Saudi

You know, it's funny because even though I have a blog, I don't actually read any others.

Until now.

A friend of mine has just moved to Saudi Arabia to teach English and she started a blog just before she left the UK. I like to think I inspired her a little! LOL!

Anyway, what makes me want to read her blog, is that the content is gonna be about another country that I have never been to, and to be honest, I'm really curious! Right now, she is just doing all the stuff you do before you start working in another country. Attending seminars, meeting staff, sorting out residency cards...just like all the stuff that I had to do before I came to Japan.

But moving to a Middle Eastern country is on a totally different level. If you think that any of you had a culture shock coming to Japan, well, this is just minor compared to what she must be going through!

Firstly, she HAS to wear an abaya. They don't cover the face (I think?!) and I don't think that you HAVE to wear a scarf, but she wrote that she has opted to do so....to stand out slightly less. I think for me, that would be a massive adjustment, so I truly wish her luck with that!

Then there's the matter of the fact that it is illegal for women to drive over there. So she has a driver. I guess if you didn't drive back home anyway, it wouldn't be that much of a big deal....and I guess even if you did drive, then having a driver might actually feel like a bit of a luxury...until the novelty wore off anyway!

Obviously there are a million other culture differences, but she hasn't been there very long so she must be taking them as it comes. I'm really looking forward to seeing how it all unveils as she starts teaching. And I also think it will be really cool to compare her teaching experiences in Saudi Arabia to mine here in Japan, so definitely look out for more on that!!!

Good luck to you girl!

xx