ExpatWomen:   Carol, you spent 20 years in the US Foreign Service. What an amazing life experience. Can you please share with us where you were posted, where you traveled, and some of your favorite experiences?

Carol: With pleasure. I had foreign postings in Islamabad, Pakistan and New Delhi, India. In addition I have traveled to more than 75 countries in Europe, Latin & Central America, Middle East and Asia. Highlights of these travels include seeing the pyramids and other majestic sites of Egypt; visiting the Taj Mahal in Agra, India; climbing to the top of the Vatican in Rome; riding an elephant in the jungles of Indonesia; taking a trek into the Thar desert of Pakistan via camel, to name a few. But most importantly the favorite experiences were the people whom I met during my travels who made me warmly welcomed as a guest of their country.




ExpatWomen:   You left the foreign service to marry your Saudi husband and subsequently work and integrate into Saudi life. What were some of the highs and lows of that transition?

Carol:   The low of the transition was two-fold: the fear of the unknown in leaving a career I knew and loved as well as moving to a new country without knowing when or where I would next see my American family members. The highs included starting a new chapter in life with my Saudi husband in his home country and getting to know his extended family. The Saudi hospitality and family is very warm, close and protective.

ExpatWomen:    Carol, you are currently working in a hospital in Saudi. Can you please tell us more about your role, what it is like to work in a hospital in Saudi, some of your challenges, and some of your most satisfying moments?

Carol:   I believe a large hospital in the Kingdom is an excellent employment opportunity for an expat woman in the Kingdom and particularly for one from a western culture. I now work at the College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences which is part of the National Guard Health Affairs. I am a medical education coordinator. My duties include oversight and execution of residency programs and workshops. Working at the hospital I interact with individuals from a multitude of different countries which is a great experience as well as a challenge sometimes. The challenge comes towards understanding each other clearly in spite of some occasional language barriers and differences in culture. We learn from each other. And of course I work and interact with many Saudis too. National Guard Hospital is most renowned for its accomplishments in the separation of Siamese twins from all around the world. This hospital, like many hospitals in the Kingdom, is more of a traditional Western environment where men and women do work together side-by-side as professionals instead of segregated in separate male/female areas. Additionally a woman may wear professional western-style dress instead of an abaya as work attire.

Besides working at National Guard hospital I am also engaged as a media consultant to Saudi Arabia television where I create and host programs on its English language channel. I focus on special programs which have an emphasis on expats and how they can make a smooth transition to the Kingdom and enjoy their time here. I am pleased to have this opportunity and the confidence of Saudi Television in my ability to provide enjoyable and informative programs.

ExpatWomen:   Carol, you are like Superwoman. In addition to your work commitments, you answer emails as an ExpatWomen Mentor, you have posted hours and hours of advice in our Saudi Forums, and maintain your own Saudi blog. Why do you do it all and how do you manage to fit it all in?

Carol:   Thank you!! I have always been an individual who likes to stay busy and keep the mind engaged. Although I have learned that I must pace myself as well as stay focused and organized. However, I’m only human and sometimes need to say to myself “time out” and recharge my batteries!

ExpatWomen:   What would be your top 5 tips for women moving to Saudi Arabia?

Carol:

1. PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE – do as much advance research as possible. Saudi Arabia is unlike any other place in which to live. Read and learn as much about the country, culture, customs and traditions before arriving.
   
   
2. Be flexible and patient – a must for survival.
   
   
3. Find your like-minded friends soonest who will become your support network.
    
4. Be cognizant of the custom and culture which is truly unique unto itself. (ie. women are required to wear an abaya; Islam is an ingrained part of every Saudi’s life; women cannot drive; Saudi has its own “Arab standard time.”
   
   
5. Register with the closest embassy or consulate so that you will be notified in the event of any incident or security notices.

ExpatWomen:   Finally, Carol, do you have any final words of wisdom for our Expat Women around the world?

Carol:  If you are a dependent spouse and wish to work, be flexible and creative. Make a list of your marketable skills as well as the kind of work you enjoy. For example, in the Kingdom, traditional American desserts and sweets are in short supply. Women who enjoy baking can create a menu of what items they will bake on consignment and find themselves very much in demand. Teaching and/or practicing English conversation skills with non-English speakers is another popular way to earn an income. Editing papers for those whom English is not their first language is equally sought after in the Kingdom. Do not be shy to promote and market yourself. Take initiative and submit thoughtful proposals to a perspective employee. Don’t sit and wait for them to find you!!

And, maintain an open mind to whatever country you are in as well as remember you are not only the guest of that particular country but in the eyes of the host country nationals you will be viewed as a representative of your country. You only have that one chance to make a good first impression.

ExpatWomen:   Thank you very much Carol. We wish you all the very best and we thank you sincerely for all of your support to ExpatWomen.com and its members!

Note: To see Carol’s long list of recommended web sites, please Click Here for her main Mentor page.