I am interested in traveling to Saudi Arabia for 2 or 3 years to be an advocate for awareness on Autism and practicing Speech-Language Pathology. If I go, it will be in the year 2009, and I will be married by then. Any information or advice is welcomed ~ Thanks!
Saudi Arabia - 10 Answers
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1 :
be careful
2 :
It looks pretty grim. Here's extensive info from the State Department: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1012.html
3 :
If you're coming from the west, it's definately going to be very different. The heat, the sand and the camels are going to be shocking. Of course, the sand and camels are only outside cities, not in the middle of them so don't worry. The only time there is a lot of sand in the city is during a sandstorm but they don't happen very frequently. Anyways, you're definately going to miss your freedom. You won't be able to drive. When you leave the house, you'll have to wear a long cloak/coat (not sure what you would call it in english...in Arabic, it's called an abaya). You don't have to cover your hair. If you're going to Riyadh, you'll definately feel suffocated cuz Riyadh is very strict and ultra conservative. If you're going to Jeddah or Dammam, then you should be ok cuz they're very moderate compared to Riyadh. There are a lot of shopping malls and unfortunately, that's how many women spend their free time; by shopping or hanging out in coffee shops with their friends. Then again, can you really blame them? There isn't much to do around here. There are no movie theaters, no ice skating and no public libraries. There is a lot of natural beauty though. You could go to Madain Saleh (the sister city of Petra). That's up north, about 9-10 hours from Jeddah. It's amazing and definately worth seeing. You'll definately like the people here. Arabs are extremely generous and hospitable. If you go to someone's house, there is no way they'll let you leave without dinner and if someone comes over to your house, they'll bring something with them. A basket of dates or some expensive chocolate or something. Don't worry about having to eat strange food. Most American products are available here; they're usually more expensive than the local products (of course!) but you'll be able to find what you need. We have McDonalds, KFC, Hardees, Pizza Hut, Baskin Robbins etc, all kinds of fast food is available. I feel like I'm just tossing about random bits of information so if you want to know anything more specific, please feel free to contact me.
4 :
you will either like it and you will never leave or you wont be able to handle and can't stay but in each case try to enjoy and have fun all the best
5 :
I think the best bit of advice would be not to give into pre-conceptions or stereotypes oh about the one country in the world that doesn't allow women to do anything. [Altho that wouldn't change the fact that they still can't do a lot of things here] but still, you're going to a brand new place with a completely different culture [which unless you come from a Muslim background & even at that in some cases, you will be sure left with little understanding for]. That & what 'Mint Chocolate Chip' said. Anyway, good luck! 2009 is like a Year and a half away, maybe by then times would've changed :)
6 :
i think it will be spooky!
7 :
2009? You have still long way to go.
8 :
Becarefull, if they find even a small mistake in u, they kill, torture, execute, punish & hung people in public for silly reasons. Men in saudi r crazy & mad about gals n xxx, so think wise before u take any decision even if u go to saudi... thanks...
9 :
it would be great! u will be respected by all men (women too). no1 will look at u with wrong thoughts! life there is great.
10 :
Initial adjustment is kind of a challenge, but it depends mostly on your personal circumstances: where will you be living, and with whom, and also on your attitudes. An open-minded, adventurous person enjoys it much more than an ethno-centric one. There are a few organizations for those who with developmental and other disabilities, but there is a need for much more to be done. Try to line up a job before you go--you earn a lot more if you're hired "externally"--from outside the country. I'm American and have lived here for twenty years. It's certainly enriched my life in many ways. (He said we would only be here for six months!)
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