| You have accepted a position as a teacher in Saudi | | | | adrenaline rush which accompanies one to a new |
| Arabia and finally not only is all the processing of | | | | place. However it is common that instead there will be |
| paperwork completed but you are now on your way! | | | | what those expats who have been in Saudi Arabia for |
| For many who have never been to Saudi Arabia | | | | several years already will refer to as delayed culture |
| before the first impressions are usually that of an | | | | shock. |
| exotic place. One certainly will not see herds of | | | | Delayed culture shock is when a newcomer starts to |
| camels alongside the highways in America or Beduions | | | | perhaps miss parts of home such as certain foods |
| riding calmly atop a camel while cars and trucks are | | | | and products or the ability to go to the cinema. It can |
| passing by. The shifting and changing sands of the | | | | manifest itself in other ways as well such as at the |
| desert are a mesmerizing experience and nothing can | | | | time of traditional holidays in the States which are |
| equal the opportunity of seeing the sun either rise or | | | | openly celebrated yet in Saudi Arabia will be another |
| set while among the dunes in Saudi's deserts. In | | | | ordinary day. |
| addition for female arrivals, at first the abaya may | | | | So how does one combat and prevent delayed |
| seem graceful and elegant and a fun experience to | | | | culture shock? Most importantly is finding like-minded |
| wear when going out shopping. Some female arrivals | | | | friends who share common interests. These friends |
| also like to try wearing a hijjab to cover their hair and | | | | usually form ones core support network in Saudi |
| feel like a Princess. The babble of Arabic being spoken | | | | Arabia. And through these friends, one usually learns of |
| is a mystery and makes one think of Aladdin or One | | | | additional activities of interest in which to participate. It is |
| Thousand and One Arabian nights. | | | | also helpful to join the ESL English Teaching Jobs |
| And when one is fortunate to experience traditional | | | | Abroad forum where one can easily make more |
| Saudi hospitality the delicious Arabic khawa (coffee) | | | | friends and get your questions answered. Last but not |
| and tumer (dates) served as a welcoming gesture | | | | least, keep a positive outlook and disposition. Do not be |
| adds to the excitement of working in Saudi Arabia. As | | | | afraid to reach out to Saudis as well and take |
| a result many newcomers to Saudi Arabia may not | | | | advantage of the opportunity to thoroughly explore |
| experience the initial culture shock when arriving at a | | | | and learn of all the hidden beauty and treasures which |
| destination so new and different because of the | | | | can be found in Saudi Arabia. |