Thursday, June 28, 2012

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia..Coast Guard?

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia..Coast Guard?
My boyfriend is volunteering to go to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia for a year with the Coast Guard. I don't know how to handle this. I don't know how to be strong about this. I don't know how to make this normal. I don't understand why he wants to go, he says money, but I just want him to stay home. Please someone, anyone who has been through a deployment, please help me. I have no idea how I am supposed to cope with this. I can't stop crying, every ten minutes I break out into fresh tears. Please someone help. Give me advice. i am behind him 100 percent. I do support him. that wasn't my question and i'm not trying to stop him. i was asking for advice on how to handle him being over seas. how to handle it personally. im not trying to stop him. i know he wants to do this and if wants to then im here for him, but im crumbling inside. i support him and he wont see me a mess, i wont let him, but i want to hear advice from people who have dealt with having someone away and how they have handled it.
Military - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
he should take your feelings into considerations however you should also take his feelings into consideration. If he only doing it for money then he has his priorities all screwed up. If he doing it to serve his country, cause he really really wants to then he should by all means go. i was in a relationship for 8 years (and i'm only 22!) and the only way we made it work for so long is cause we give each other space. I wanted to join the Army, he was sad to be away from me but knew it will make me happy so he did not cry or do anything to make me feel guilty for enlisting. He wanted to do tons of things that was never part of my "ideal lifestyle"but i told him to do it anyway cause it brought him happiness.if this is going to bring your boyfriend happiness how can you try to take that away from him?
2 :
well deployements are a part of life in the military. i guess the coast guard is similar. at least he's doing his part and you are both sacrificing for others. where is he going, bahrain or saudi arabia?
3 :
grow up and let him do his duty. instead of being a baby, be PROUD that he has volunteered to go where so many others try and shirk their responsibilities. you don't own him, if he feels the need to do this then support him, don't be selfish.
4 :
Take comfort in the fact that your boyfriend is answering to a higher calling than himself. Coast Guard tours of duty in Bahrain are only one year (unless he wants to extend it). After he comes back home, he'll have #1 priority in choosing where he wants to be stationed next. I'm sure you can take comfort in that, especially knowing he has more leeway in where he chooses to be stationed. And by the way, Bahrain is not in Saudi Arabia. Bahrain is a country in itself which borders Sauid Arabia. It's one of the more "Westernized" Arab countries in the middle east that are a lot less hostile than others. You can take comfort in that too.



Thursday, June 14, 2012

What is it like to teach English in Saudi Arabia?

