[3651bht]

Hi, I'm considering traveling to Saudi Arabia, I actually have a contract but haven't signed yet. Has anyone been to SA? Would you like to share your experiences?
Thanks in advance...

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[mollie]

am wanting to go to Saudi or Iraq!! I know you asked for info
from someone who has gone, but I hope you will share with me how you have obtained a contract, ect. I look forward to hearing from you.

[SusanJean]

My sister-in-law's parents, both in the medical field, have left SA after living there for a dozen or so yrs, for safety reasons.

They lived/worked there, under contracts, because the compensation was excellent...but finally felt risk over-road any benefit.

I have no personal knowledge of the present situation, am just passing along what they have told me.
SJ
PS. Best of luck w/ your decision.

[babylynn]

Originally Posted by 3651bht

Hi, I'm considering traveling to Saudi Arabia, I actually have a contract but haven't signed yet. Has anyone been to SA? Would you like to share your experiences?
Thanks in advance...

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can you tell me how i can find a company that are sending nurses to saudi arabia.

[LYNNORA]

Helen Zeigler is a Canadian based company that recruits for Saudi hospitals. I went there through them. No complaints.

[trbelch]

I went to SA through Helen Zeigler. I was there on a three month locum tenens contract. It was the perfect test run. I was there long enough to get a feel for the culture and living conditions but not enough time if it was unbearable. I had no fears for my safety while there. Use common sense in your activities as always. Most importantly, get involved and have a social life. It will save your sanity. If anyone invites you to do something - go! I met wonderful people during my short stay. It was a great experience overall but adjusting to the culture was difficult and trying at times.

Read as much about the culture and traditions as you can. For women it is harder but strangely you get used to the differences. Like not driving - they drive crazy over there and you couldn't pay me enough to drive in SA!!! Wearing an abaya - went around in t-shirts and shorts under my abaya, even went on a job interview wearing t-shirt and shorts!

Embrace the differences and try not to get too frustrated at the inconviences, there will be many. Travel out of the country as often as you can to save your sanity.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

[babylynn]

what kind of money did you get for going to saudi.

Originally Posted by trbelch

I went to SA through Helen Zeigler. I was there on a three month locum tenens contract. It was the perfect test run. I was there long enough to get a feel for the culture and living conditions but not enough time if it was unbearable. I had no fears for my safety while there. Use common sense in your activities as always. Most importantly, get involved and have a social life. It will save your sanity. If anyone invites you to do something - go! I met wonderful people during my short stay. It was a great experience overall but adjusting to the culture was difficult and trying at times.

Read as much about the culture and traditions as you can. For women it is harder but strangely you get used to the differences. Like not driving - they drive crazy over there and you couldn't pay me enough to drive in SA!!! Wearing an abaya - went around in t-shirts and shorts under my abaya, even went on a job interview wearing t-shirt and shorts!

Embrace the differences and try not to get too frustrated at the inconviences, there will be many. Travel out of the country as often as you can to save your sanity.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

[trbelch]

I made 17,000 SR per month. That was for a three month locum contract. Had I signed a one year contract my salary would have been 16,000 SR per month. That's about $4255 per month tax free.

[Jessy_RN]

Good luck in everything you do. This sounds interesting too.

[jnette]

We have an Allnurses member who went to SA early this year..Riyadh... she will be returning this month.

If you are still here when she does, and wanting to know more, keep this thread bumped up and vivsible. Or I can pm you when she returns stateside.