About Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a fascinating country.  Like Iceland, it was a primitive country at the beginning of this century, but today is an outwardly modern place.  The highway system in Riyadh is outstanding.  They use so many street lights that headlights are almost superfluous.  The highway signs are in both Arabic and English, as are many of the signs on the shops.

The Saudi government has been trying, without much success, to move the Saudi people into jobs currently performed by foreign workers.  With the exception of banking, this has been unsuccessful.  The Saudi people are so arrogant that they refuse to take entry-level positions.  They believe themselves to be entitled to managerial positions, and will accept nothing less.

English is one of the main languages used here because Saudi Arabia imports so many workers from so many different countries.  It estimated that fully two thirds of the population of Saudi Arabia made up of foreign workers.

Today’s English teachers have an easier way into the Kingdom. The country’s leaders recognize the essential role of English in their attempts to integrate with the global economy and are actively promoting English programs. Saudis learn English for career advancement, for pleasure, and for day-to-day communications with expatriate workers.

English Second Language teachers work

• in schools

• in universities

• in businesses

• in the military

• in private homes

All of this means that Saudi Arabia is a good place to save money. Adjustment, however, both on the professional and personal levels, can be difficult.

Learning to deal with local bureaucracies, including your own administration, can also be challenging. As in any country, the locals have their own ways of doing things, and you have little choice but to fit in. Losing your temper will only result in your losing face. Patience and courtesy, on the other hand, will open doors.

An open mind and a positive attitude will help you to survive. You may even find that you are enjoying yourself. There are compensations (and a surprising number and variety of diversions) available once you plug into the expatriate circuit. Trips to the desert, diving in the Gulf or the Red Sea, exploring historic ruins, shopping, crafts, sports, or simply enjoying the lively social life of the expatriate community: these are all activities that can make the time pass pleasantly. If you are lucky enough to make Saudi friends, you’ll find them to be charming, hospitable, and generous people who will be proud to share their culture with you.

If you can make the adjustment, a contract in Saudi Arabia offers you the chance to step out of the rat race and to get ahead financially. A few years in the Kingdom will enable you to pay off your student loan or mortgage or to put together a nest egg for your retirement. It is also a unique opportunity to visit a fascinating country that is still off limits to most traveller’s schools and universities, in businesses, in the military, and in private homes.

There are a number of issues for which a migrant/ visitor/ student may not be knowing. For any information please find below the heading and for any enquiry or clarification click here.

• Who requires a Visa?

• What documents will be required?

• Time required issuing a Visa.

• What is the cost of a Visa?

• How long is the Visa valid for?

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