Message #4483

[kab19]

Sungoddesslv, we have something in common! I worked for the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for three years between '94 and '97. My father took our family there in the 70s to work in the oil fields, so I was familiar with the language and culture - and it does take some adjustments! I found out about the opportunity through an ad placed by a recruiting agency in the Secretary magazine (now called Office Pro), which is the IAAP magazine.



You don't have to be all that lucky to get a job overseas, although connections do help. It takes someone who can adapt well to change, be flexible, and willing & able to take risks. Also living away from your friends and family for extended periods of time is a disadvantage, but there are travel opportunities and other things that can be traded for that. Monetary compensation and paid housing are also perks and reasons to live in certain countries, although I would recommend if anyone chooses to go overseas, they should find out about taxes before they go, both in the host country and the U.S. Other perks include lifetime friends who you will meet in your travels and/or work with; they are the ones who are there to support you in the good times and bad.



I would say to anyone who is considering working overseas, if the time is right in your life and you're ready for an adventure, go for it! I did and don't regret it for a second!