What is it like to teach English in Saudi Arabia?
I'm CELTA-certified (Cambridge University TEFL cert) and currently teaching English in Taiwan. I'll finish my first (official, not counting my under-the-table experience in Korea) year of teaching next August, and after that, I don't know what exactly I want to do. I've heard that in the Middle East, I can make large amounts of money per month (even higher than Korea) to teach English. Since I'm still reeling with student loans, the thought of making more than I'm making in Taiwan definitely appeals to me. Here are my questions: 1. I want to live on an expat compound, for obvious reasons (and if you don't know what these are, just check the US Embassy warnings on Saudi). How much does rent cost at one of these? 2. What is the average monthly salary for a CELTA-certified, BS-holding teacher with one year of experience, in terms of riyals? I can do the conversion myself. 3. What are the benefits beyond basic salary? 4. What are the hours like? 5. Is it possible to teach only adults with my credentials? Or would I need better credentials for that? 6. What are the expat compounds like? 7. What are some reasons to choose Saudi over, say, the UAR? 8. What are visas like? What happens if I want to change employers in-country, is that possible? I think those are all my questions for today. Thank you. @Nilehawk, thanks a million for not being helpful in any way. EVERYTHING in your post is non-specific and true of basically any country. I asked some very specific questions. Please read them before answering.
Saudi Arabia - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I will try to answer generally.. Saudi Arabia is a leading country where expatriates can save money.. The salaries and benefits make you live comfortably and even save money.. Howevever visas and residence permits are given after satisfying certain conditions such as signing a contract with a copany or school etc.
2 :
dont be afraid of Saudi.. I am an american-saudi (dual) and I tutor english.. make great pocket money. I chose not to teach in a school.. personal choice, due to hours, etc.. This country is always looking for more english teachers.. And dont be scared off of what you read in the embassy warnings.. I get them all the time also and they seem to make you think its scary here. Its not.. Sure as in any country on earthk, there might be an isolated event.. But for the most part, its safe here, no wars going on, no terrorism inside. and the Western americans are really welcome here.. There is a huge amount of Americans, European, Australian, Canadian. english speakers here.. REally a HUGE amount.. I am friends with some who have been here for like 30years and loving every second of it.. as for your benefits.. Each employer offers different packages.. You just have to inquire and find out. jThe hours.. if you are in an elementary school.. the hours are from 7am-3pm.. If you are in university or private english institution. you might work evening hours. yes, you can teach adults, children, whomever you please.. Probably men or boys, cause our schools are segregated.. the expat compounds vary dramatically from place to place.. you'll find luxury 5star accomidations that are really expensive all the way to the low key boring drab ones.. Some have so many things inside the compounds, like small tiny groceries (like 7-11 in USA) swimming pools, bowling alleys, skating rinks, libraries, restaurants, etc.. and some nothing.. Im not sure what UAR is? do you mean UAE? United ARab Emirates? THat place is expensive to live there and geared mostly for tourists. I have no idea about work visas as ive never had to deal with that issue. SAudi is safe, but it might tend to be boring for some western people, simply cause we dont have discos, theaters, or clubs.. WE dont drink alcohol, we dont dance or go to movies. All our entertainment is family oriented. Men tend to go to sheeshaa bars, play cards, play pool, or go out to cafe's drink coffee and just socialize with other men. If you are in the eastern province the town of Khobar, you are only a few minutes drive from the country of Bahrain and many westerners go there for the weekend to get entertainment, since they (Bahrainis) are more open to such things, like bars, clubs, discos, alcohol, theaters, etc. anyways.. goodluck! welcome if you do decide to come here
3 :
you sound like an expert of something and you asked too many questions. dude,, you are only an English teacher !!!
4 :
Just go here: http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewforum.php?f=29 It should have everything you need, and you can post any further questions there.


Thursday, June 7, 2012

I think Saudi Arabia is a bad role model for Islam...?

