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 them fixed. I told him I couldn’t afford to get it … Continue reading How I Saved Hundreds by Getting Dental Work 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. All the stores close for 15 minutes 5 times a … Continue reading Red flags to watch out for when applying to teach abroad
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 just Westerners, unaccustomed to Sharia law that are eager to escape the … Continue reading Bahrain: The Saudi Playground
