Expat Advice: Culture Shock in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Riyadh

Did you receive any cross-cultural training for your move abroad? If yes, was it before or after the move?

I've been in Saudia for a year and a half. I had no cross-cultural training but I took it upon myself to lay my hands on everything I could read about KSA and did a lot of honest 'soul-searching' to decide if I could adjust to life here.

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If they speak another language in your new country, do you speak the language? If yes, did you learn the language before you moved or while abroad? If no, are you planning to learn the language?

Arabic is the language in KSA. I speak English. I'd planned to learn Arabic but people keep wanting to practice their English with me!!! But, 'inshallah,' I'll eventually learn more :)

Were you worried or concerned about culture shock before you moved abroad?

I've been an avid traveler for years and know that I am a very open and flexible person. I also know that I don't need a lot of external stimulation to survive. In short, I am the perfect candidate to live here.

How significant was the culture shock you experienced when you moved abroad?

They say that Saudi Arabia is one of the most difficult foreign assignments for a single woman, but my 'shock' has been minimal. As I said, I'd done my homework before leaving home so that made it easier. But, I am also blessed with a job I love and a great team of multinational colleagues.

Expats often talk about going through the "stages of culture shock." Examples include the honeymoon phase, the irritation-to-anger stage, the rejection of the culture stage, and the cultural adjustment phase. Do you feel like you went through these or any other stages as you settled into the new culture?

No. Surprisingly, I settled in almost immediately, seeing both the pro's and con's, and had little problem adjusting.

What, if any, were some of the changes you noticed in yourself that might have been caused by culture shock? These might include things such as anger, depression, anxiety, increased eating or drinking, frustration, homesickness, etc.

Well, comfort eating here is common because there's so little for women other than shopping (and that's not my thing--I began a personal 'minimization' campaign about 5 years ago!).

What are some things you appreciate most about the new culture?

Probably that it's so totally opposite what I knew and was used to, so I learn something new everyday. I know I've grown a lot since being here, in many ways.

What are the most challenging aspects of the new culture?

It's difficult to get around since women can't drive. If this were a western city, I'd have explored it from top to bottom! But here, you're taking cabs everywhere so only really go from point A to point B and don't know what's in between.

Another issue is that men and women can't 'mix' so opportunities to socialize are fairly limited (mostly to expensive embassy events or if you are fortunate enough to live in a 'western' compound--but single women usually must live in a company compound, which often isn't western so the freedom we're used to isn't allowed).

Did you "commit" any embarrassing or humorous cultural blunders? If you did and you'd like to share them, please do tell!

Only faux paux I've made was offer my hand in a congratulatory shake to a 'holy man' who I've come to know here. Now, I know these guys aren't allowed to touch women, but I'd gotten caught up in the moment and forgot lol.

Do you have any advice or thoughts about culture shock you would like to share?

Know yourself before you come here. Know your level of tolerance, what you need to survive. Read everything you can. And then make a decision.