- Home » Expat Articles » Interviews » American Expat Living in Saudi Arabia - Interview with Jennie
American Expat Living in Saudi Arabia - Interview with Jennie
| Published: | 27 Oct at 9 AM |
Want to get involved?
Become a Featured Expat and take our interview.
Become a Local Expert and contribute articles.
Get in touch today!
Become a Local Expert and contribute articles.
Get in touch today!
Filed: Interviews,Saudi Arabia
Jennie has visited over 49 countries and lived on four different continents. She is currently living in Saudi Arabia and working as an English Teacher. Jennie's expat blog is called Me and My Abaya (see listing here)
The Rainbow Roundabout at the Khobar Cornish
Where are you originally from?
Aurora, CO.
In which country and city are you living now?
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
How long have you lived in Saudi Arabia and how long are you planning to stay?
I have been in Saudi Arabia since April 2014 and will stay until August 2015.
Dressed in traditional Eastern Province bridal clothingWhy did you move to Saudi Arabia and what do you do?
I came to Saudi Arabia to teach because I wanted to experience the middle east for myself, and because I believe in the power of education, particularly women's education to bring about real change in a society. Also, the money is pretty good.
Did you bring family with you?
No, I left my grandmother, two brothers and mother at home.
How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
This is the third time I have lived overseas, but my first time living in the middle east, so the transition was easy in the sense that I already knew what it was like to start from scratch and leave my family behind. The hardest part was adjusting to the rules for women here. I don't mind not being able to drive so much since the way people drive here is crazy, but I do miss the freedom of being able to go where I want when I want. Having grown up with brothers most of my life, and being a bit of a tomboy, it's also hard to adjust to living and working with females only. My interactions with men are limited to taxi drivers and the occasional clerk at a grocery store. Some days, I'm grateful for this since the men here often stare or call out, even when I am completely covered. I'm definitely a pants person, so wearing skirts and dresses all the time at work, and having to wear the abaya was quite an adjustment. I can't tell you how many times I have tripped on it, or accidently shut it in car doors. Probably the most difficult part is that no one walks here. There is a small shop not far from my apartment that I like to go to to get groceries. Everyone thinks I'm crazy for walking there, even though it is less than two blocks away. They also think I'm strange for taking the stairs instead of the elevator, even though it is usually only one or two floors up.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialise with other expats?
It's actually harder to make friends here than anywhere I have ever lived before. At work, as an English Teacher, I mostly talk with other expats, mostly from Egypt and Syria. They are all welcoming and nice, but we never spend time together outside of work since they all have families. The few Saudi women who work in administration are cold, and my attempts to be friendly and practice my Arabic are met with resistance. I live in a building with mostly Filipino workers, who keep mostly to themselves. Legally, there is no mixing of male and female company, but occasionally in compounds or the diplomatic quarter, there are mixed events for expats that are off limits to the religious police.
Quad biking in the desertWhat are the best things to do in the area; anything to recommend to future expats?
The best things to do are all outside of the city itself, unless of course, you happen to love malls. If you love malls and shopping, this is your place. If you don't, then the best you can hope for are occasional trips to the desert to see some incredible geographic features like the salt flats or the edge of the world.
What do you enjoy most about living in Saudi Arabia?
The best thing about living here is knowing that I am saving a lot of money so that I can continue my education debt free. I also enjoy having a lot of free time. The workload is not so heavy, and without a social life to take up my free time, I'm finally able to do all those things on my to do list like: learn to play the guitar, learn Arabic, do yoga, learn to cook, write a blog...
How does the cost of living in Saudi Arabia compare to home?
The cost of living is lower here than in the United States, particularly if you shop locally and avoid the malls.
Dinner at a traditional restaurantWhat negatives, if any, are there to living in Saudi Arabia?
