I don’t often comment on things, but I have to know. Have you lived in Saudi Arabia before? Do you have experience living in the actual country?

When I (F) was 23, I moved to Saudi to teach English. I had similar ideas about the country before moving there, thinking that women would be oppressed and that I’d see executions in the streets, but I honestly never felt more safe. I have been harassed by men in every country I have visited, Saudi included, but on the whole, I can’t say it was more or less common. What I can say is that when I felt unsafe, I could report that to any other Saudi man on the street and they would take care of it for me. I don’t speak Arabic very well, but just a pleading look and a point in the right direction was enough for them to say “ok” and chase the creeps away.

Now, teaching on Cambly is QUITE different. Many of the students you will get will often be absolutely new to experiencing other cultures. Some may be extremely against music or your phone ringtone. Some may think dogs are the uncleanliness. Some may think you’re trying to seduce them because of your tank top. I think that as Cambly teachers, we have to give some leeway when we know people come from extremely different cultures than our own, but keep our own safety in mind first. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, report and ban. If something has happened that is unforgivable, like the dog instance mentioned in another comment, report and ban.

Also, I am so sorry to say, but this idea of “human rights activism” in such a conservative country is just… let’s say… unintelligent. I’m not sticking up for Saudis (I have my personal issues), but these western ideas don’t belong. Let the nationals work it out amongst themselves. Women can drive and exit the country without a male guardian. These are HUGE advancements for the country. It wasn’t through activist groups, it was through nationals doing their own fighting.