I think Saudi Arabia is a bad role model for Islam...?
Now I'm not trying to offend ppl, I'm just voicing my opinion I don't consider Saudi Arabia the 'heart' of Islam as a lot of people proclaim it to be, Saudi or not. When we pray we face the Ka'aba in Makkah, not Saudi Arabia and it has always been like that. Just because they happen to govern over Makkah doesn't suddenly make them the official voice of reason and right & wrong in Islam. Same way when the Ottomans (Turks) ruled over Makkah, they were not the centre of Islam. Nor were the Mongolians before them. The Saudis to me don't represent the majority of Muslim interests around the world and are far too aggressively trying to promote Wahabbism views upon every Muslim country, which is not right. Wahabbism is not so much an interpretation of the Quran as it is the tribal, Bedouin lifestyle which the Saudi Royal family have embraced. Little of it has to do with Islam. It's more social norms and cultural traditions of the Gulf Arab nomads than religious tradition. We shouldn't be forced to accept their way of life as right for us, the rest of the Muslim world. Wahhabism makes up a FRACTION of Mabhabs around the world, What about everyone else's interpretations and traditions? A minority in my opinion should not speak for and represent a larger majority. Especially as one as corrupt as the Saudi Royal Family; they preach rejecting foreign (non-Islamic) influences in our lives and avoiding the corruption of vice but then they go and allow America to build 50 oil refineries in SA and invite 1000's of foreign workers over, starving Saudis of jobs while they go and buy themselves $50 million dollar yachts and gold-plated sports cars with all their oil money. No where in the Quran/Hadiths are stonings prescribed for crimes, nor are women supposed to be veiled up to their eyes, or that the Jew or Christian is the enemy of Islam, yet the Saudis have taken the most unIslamic of practices and are now championing them to the world as "Islam". I feel they do not have Muslim's best interests at heart, nor is their intent good & pure. They spend billions a year trying to spread Wahabbism across the world, funding Mosques and Madrassas, publishing all sorts of literature and making sure Wahabbism has a presence in every Muslim country. And feel they are the final word of reason in any arguement over interpretation simply because they control Makkah. To me they should not be perceived as the centre, heart, soul or whatever of Islam nor should their way of life be considered "official" by any standard. If they truly believe Wahabbism is what Allah intended, then they are free to follow it, so long as they don't go shoving it in everyone's face. Having a "special status" is one thing, for Arabia was the birthplace of our Prophet (swt) Does that now entitle them to govern Muslims lives from afar? The believer's heart belongs to his own being and to Allah Not Saudi Arabia. Show me where it says our hearts and souls belong to Arabia? So if the Turks still ruled over Makkah our hearts would belong to them would they? Habibi I don't consider Saudi Arabia a bad role model because they don't grant rights to women They are Munafiqs, they say one thing and do the other That's why they are a bad role model
Ramadan - 19 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
you do have a point i think mecca is the heart of islam just do what allah asks you to do let the wahabbi deal with their own troubles
2 :
You are one of the only people in this entire section I've seen that were able to apply logic and critical thinking to their religion, while everyone else followed it blindly. I agree with every one of your points 100% and me and a cousin were having this exact conversation last weekend. Hope you stick around.
3 :
its too long to read but yo dont judge CHI CHI
4 :
Arabian Penninsula (Jazeeratul Arab) has special status in Islam
5 :
Saudia Arabia is considered a bad role model because it does not allow females to do some things. Personally i think Saudia Arabia is amazing Islam4life: I agree with you
6 :
true. they don't let women drive. last time i checked nothing in quran or hadiths says that women can't drive @ftl: How?
7 :
U are 100% Correct !
8 :
No one is perfect, America is a bad role model for democracy, so.... Islam4life, you mean Hajj right? Ok i am with you....
9 :
...And that is just your opinion. Saudi Arabia is where the believers hearts belong. ftl, No the whole country. Forget the rulers, the country the ulama and the people.
10 :
I hope you don't mind me answering. I'm in California the USA. There have been reported many Wahhabi's compounds around the US and some are worried about it. But the thing is, I know this is a bad scenario over there and this is totally wrong that the Arabs are starving the people of jobs and that they are buying 50 million dollar yachts. This is not true religion and undefiled. The Bible tells us what true religion is. It is helping the orphans and widows and/or those who are in need. The true Christians are helping as much as they can. I realize that the Muslims are hearing a great deal of negatives about Christians, but most of this nation is not true Christian. Many claim Christianity but are not following Jesus. WE have to truly follow Jesus. He promises to reject those who are lukewarm. God bless you and keep you. This is just to let you know. (I have read things about Arabia by the way). They have tortured or killed some Filipinos who were working over there just because they believed in Jesus and were caught having church. But that is not right since your law says ex-patriots can have their own church. But when they do they get rudely interrupted and arrested and beaten, even the children.
11 :
u are so right, i am with u 100% i always wanted to go to mecca, so its not saudi arabia people want to go to i also dont understand how our hearts belong to saudi arabia?
12 :
Well.. i know people there who are better than you ò_ó..
13 :
no it isn't
14 :
Our hearts belong to Saudi Arabia? What utter trash and nonsense! Keep thinking that all you like, Allah will reward those whose hearts have been devoted to him in the afterlife, not Saudi Arabia.
15 :
There is no compulsion in Islam. Every Muslim has his/her own belief as far as his/her basic faith dictates, whether one is Sunni, Shiah or Wahabbi. Millions of Muslims have gone to Mecca Or Saudi Arabia at large either for pilgrimage, business or pleasure. The Saudis, in any way, do not prevent non-Wahabbis to come to Mecca to perform the Hajj every year. They welcome everyone in fact. And they spend billions of dollars up till now to improve facilities and infrastructures both in Mecca & Medina just to make their annual pilgrim guests happy and as comfortable as possible. What they practice is none of our business really, unless of course one has ulterior motives. I have nothing against the Saudis.
16 :
i think you should be thanking who you choose that you are free to write this cause i think if someone saw this in KSA you would have to fear for your life. I converted to islam in 2002 and lived in Egypt and Jordan for 4 years. one better than the other for role models but still not as i was lead to believe before my conversion and it makes me sad none of the religions are right. someone told me twenty five years ago their are only two things you need to know about God one their is one and two its not you. I think if more of us came to think that way we would find peace
17 :
Religion matters more than nationalism, so agreed with you.
18 :
As a non-Muslim, I have been trying to defend Muslims against the perception that they are all terrorists. I lived in Morocco for 17 months, and Iraq for 11 months. I also visited Kuwait and Qatar. I was always treated with friendly hospitality. Everybody I came in contact with (other than the terrorists who were shooting at me) were very nice people. Muslims are being subjected to the kind of treatment the Jews received in the early days of the Third Reich. Jews were identified with Communism. Jews were identified with the international bankers. Certainly, many of the early Bolsheviks had Jewish names, and many of the international bankers came from Jewish backgrounds, but they represented a tiny percentage of the Jewish people. This is also the case in the Middle East, where a tiny fraction of the Muslims are involved in radical activity. I like to point out that it is the politicians who start the wars. It is the politicians who promote hatred between different people. Sometimes these politicians are disguised as religious leaders, but their real objective is power.
19 :
a worst role model.they gave their bases to U.S to attack iraq,their laws are not Quranic.they are worst in Disbelief and Gypocrisy 9:91.9:101. Kabba is NOT their Property,It is for all muslims,It's The Property of Allah Allmighty. see this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n3KfbdSx...