There are complicated labor laws here that give the companies a lot of control and power over their employees. Particularly, you can not leave the country without getting an exit visa from your employer. Employers are hesitant to give these visas out since there is a tendency of workers to "run away". Life is difficult here for expats, and when given the chance to go to Bahrain or Dubai for the weekend, many don't end up coming back, usually because they have been treated negatively by their employer, and feel trapped, so the first chance they have at freedom, they take.
If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving to Saudi Arabia, what would it be?
Do your research before you sign with a company if you plan on working here. Make sure that you will be able to keep your passport with you and that you will be given a multi entry exit visa once you have an iqama. Be aware that the US embassy will not get involved in any labor disputes unless the situation is life threatening. You can go to the Saudi Ministry of Labor for help, but the English is limited there, and you will have to wait at least a month to get your case processed. It is better to be sure you sign with a responsible company to begin with then to be caught in a struggle.
What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
The hardest part has been knowing that I couldn't leave the country if I wanted or needed to. My company is not a good one and has real problems communicating and does many things illegally, however, quitting is harder than you might think. I ended my association with them two months ago and am still waiting for them to complete paperwork that would allow me to leave the country or transfer to a new employee.
When you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
One thing I have already noticed is that I have gotten so use to covering up, that I will probably be shocked at the amount of skin everyone shows, particularly if I return home in the summer. I think it will also be hard to adjust to a western workload again. The workday will be longer and the amount of work expected of me will be greater. I think seeing my friends and family again will held distract me for a while, but eventually I will crave another overseas adventure.
A demonstration of traditional building construction using mud and strawWhat are your top 5 expat tips for anyone following in your footsteps?
My blog is an account of things that happen to me and my interpretations of them. I try to keep it funny, honest, and fair, though it is not always all, or even any of these things.
How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
You can leave a comment for me on my blog and I will be happy to respond.
Jennie is an American expat living in Saudi Arabia. Blog description: Chronicles the misadventures of an English Teacher in Dammmam, Saudi Arabia
The Rainbow Roundabout at the Khobar Cornish
Here's the interview with Jennie...
Where are you originally from?
Aurora, CO.
In which country and city are you living now?
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
How long have you lived in Saudi Arabia and how long are you planning to stay?
I have been in Saudi Arabia since April 2014 and will stay until August 2015.
Dressed in traditional Eastern Province bridal clothing
I came to Saudi Arabia to teach because I wanted to experience the middle east for myself, and because I believe in the power of education, particularly women's education to bring about real change in a society. Also, the money is pretty good.
Did you bring family with you?
No, I left my grandmother, two brothers and mother at home.
How did you find the transition to living in a foreign country?
This is the third time I have lived overseas, but my first time living in the middle east, so the transition was easy in the sense that I already knew what it was like to start from scratch and leave my family behind. The hardest part was adjusting to the rules for women here. I don't mind not being able to drive so much since the way people drive here is crazy, but I do miss the freedom of being able to go where I want when I want. Having grown up with brothers most of my life, and being a bit of a tomboy, it's also hard to adjust to living and working with females only. My interactions with men are limited to taxi drivers and the occasional clerk at a grocery store. Some days, I'm grateful for this since the men here often stare or call out, even when I am completely covered. I'm definitely a pants person, so wearing skirts and dresses all the time at work, and having to wear the abaya was quite an adjustment. I can't tell you how many times I have tripped on it, or accidently shut it in car doors. Probably the most difficult part is that no one walks here. There is a small shop not far from my apartment that I like to go to to get groceries. Everyone thinks I'm crazy for walking there, even though it is less than two blocks away. They also think I'm strange for taking the stairs instead of the elevator, even though it is usually only one or two floors up.
Was it easy making friends and meeting people; do you mainly socialise with other expats?
It's actually harder to make friends here than anywhere I have ever lived before. At work, as an English Teacher, I mostly talk with other expats, mostly from Egypt and Syria. They are all welcoming and nice, but we never spend time together outside of work since they all have families. The few Saudi women who work in administration are cold, and my attempts to be friendly and practice my Arabic are met with resistance. I live in a building with mostly Filipino workers, who keep mostly to themselves. Legally, there is no mixing of male and female company, but occasionally in compounds or the diplomatic quarter, there are mixed events for expats that are off limits to the religious police.
