Resources

As a part of this blog, which is intended to be an overview of my time and experience in Saudi Arabia, I hope to inform friends and family of what's happening, show where I've been, and give some insight into what it's like to be a foreigner in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In my own journey I've already discovered some other helpful blogs, sites, and books that I think could be helpful to anyone thinking about going to KSA:

Here are some great blogs:

Blue Abaya
Foreign Girl
Saudi Scenes
My mom's blog (Elise's Saudi Stories)
Black Chick in Saudi


Here are some books:

Insight into the future: Caryle Murphy's Saudi Arabia Through the Eyes of Its Twentysomethings
Because we need some guidance: Understanding Arabs: A Guide for Westerners
Travel and culture tips (it's a whole new planet, and there are a lot of helpful books on travel and culture out there, this is just one example): Culture Shock! KSA
For insight into Islam and how Muslims process their world: The Crescent Through the Eyes of the Cross

I think it's really important to learn about the people you will encounter wherever you're going, and that includes not only what the rules and regulations are, but also how those people see the world around them, and how that impacts the way they relate to each other. 


Vocabulary you should know:

Arabic is a difficult language to pick up - especially the written and formal standards - and even though a lot of Saudis speak English, there are a few survival words/terms that I think everyone should know.

1. Asalaam wa'alaykum = Peace be upon you
2. Wa'alaykum asalaam = and also upon you (the response to #1)

*This is the greeting you will hear repeatedly as a tradition of expressing respect through greeting.

3. Enshallah = lord willing

*This is the answer for everything! Will it be done by tomorrow? Enshallah. See you soon! Enshallah. Can you pick me up at 6pm? Enshallah. The original intent for "enshallah" was to allow God's will to be recognized constantly. For example, if I say, "See you later," but I die before we see each other again, "enshallah" allows for God's will to be above people's plans. This is obviously a phrase rooted in Islam, which is not only the religion of KSA, but also the way of life and the foundation of the government (it's a very interesting topic, but too much to go into here). Now, the phrase is unfortunately a bit misused in that, as my dad says, it has come to mean: "If I don't do it, God will!"

4. Alhamdillah =  thanks be to God

*This is the answer to "how are you," and also a response for many other questions. Good or bad, you can always say, "Alhamdillah."

5. Shookran = thank you; Afwon = you're welcome

*It's good to be grateful. However, a cultural note: "thanks" is not nearly as commonly used in Arabic as it is in English. My beautiful Egyptian friend Nehad once told me, "Thanks should only be given to God, so don't thank me. This is my pleasure."

6. Masalaamma = goodbye

7. Sook = store/shop

8. Tai-yeb = okay

9. Gahawa = coffee

*This "g" sound is technically a "q," but listening to Arabic speakers in KSA, it sounds like the English "g." Also, assume you're talking about Arabic coffee unless otherwise specified. It's a centerpiece of Saudi culture, and a must for any hospitable host. 

10. Eewa or Ee = yes, La = no

*"Naam" is the formal word for yes, but you'll most often hear "eewa" or "ee." It's kind of like  the Arabic versions of "yep" and "yeah." 

Since there isn't really a shortcut to learning a new language, it's good to just have a few key words. Maybe most people aren't language nerds like me, but I think it's a worthwhile challenge to learn as much of a language as I can. A very important note is that any of my information on Arabic is based on what I pick up in Saudi Arabia. Arabic is different in different countries.


I hope this information is helpful :) Masalaama for now!

-Courtney

Preparing to Go

Saudi Arabia is not a country named in the typical, everyday conversations among most Americans (at least outside of Fox News). However, through various ways in the past few years, this place has become a home for my parents, and will now be where I have my first major teaching job overseas.

I am aware of the challenge that I face, but I am equally happy to take on this new adventure in a totally different world. Where I'm used to jumping in the car in my shorts, t-shirt, and ponytail, and going to Rite Aid on a whim where I can find anything and everything in familiar brands, I will now be in a place that is a bit more complicated. The rules and culture are so different, and even though it will be hard, I feel so privileged to enter into such a closed place. Saudi is a beautiful country, and I enjoyed my last visit there a lot. Now I'm committing to making life work there on a longer term, and that is going to be a challenge to say the least, but I'm really excited and I feel very honored.

Here's a snapshot of my last visit there (to see my parents who live there, and my friends):

From what I've experienced so far, getting there is the hardest part. 

The visa process is complex and long, so here are some tips for any of you who are thinking of applying for a job in KSA or for a visa to go there:

1) Be aware of the Multiple List Syndrome (not an official ailment, just my endearing terminology). It's a Saudi specialty. Don't just stick to the requirements you see on the first list you download. There may be another secret list somewhere, so look out. For example, if you see a list on the embassy website, make sure to check the Saudi Arabian Cultural mission website for forms and lists too, and also check directly with your employer.

2) Usually, the difference between what someone tells you and what the reality is might be bigger than you think. "Lying" is of course not something Saudis support openly, but telling someone what they want to hear, or just ignoring a problem, is often what is substituted for telling you what's really going on. The motivation for that is not evil, it's just a way of avoiding the unhappy truth, or avoiding doing more work. Make sure you don't take someone's word for it the first time - ask a lot of questions. Just don't ever accuse someone of lying or being lazy - be respectful and keep trying to figure out what's happening.

3) If you call the embassy/SACM/other offices, and no one answers, keep calling. No answer doesn't mean they're out of the office. Be as persistent as you can, and you'll get something accomplished! My version of persistence is calling every 5 minutes and just enjoying a cup of coffee while I'm listening to the ringing, and my phone is set to speaker. 

4) Don't get discouraged by passing deadlines. Treat them as hopeful completion dates, and just go with the flow.

5) If you haven't heard from anyone in a few days, don't just wait. Keep calling, emailing, and making sure that they know you need updates and progress. It's okay to be annoying as long as you are respectful, grateful, and polite.

6) Remember that in getting a visa for KSA, there might be a lot of hoops to jump through, but if you persevere, you really will make it. Don't allow yourself to get frustrated with details.

7) Some things they ask (like the 9+ passport photos they require) won't make total sense. Just comply and remember that it's just part of it. 

I hope the above tips don't come across as cynical. The reality is that it just takes some effort, and most importantly, flexibility. You have to know that you want to work there for a reason, and always keep the bigger picture in mind. Don't forget the bigger purpose, and remember that it can be an incredible and rewarding experience if you keep a realistic but positive attitude.

Saudi Arabia is not what the media would like you to think - not everyone rides a camel to work, no one that I have seen (except the military, who are there for our protection) carry machine guns, and so far I have not met anyone who was not at least open and curious about what people from other places are really like. They have a great sense of humor, a love of coffee and conversation, and a deeply rooted love of tradition. Extreme? Yes, but not in the way I expected. Like every place, there is both beauty and darkness.

I'm ready for this adventure teaching English in a new world, but it is of course overwhelming and scary at times when I think about how different it will be from how my life is now. Just like Aladdin asking Jasmine before their first magic carpet ride, I hear the question, "Do you trust me?"

-Courtney