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.
-Courtney
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
yahooh Courtney i really like the topic and thx for these beautiful words i really enjoyed reading it
ReplyDeleteIt must have been frustrating getting everything in order, but it sounds like you had a great attitude about it! You go girl!
ReplyDelete