Job Discussion Forums

Simplicity · Joined: 27 Mar 2009 Posts: 35

Hello,

I'm looking at teaching in Saudi Arabia in the near future. Does anyone have any experience or advice about receiving medication via post while in Saudi Arabia? When I taught in China and Korea my parents were able to send me my prescribed medication. I'm hoping it will be the same in the Middle East.

While on this topic, is it possible to access an English speaking counselor or psychologist or psychiatrist?

Thanks in advance.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

Others will respond about the meds and post services; however, receiving mail/packages can be tricky unless you're able to establish a reliable service. I suspect you shouldn't have any problems getting your prescriptions filled in KSA if you're unable to bring in a large supply (with your doctor's written confirmation). That said, keep in mind, you'll have to disclose any physical and mental health issues on your medical report for your employment visa application.

For general info on meds and mental health, take a look at:
https://www.justlanded.com/english/Saudi-Arabia/Saudi-Arabia-Guide/Health/Medicines
http://www.hziegler.com/articles/letter-from-helen-november.html

As for an English-speaking psychologist or psychiatrist, that could pose a problem depending on where you're located in KSA. Check the embassy websites of the US, UK, Australia, etc. in Saudi Arabia for a list of mental health professionals. Email your embassy in KSA if you can't find this information on their site. Frankly, life in KSA can be quite challenging for some expats. If you have to rely heavily on meds and mental health counseling, seriously reconsider taking work in the Kingdom.

Lastly, you didn't mention your qualifications, but be aware the Saudi government does not recognize university degrees that entailed online/distance coursework.

Simplicity · Joined: 27 Mar 2009 Posts: 35

Thanks for the quick, informative reply.

I'll look into whether I can get the medication in KSA. That's a good idea. It sucks waiting for a package.

You bring up a good point and I'll talk about this now before this thread turns into "you should or shouldn't go to KSA because of your condition." I have a mild form of bipolar and I'm stable with medication. I've traveled extensively and taught in various countries, so I'm quite comfortable going to teach in KSA as long as I can access my medication.

As for English speaking services, it's no problem if I can't access them. That was more of a bonus if I could. I've survived fine in other countries without it.

Re: qualifications - My bachelor's degree was not done online and I have a CELTA certificate.

Thanks again!

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

lcanupp1964 · Joined: 12 Dec 2009 Posts: 381

See below

Simplicity · Joined: 27 Mar 2009 Posts: 35

OK. Yes, I'll make sure I research the companies first.

I've just been reading through the links you sent me... It looks like they might be more strict on this in the Middle East. In Asia, you also can't get a visa with existing medical conditions. When I have taught in Taiwan, Mainland China and South Korea I've chosen not to disclose my medical condition and I received my medication via mail and/or the hospital (Taiwan/Korea). Do you think it would be possible 'to get away' with this in KSA or other Middle Eastern countries?

Anyone reading this that has some advice, feel free to PM as it's a sensitive issue to post publicly.

Thanks

lcanupp1964 · Joined: 12 Dec 2009 Posts: 381

OP,

Here's something to think about...

I had a friend (never heard that one before , huh?) that I worked with in Taiwan. He went to take advantage of the school's medical plan and went to a doctor to get a refill on his meds. Seems the school got a report every month, or quarter that listed all the teachers that used their health insurance and what they used it for. The guy was left go due to the meds that he was given being listed on the report.

You can get most things over here. Just make sure you bring your medical records and all notes from your doctor(s). Going to a private hospital and paying for the medical services out of pocket might be best. The cost of meds and medical services are a lot cheaper than in the states were I'm from.

In addition, there is no place in the world that can trigger "an event" like KSA. Stress is one thing, but the key difference is that the stress over here is very dense and compressed when compared to the States. Please have a very frank talk with yourself about coming over here. The mood swings will more than likely be thrown out of wack and might take you some time to re-set.

Simplicity · Joined: 27 Mar 2009 Posts: 35

Simplicity · Joined: 27 Mar 2009 Posts: 35

By the way, the medication I'm on is Seroquel and Sodium Valproate. I'm searching online to see if it's possible to get this from within the Middle East.

I can bring 3 months with me from New Zealand. That leaves me a lot of time to find a source in KSA, get it mailed to me or maybe travel to a neighboring country.

lcanupp1964 · Joined: 12 Dec 2009 Posts: 381

Speaking of mailing items, KSA does not have a reliable postal system. Best to have your meds sent to you via FedEx, or DHL.

If you are looking at Jeddah, the German Hospital and the International Hospital are the two best private ones that most expats go to if they need to.

In addition, it is easier than you would think to find psychologists or psychiatrists that speak very good English. It would be better to work in the bigger cities in KSA to make sure you have more choices. If you get stuck in the middle of nowhere, you will find ALL things very hard to do.

Simplicity · Joined: 27 Mar 2009 Posts: 35

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

The culture here is very different and the students manipulative and willing to complain on a whim. Are you going to be able to handle wearing Saudi attire (head covered and a black cloth covering the rest of your body. Also the prayers which are five times a day, one at 3:30 in the morning, are enough to make people who don't need medication highly irritable. They can blare through your windows and walls loudly every day. Make sure you don't have to share an apartment. The apartments in the KSA usually only have one bathroom and the bathrooms aren't pleasant. If you're roommate is basically a slob you might have problems there too.

If you've never taught in Asia before, Thailand is usually a good place to start. Not that Thailand is a great place to teach or that you'll make any money there. It's just that you can see if you can handle a bad teaching situation, and if not go back to your hotel and be on a plane in a week or so. Keep in mind in the KSA you cannot just stay in a hotel waiting for a plane to catch, you have to have an exit visa from your employer. In the KSA you're an indentured servant, you have to meet the terms of your contract to leave.

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Saudi Customs Authority will take an interest in medication sent from abroad whether by post or courier company (FedEx etc)

It would be more practical to bring medication with you.

Psychiatric conditions are still a taboo topic in KSA - think of the situation in "The West" in the 1950s (or 1650s !)

lcanupp1964 · Joined: 12 Dec 2009 Posts: 381

From my experience, I'm assuming that if you go to a private hospital without showing any proof of medical insurance and pay cash, you should be fine. Hospitals have to report many things (treating gunshots, for example), but I would think that a private hospital would never be in a setting where they would have to report someone for this kind of treatment to the government. It's a "the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing" kind of things. I would risk it if I were you.

I brought with me around 400 tablets of many different types including cold/flu meds the first time I flew to KSA. When my bags were scan last as I was leaving the controlled area of the Jeddah airport, the person looking at my bags asked me about them because he could see the tablets on his screen. As soon as I said they were medical related and reached for my paperwork, he casually waved me though. I agree, I would recommend bring over enough meds to last each school year and not worry about people sending you the meds.