I have been in Riyadh for almost four months and so far it has been a fantastic experience. I decided in November to try something new because I started to get tired of Sweden and the bad weather. I worked some years ago in Australia and received a lot of help with the move from Professional Connections. That's why I chose to ask for their help again. After completing an enormous amount of paperwork as well as different medical examinations I received a visa and flight ticket five months later!

I arrived in Riyadh early in the morning and was met by a nice nurse at the airport. She informed me about how to make a call home during the first day and what the following days would look like. I was dropped off at my new home where a package of food consisting of coffee, tee, water, bread, butter and other things, was waiting for me. After a couple of hours sleep I found my way to the hospital (with some difficulties, because the area seemed to be enormous) where all the new arrivals where treated to lunch. After that I was taken to a shop where I could buy an abaya, that is the ankle long, black dress that women have to wear outside the hospital compound. Everyone in the group seemed to be equally confused and overwhelmed by the new environment and it was quite a relief not to be alone... 

During the first three days we had hospital orientation where all the newly arrived hospital staff were taught how to put out fire, told about how it is to live in Saudi Arabia, had an introduction to the Arabic language and much more. After that an eleven day general nursing orientation for all the new nurses started that basically tought us how to do everything we learned at home 'Saudi style'. Much of it was logical, except for some things that were completely different from how I do them at home. During this period I also had time to get familiar with the surroundings as well as do study visits to the ward.

After completing three weeks of lectures it was nice to start working. A lot of things are different compared to Sweden and everything is not always logical but you have to adapt at work as well as during your spare time. Professional Connections had informed me so well about how life down here actually is that I didn't get a big culture chock. The only thing that surprises me is the extent of spare time activities that are available. There is something to do every evening if you want (or have the energy). The working days here are 12 hours regardless if you work day or night, which is more than I'm used to. On the other hand you only work 22 days during 6 weeks, which actually isn't too hard to do.

Many of the patients do not speak English, only Arabic, which causes some problems. But the ward secretarys are very helpful and translate when needed.       

The supply of shopping in Riyadh is enormous and if you are more interested in traveling that's no problem either, because there are a large amount of attractive destinations quite close by. During the first 90 days you are not allowed to leave the country, but as soon as the probationary period has ended you can request a travel visa. Domestic travel is no problem and about diving in Jeddah, that is, in the Read Sea, I have nothing bad to say...

Life down here has been way over my expectations and I can recommend this for everyone who wants to experience something different. If you come here with an open mind and are willing to adapt to Saudi rules and regulations you don't have to hesitate.

Åsa