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”

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”

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”