About anneosman

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Female

Currently Lives:

Citizen Of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

Saudi Arabia: Can I bring cosmetic ingredient into the Kingdom?:

Check with the consulate. Get the answer in writing. Otherwise, a border guard might well confiscate and discard your ingredient.

Saudi Arabia: Possible New comer to KSA:

Both Jeddah and Riyadh have excellent educational and health care facilities. Jeddah is more international, as Jeddah is visited all year around by pilgrims and other visitors. Being on the Red Sea, Jeddah has more recreational facilities, as well.

Saudi Arabia: Just got here:

Where are you located? I'm in an American in Jeddah, but I've lived here for 25 years or so. (Orginally planned to stay for 3 months!)

Saudi Arabia: Applying For Jobs in Saudi Arabia. Will Companies Cover my children's education fees?:

We solved this problem by finding a good school which would hire me (wife) as a teacher. This entitled us to a very low tution fee for the kids. As a bonus, this enabled me to become part of the community quickly, making many friends whose company I have cherished for two decades.

Saudi Arabia: Anyone in sakarka:

It's happened to me, and to several people I know. I think this is a sort of feeding frenzy. They know that this year's explosive expansion of English teaching jobs in Saudi is most likely unique, and they're desperate to get their share of the pie before it's been gobbled down by other recruiters. Unprofessional, yes, but what can we job hunters do except keep trying?

Saudi Arabia: Engineering degree for expat children?:

It's certainly possible. For private colleges it's not usually a problem. For government programs, it's trickier, but I suggest you give it a try. If the child is in secondary school now, ask an officer of the school, and/or teachers what their experience has been.

Saudi Arabia: Womens transportation in Saudi Arbia:

I have lived in Jeddah for 25 years and have ALWAYS taken taxis. If I hadn't, I would have gone nuts, waiting around for some friend or relative to take me somewhere. In this time, I have had ONE negative experience: a taxi driver took me up on the thruway when I didn't ask for the thruway. I shouted at him. He kind of looked at me over his shoulder I put my big heavy handbag on the back of the front seat and used it as a weapon, shoving it into theback of the guy's neck. I screamed "taht"! (down!) in his ear. He got off the expressway, and, as I continued to yell primintive directions at him, took me to the correct designation. I think this guy just didn't understand where I wanted to go. Before you get into the taxi, make sure the guy knows where you want to go and how to get there.. You really need to know, yourself, how to get there. If you aren't sure, call somebody who does know as soon as you get in the taxi and turn up the volume so that the driver can hear it. I have often called my husband and the phone and had him explain in Arabic where you want to go. If the guy is Indian, Pakistani, or Pacific islander, and doesn't speak English at all (and most South Asians in Saudi DO speak English) don't get in the car. If you are alarmed, yell at him very loudly, with the windows open to attract attention, until he stops, and get out of the car. The problem is that some taxi outfits will rent taxis to people they don't know. Sometimes Saudi boys who need a little quick cash will rent a taxi for a few hours. There's a difference between a driver who has an actual job and a kid who wants some cash to spend at the mall. I have a very loud voice, and have not had a serious problem. But you need to know where you're going and watch where he's taking you. OTOH, earlier this year my daughter and took a minibus trip back to Jeddah from Makkah. When the bus stopped, we got out, in Jeddah but still far from our destination. A bunch of taxi drivers were sitting there. We made a deal with a Saudi, got in, and were taken to the mall. When we got out, he refused to let us pay. He said it was enough reward to get the thawab (blessings) of driiving pilgrims returning from Makkah. However, I took this taxi because I was dizzy from the heat and the guy was READING something while waiting for a fare. You can't imagine how rare it is to see someone READING (except for the Qur'an) in Saudi! Don't worry. Saudi is safe. The majority of the population is literally afraid of God, and that's not bad.

Saudi Arabia: Young family relocation to KSA / Riyadh?:

I'm American and have lived in Saudi Arabia (Jeddah) for twenty-five years. I came here expecting to stay 6 months, but my husband got a new job and we've been here ever since. Saudi is a great place to raise children. There are excellent schools, and children here grow up with a different world view than ours, understanding cultures and lifestyles of many different nationalities.

Saudi Arabia: planning to move in rabigh jeddah:

I live in Jeddah. Jeddah is a huge, modern city with universities, shopping malls, many hospitals, and many other amenities. Because Jeddah is the port of the holy city of Makkah, people from all over the world visit it. I've never been to Rabigh, though, and I'm not sure how far it is from Jeddah. I've been told it's about a two hour drive, and I do have a friend who commutes daily. Rabigh is a university town, growing very rapidly as the university expands. It is said to be very modern and more liberal than other Saudi ciities, but I'm not sure that it would seem liberal to someone who had come from outside Saudi. For sure, you will find in Rabigh people of every nationality and every social background. Making friends with other expats will not be difficult. English is the language of the university, and most of the city's residents will speak English. I'd go there myself , if my husband and I both found jobs.

Saudi Arabia: Question:

I expect to teach English to adolescent or adult Saudi students or professionals. I live with my husband, who is also an expatriate. Is this the information you need?

Date Joined:

3/27/2013

Total Posts:

65

Posts/Day:

0.04