Quad biking in the desert
The best things to do are all outside of the city itself, unless of course, you happen to love malls. If you love malls and shopping, this is your place. If you don't, then the best you can hope for are occasional trips to the desert to see some incredible geographic features like the salt flats or the edge of the world.
What do you enjoy most about living in Saudi Arabia?
The best thing about living here is knowing that I am saving a lot of money so that I can continue my education debt free. I also enjoy having a lot of free time. The workload is not so heavy, and without a social life to take up my free time, I'm finally able to do all those things on my to do list like: learn to play the guitar, learn Arabic, do yoga, learn to cook, write a blog...
How does the cost of living in Saudi Arabia compare to home?
The cost of living is lower here than in the United States, particularly if you shop locally and avoid the malls.
Dinner at a traditional restaurant
There are complicated labor laws here that give the companies a lot of control and power over their employees. Particularly, you can not leave the country without getting an exit visa from your employer. Employers are hesitant to give these visas out since there is a tendency of workers to "run away". Life is difficult here for expats, and when given the chance to go to Bahrain or Dubai for the weekend, many don't end up coming back, usually because they have been treated negatively by their employer, and feel trapped, so the first chance they have at freedom, they take.
If you could pick one piece of advice to anyone moving to Saudi Arabia, what would it be?
Do your research before you sign with a company if you plan on working here. Make sure that you will be able to keep your passport with you and that you will be given a multi entry exit visa once you have an iqama. Be aware that the US embassy will not get involved in any labor disputes unless the situation is life threatening. You can go to the Saudi Ministry of Labor for help, but the English is limited there, and you will have to wait at least a month to get your case processed. It is better to be sure you sign with a responsible company to begin with then to be caught in a struggle.
What has been the hardest aspect to your expat experience so far?
The hardest part has been knowing that I couldn't leave the country if I wanted or needed to. My company is not a good one and has real problems communicating and does many things illegally, however, quitting is harder than you might think. I ended my association with them two months ago and am still waiting for them to complete paperwork that would allow me to leave the country or transfer to a new employee.
When you finally return home, how do you think you'll cope with repatriation?
One thing I have already noticed is that I have gotten so use to covering up, that I will probably be shocked at the amount of skin everyone shows, particularly if I return home in the summer. I think it will also be hard to adjust to a western workload again. The workday will be longer and the amount of work expected of me will be greater. I think seeing my friends and family again will held distract me for a while, but eventually I will crave another overseas adventure.
A demonstration of traditional building construction using mud and straw
- Research your potential employer thoroughly! Be sure to get in touch with current and former employees to hear first hand accounts before you sign any contracts
- Bring proper clothing (abaya and headscarf for women, conservative dress for men).
- Bring things to pass the time alone in your apartment (books, movies, hobbies). Always be prepared to make your own fun and be your own entertainment. Set a personal goal outside of your work that will make you feel good and help pass the time. (read all the works of william shakespeare, learn a programming language... etc...)
- Reach out to other expats before you arrive so you have someone to be in touch with right away if you need help or advice. If you don't know anyone personally, try social media and expat or travel websites.
- Set clear goals for why you are coming and what you hope to accomplish, and once these are met, or if it becomes clear they will not be met, leave! The money is nice, but it is not worth making yourself miserable over.
My blog is an account of things that happen to me and my interpretations of them. I try to keep it funny, honest, and fair, though it is not always all, or even any of these things.
How can you be contacted for further advice to future expats coming to your area?
You can leave a comment for me on my blog and I will be happy to respond.
About the author
Jennie is an American expat living in Saudi Arabia. Blog description: Chronicles the misadventures of an English Teacher in Dammmam, Saudi Arabia
Grab a featured expat badge that links to this interview!
Copy and paste code to display the Featured Expat Badge:Comments » No published comments just yet for this article...
Feel free to have your say on this item. Go on... be the first!
