Dear Strasbourg,

good luck on you move to Jeddah. It is one of the more easier going cities in KSA, but nevertheless still strict.

As for living here...well definitely live on a compound. There are a few good ones...they are called Arabian Homes Andalus and Arabian Homes Sierre. Another good one is called Hajarayn. There is a very large one called Sharbatly, but it's average.

Pricing for a 2 bedroom will start you at about SR65,000 per year (US$17,300)....some will top out at about SR110,000 (US$29,300)...normally compounds want their money paid a full year in advance but if you negotiate they will let you pay 6 months.

Some will offer you furnished and unfurnished. I recommend getting furnished for a few months until you get a feel for the place...but then you should buy your own if you intend on staying for at least 2 yrs. Ikea is here and so are other places that offer decent furniture at a fair price.

As for women's freedom in the compounds...no problem..shorts and bikini's...so don't worry there.

Schools...there are a couple of good ones. There is one called the Continental which I hear good things about.

What else can I tell you....well, I suggest you read through some of the other postings to get an idea what to bring and not to bring.

Good luck...

Regards,
MK

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I am a 50 something native-born American, recently married to an Egyptian doctor. He wants to go to Saudi Arabia to practice medicine. the only time I have been out of the country was a week-long trip to Jamaica, although I have always wanted to rravel. I have been a teacher for 20 years, although i really would not want to work full-time. I have grown children in the US, and would want to come home fairly frequently. I have serious concerns about home-sickness, adjustment, etc. Any good advise???

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