I first learned of King Abdulaziz University from my colleagues in grad school at the University of Findlay, circa 2012. They were Saudi, had worked at the university, and were in the US to receive more training. In the years after grad school, the idea of applying to KAU always lingered in the back of my mind. They paid teachers more than the US, offered more vacation, a housing stipend, and the salary was tax-free… Plus it would be a great teaching and learning opportunity.
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Eventually it became clear that Sean and I were supposed to make a change and God aligned our hearts so that we settled on Saudi. I messaged my old colleagues, secured an interview with KAU (Skype interview at 3am Atlanta time), and the rest is history. When we came in 2017, you couldn’t move to Saudi without a valid offer of employment. Tourists weren’t allowed either. So KAU was our only ticket in.
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I started working at the English Language Institute at KAU soon after arrival. The university is massive and, at the time, they made all students complete a “foundation year” in English before studying their major. Google and Wikipedia say they have 180,000+ students, which is insane. The campuses are segregated and the women’s campus is surrounded by gates which are guarded by security. They won’t let a man near. Once we get through the gate, we’re encouraged to remove our abayas.
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In the women’s ELI alone there were scores of English instructors, from the UK, US, Sudan, Pakistan, Algeria, Tunisia, and other places. I loved the diversity of coworkers. I was employed at KAU for a year and a half before I had Ezra and chose to resign. I want to be home with my kids while they’re young and I’m thankful that I’m able to do that. I also learned that teaching isn’t my favorite activity, but I’m happy for the experience I had at KAU, the colleagues I got to know, and the students who left a positive impact on my life. 😊
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The photo above shows a central part of the women’s campus with the library in the background. It was the first place I saw pretty grass in Saudi. 🌴 The photo below is the gate my Uber drove through each morning to drop me off.
