freethought or anything else. I was an English teacher. |
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cmp45
Joined: 17 Aug 2004
Posts: 1475
Location: KSA
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| Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 6:30 am Post subject: Re: Just a few general questions |
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| mashkif wrote: |
| PurpleFinch wrote: |
| 4. Should I say I have a religion when I don't? God is goodness in my view. |
No, you should (need) not. I put "atheist" on my visa application (which got changed into "Christian" on my iqama and it was all I could do to stop myself from asking it be changed) and whenever anyone asked me -- and students DID ask me, multiple times -- I said the same. No-one got offended (and I wouldn't have given a !@#$ if they had) but they did look at me as if I was completely out of my mind for not believing in the existence of a god.
I vehemently disagree with the advice to deny your identity and walk on eggshells. Making them realize that not everyone in the world thinks or acts or believes the same, or conforms to their stereotypes, won't kill them. It might even open their minds a tiny bit.
Basically, so long as you don't say anything negative about Islam or Mohammed, you're gold. Sometimes it's difficult and I had to really bite my tongue on many occasions, but I didn't relish the prospect of some bearded Neanderthal slicing off my head... |
Well you are in KSA, and definitely in the minority, so to make life easier on yourself, it would be wise to just remain quiet on the topic of religion...btw...if you are atheist what difference does it make what anyone says or thinks...or what label people may attach onto you...enlightened /open minded/ educated individuals (a rarity indeed)should not feel the need to impose their ideologies on anyone nor be offended by what others may believe or say on the matter. However, as you say, no harm in stating you are an atheist, but like you also say people will view you as a weirdo or may try to save your soul...may as well just say you are christian and avoid the potential hassles of venturing down the road of having to explain yourself because (even if you think they were not offended) you have indirectly offended them by denying the existance of their God!
So how is your stance on religion any different than thiers...both come off as rather closed minded to me...To each his/ her own... at least you are smart enough not to mock their religion; that would be very unwise! I agree with scott, as well... |
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sheikh radlinrol
Joined: 30 Jan 2007
Posts: 1222
Location: Spain
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| Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 8:09 am Post subject: |
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| The OP would be wise to ignore Mashkif�s advice and simply tell his Saudi students he�s a Christian. Claiming to be an atheist could come back to haunt him if he has a disagreement with one or more students. DON�T discuss religion with your Saudi students. |
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Motyl
Joined: 12 Mar 2013
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 8:50 am Post subject: |
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This question might be too simple to start a new thread and deserve a discussion , so I'm posting it here.
Is an unmarried couple with children considered a family and can claim family status or would I need to leave my family home and come alone? In such case, would they be allowed to visit me?
Thank you. |
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Sheik Yerbuti
Joined: 02 Dec 2012
Posts: 105
Location: the promised land
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| Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 8:57 am Post subject: |
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| NO, NO |
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Motyl
Joined: 12 Mar 2013
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 9:25 am Post subject: |
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| Thank you, I thought that children might make a difference, but apparently not. |
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spiral78
Joined: 05 Apr 2004
Posts: 11534
Location: On a Short Leash
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| Posted: Thu Mar 14, 2013 10:09 am Post subject: |
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| I suspect the children would be considered to belong to you alone. Partners' status would be extremely dodgy!!! |
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