Women’s FAQ

What length of skirt can I wear in the classroom?

– You must wear a full length skirt, no exceptions to the length. Bring one and buy more once you are here. They are inexpensive.  You can also wear loose-fitting trousers - no leggings please.

What’s it really like for expatriate women in Saudi Arabia?

– It’s not as bad as you think and it’s becoming less and less restricted as time passes. Most of your day is spent at the school and in the compound. So, it’s pretty normal teaching and living. It’s outside the compound that is more difficult. The temperature can be 50C, but you still must wear your abaya. Men WILL stare at you if you are not properly dressed. 

That being said, women are allowed to drive and are free to go to most places that men are.  Things have changed a lot for women here in Saudi and people have adjusted quite quickly.  Personally, I drive in Saudi and Bahrain, have never been asked to cover my hair and go where I want.    

I’m a vegetarian/lactose intolerant/have food allergies. Will that be a problem?

– You can get most of the foods you normally get back “home” in the stores here. There are lots of soy products, although you may not find it in the quantities you’re used to. The vegetables in the markets are pretty good, and they love nuts so you can find tons of those. Some labels have no English so if you have allergies, stick to products where you can read the ingredients in English.

Can I get birth control there?

– If you are single, it is illegal for you to have sex, therefore, you can’t really get birth control, other than condoms. Bring an adequate supply from home.

What kind of feminine supplies are available?

– Because tampons are believed to ruin your virginity, they are very difficult, if not impossible to find. So, there are lots of brands of maxis etc.

Do they carry “real woman” size clothes there? (Not like in Asia where they are all very thin!)

– Yes, they have real women here. They have real woman bra sizes, too. And, as a bonus, the lingerie shops are now staffed by women. (Until March 2012, you had to buy your lingerie from a man!)