Friday, June 1, 2012

Why doesnt Britain ask the Saudis and Arabs for money to help them in the recession?

Why doesnt Britain ask the Saudis and Arabs for money to help them in the recession?
I understand that Britain is undergoing a recession and day in day out the Goverment is talking about cut backs left right and centre. The only people on the planet with the real money is them filthy rich Arab barons. The chancellor said something like a 20 bilion deficit. Why doesnt he just go to Saudi Arabia and ask their goverment to give this money to him free? I mean 20 billion is like 20£ to these Arabs they can make that money back in one week. Why doesnt he in "exchange" promise to help the Saudis build a nuclear device (but just pretend) and help them build up their Army and Airforce (NOT)? As soon as the Arabs hand over the money, just "help" them slowly and slowly and give them the illusion that they all the planes they get are really advanced and give them a little box and tell them not to open it because thats the Atom bomb. Would this work? Could the Arabs be duped like this? Also tell them that the Saudis and all the rich sheikhs and the many 1000's of Princes can come to London anytime and fulfill their pleasures they need? For instance tell them that they can do "Anything" i mean "Anything" they want in London? If they want to drink our finest wines, live in the finest hotel, take any car they see. I mean tell them they can have any women they want on England. I mean they just love that blonde, blue eyed look. I mean they would pay a blond women or even a mans weight in gold just to have one. So why doesnt British goverment do that?
Politics - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Because you big dope.... Arabs and Saudis want interest for the money we borrowed and this means lending them back more money...
2 :
1. The Saudi government already loans out nearly as much money as China. Im sure they already loan money to Britain 2. Scamming the Saudis will just result with them cutting off your oil supply. So unless you want to pay 200$ for a gallon of gas, i suggest you not piss them off. 3. Saudis prefer to have their women covered completely. That way when they abuse them, they wont have to see their faces.
3 :
is it that bad in Brit that you would pimp out your entire country and ideals for some arab money?....lol
4 :
well for a start britain is not in recession. For a second Britain actually has a far larger economy than saudi Arbia so if we cant afford it how could the Saudis?
5 :
1 .We already make plenty of money selling them weapons. We'll even halt investigations into corruption just in case they stop buying our weapons. (see below) 2. The deficit is a tad bigger than £20b. 3. The Arab Royal Families already have substantial business interests in the UK and around the western world.
6 :
What makes you think they haven't and are not receiving funds now.. my point is they are.