The 30 Countries I’ve seen so far!

As I prepare for my next trip abroad – CHINA! I’ve had a lot of time to reminisce over all the countries I’ve already been to. I’m celebrating 30 countries seen so far, but to clarify – I’m counting my home country, Cayman Islands (technically not a country), and the Netherlands. I spent one nightContinue reading “The 30 Countries I’ve seen so far!”

Day 35: I miss my expat life, but I’m glad I’m home!

Reminiscing this evening and looking back on my travels seems like forever ago. It’s hard to believe I was ever overseas. I’ve been in touch with my friends abroad and it sounds like everyone’s doing okay. What a scary time to be in another country. That being said, I always felt safer living in SaudiContinue reading “Day 35: I miss my expat life, but I’m glad I’m home!”

Living in Saudi Arabia: Expectations vs Reality

I finished my third year in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia a few years ago and it was quite a trip.  I started out at a very stressful vocational school and finished at a much nicer, well-established university.  I had a lot of preconceived ideas about what my time in Saudi Arabia would beContinue reading “Living in Saudi Arabia: Expectations vs Reality”

My First Arab Wedding

Since arriving in the Middle East it’s been a goal of mine to go to an Arab wedding.  I had heard they’re huge, exciting, and go on all night.  I finally got my opportunity when a friend from Yemen mentioned a friend of a friend of his sister’s friend was having a wedding.  I askedContinue reading “My First Arab Wedding”

How I Saved Hundreds by Getting Dental Work Abroad

When I started my teaching job in Saudi Arabia, one of the first things I did was go to the dentist.  I knew I had at least one cavity, but it never occurred to me that I’d have seven.  I was horrified when the dentist told me.  He asked me why I hadn’t gotten themContinue reading “How I Saved Hundreds by Getting Dental Work Abroad”

Getting Eye Surgery in the Middle East

I had wanted to get eye surgery for years, but I told myself to pay off debts first and really do my research. So after paying off the student loans and credit card debt, I decided now was the time to get my vision corrected. I thought I could save some money getting the surgeryContinue reading “Getting Eye Surgery in the Middle East”

Gardening in the Middle East

I love the expat life.  You meet a lot of interesting people and you get to go to a lot of interesting places, but there are things back home I miss.  I miss my independence.  I miss seasons.  And I especially miss gardening.  I’m from the Midwest and gardening was a big part of myContinue reading “Gardening in the Middle East”

Red flags to watch out for when applying to teach abroad

When I decided to come teach English in Saudi Arabia for a year I was anticipating a lot of culture shock.  Things are very different here: It’s illegal for women to drive. (at least it was when I was there!!!) I’m often stared at everywhere I go even when I’m wearing a hijab and abaaya.Continue reading “Red flags to watch out for when applying to teach abroad”

Bahrain: The Saudi Playground

Every Thursday afternoon the causeway connecting Bahrain to Saudi Arabia is filled with gridlocked vehicles anxiously making their way to freedom.  They’ll wait for 2 to 4 hours, sometimes more depending on how busy the border is, but even just a day or two of freedom makes the trip worth it. And it’s not justContinue reading “Bahrain: The Saudi Playground”

Education Reform Combats Terrorism in Saudi Arabia

As a teacher recently living in Saudi Arabia, it’s important to me to understand the complex education system and the reasons why I’ve been provided with such a good job here.  After some research this is just some of the information I’ve come across. On September 11th, 2001, nineteen men affiliated with Al-Qaeda hijacked fourContinue reading “Education Reform Combats Terrorism in Saudi Arabia”