Job Discussion Forums

[zaneth]

Totally out? Only for the suicidal? Or the politically insensitive?

$20,000 school debt. Would like to make it disappear and get on with my subsistence lifestyle. Don't mind a monastic existence. Can be respectful.

BA, Celta, few years of experience.

Your thoughts? (no laughing, please)

[veiledsentiments]

Hey Zaneth,

In addition to what I said in response to your PM, I wouldn't be worried about going to the Middle East, though Iraq wouldn't be on my list.

That said, if one is completely risk averse and a compulsive worrier, one might avoid KSA. But, that is likely your best possibility for a Gulf job with your credentials. Still, things have quieted down there since last year. Hopefully the Saudi security have managed to pick off most of their militants. Check out the Saudi board.

There is a certain amount of danger in any Arab country I suppose, but I still think that they are all safer than the average American city. The biggest danger in the ME is the traffic. Oh yeah... as to being an American there, if you are a rabid Bushie, don't mention it to anyone. Just in general avoid political discussion when you can.

VS

[zaneth]

I'm not at all a 'rabid Busher' (nice phrase, btw).

Funny you mention the traffic; that's what I used to say to people who worried about my hitchhiking, that the biggest danger was just the fact that I spent so much time in cars (often driven by people who didn't mind the risk of picking up hitchhikers, so also didn't mind the risk of driving very fast).

Risks exist. I just wouldn't want to do something that was against all reasonable common sense, or that might put undo temptation in the way of some poor militant who was just trying to mind his own business and stay out of trouble.

[edit: perhaps I'll avoid telling my mother where I'm going, however.]

[veiledsentiments]

Amazingly enough, even parents can be educable. From what I hear, Russia too can be dangerous... but that might not be the best way to convert Mom to not worry. Some people have shown this site to their parents so that they can see that the TV news is not the best judge of reality.

VS

[Sekhmet]

Zaneth - I'm not too sure about the rest of the Middle East, but Egypt and Jordan both seem to be very welcoming of all foreigners, whether you're a "Bushie" or not. My housemate here is American (although I'm not), and she has never complained about any hassles. When I was travelling through Jordan, I met several Americans, both teachers and tourists, and they all said the same thing. I would have to agree with VS though - with blonde hair, KSA and Iraq are very firmly on my "no" list!!!!!

[veiledsentiments]

Hey Sekhmet,

I don't think the hair color is the problem. If you went to KSA, you could cover up that hair with your abaya... no problem. In Iraq, it is a dangerous time for all women of all nationalities, including Iraqi.

VS

[Cleopatra]

[veiledsentiments]

And speaking of blonds in the KSA...

Figured that would get your attention, Cleo...

VS

[Cleopatra]