العمل في بريطانيا للطلاب الاجانب

في كثير من الاحيان يضطر كثير من الطلاب الاجانب في بريطانيا العمل بالاضافة الى الدراسة, للمساعدة في دفع رسوم التعليم او لمصروف جيب اضافي او من اجل جمع المال للسفر والسياحة في اوقات العطل الدراسية.

معظم الطلاب من خارج الاتحاد الاوروبي يسعون الى العمل في محاولة منهم لاعالة انفسهم او في كثير من الاحيان من اجل كسب خبرة عملية في الخارج.

يجب على الطالب الساعي الى العمل في بريطانيا مراعاة قوانين العمل الخاصة بالطلاب الاجانب. حيث يجب ان لا يتعدى ساعات عمل الطالب 20 ساعة فقط في الاسبوع. اما الطلاب الذين يدرسون اقل من مستوى جامعي يسمح لهم العمل 10 ساعات في الاسبوع لاغير. اما اذا كنت طالب لغة انجليزية فلا يسمح لك بالعمل مطلقا.

اي طالب يأتي للدراسة لمدة تقل عن ستة اشهر لا يسمح له باصطحاب اي من افراد عائلته. بالاضافة الى ذالك لا يمنح الطالب فيزا للدراسة الى اذا كانت الجهة الدراسية المقدم لها جهة تعليمية معترف بها (فيجب على الطالب التأكد من الامر لتفادي خيبة الامل).

International students working in the UK

International students work in the UK

Many International students tend to look for work, while studying. Some might need to work to help pay their tuition fees, others for extra pocket money or to travel around.

Most of the International students especially non EU students tend to get work to either support themselves or get work experience in the UK which can prove to be useful when they return to their home countries.

If you are, an International student considering taking work alongside studying then you need to be aware of the UK border Agency regarding International students work.

If you are studying at a degree or higher level, then you are entitled to work 20 hours per week. On the other hand if your course under degree level, you will only be allowed to work 10 hours a week no more!

English language course students are not allegeable to work in the UK.

If you are a mature student with a family back home, please be aware that you will not be able to bring dependants with you if your course is less than six months.

Moreover, visas for courses below degree level will also be granted only if the institutions they attend are on a new register, the highly Sponsors list. (Check before you make any arrangements to avoid disappointment).

What do I need to do to get a job?

A Good looking CV A good written CV is usually a winner when applying for a job.

-       Include every single work experience you had in the past even it is only for a few days.

-       Explain in detail you previous role and what were your main job keys.

-       Include all education and short courses you attended, and don’t forget to put the years.

-       It is good to have own mobile phone and number, in order for the work agencies or employers to contact you directly and fast. Many agencies tend to call and ask you to attend a short notice interview or take a quick job.

-       Having your own transport or getting enough information about public transport in your area is very useful in order for you to get to interviews and short notice jobs in good time and avoid being late.

-       Patience is an extremely important aspect, students need to maintain when they are in the process of applying for new jobs. It might take a week, two, or maybe months before you get lucky and get a job. The secret here is to keep at it, improve your CV along the way and learn from your previous interviews.

-       Once you get a job, make sure you do your best as you will be more likely to get offered another one in the event of doing it really well.

-       Contact the agency once a week to remind them of you and ask whether they have anything available.

Best work places for Students.

Most Universities have designated places for job ads. Check those regularly!

Job Agencies Agencies are the best place for part time job seekers. They have many jobs that can suite a student. Events agencies are the best holiday work providers, as they will need part time workers to cater for special events.

Factory Jobs It is unlikely for a student to get a permanent job, but factories need part time workers almost all the time to replace its permanent employees in case of illness or holidays.

Typing jobs Typing jobs are one of the most popular jobs for students. You can do on in your free time or when you can. It is easy and does not need previous experiences. Although interested students in that kind of job need to proof a quick typing ability and accuracy.

Health Services for International Students

International Student’s Health Issues


Many students are allegeable to receive free NHS (National Health Services) treatment while in the UK. In most cases, any student who is enrolled in a full time course for at least six months plus is also entitled to free NHS treatment.

If not then our great advice would be make sure you arrange for an International Health Insurance, before you come to the UK or as soon as you arrive.

Before travelling to the UK

If you have any continues medical conditions that you have suffered from shortly before coming to the UK, an existing medical condition or registered as disabled, we advice that you bring with you a copy of all your medical reports and any prescriptions you had or are on baring in mind translating it into English.



In some cases you might be asked to produce health certificates detailing your vaccinations. If you are coming from a country that have high levels of tuberculosis (TB), then an x-ray might be required. You will need to provide those documents before passing through immigration. It is always useful and less hassle to carry those documents in your hand luggage to avoid long delays in the airport.

You can ask your British Embassy in your home country to provide you with information about any inculcation you need to provide on arriving to the UK as an International student.

Health Services in the UK

You might be entitled for free treatment on the NHS if your UK course is for at least six months or more. Emergency treatments are free of charge!

If you are a national of an EEA country, you will automatically receive those services in regardless of how long your course is in the UK. This rule also applies to International students studying in Scotland.



Useful Links:

Department of Health


FCO


NHS Direct

Weather in the UK

British Weather

Britain’s weather is very unreliable. In one day, you might see the weather changes several times. You can expect the weather to change from warm and sunny to cloudy, rainy and chilly at times.

It is advisable for people coming to study or visit the UK to bring warm clothes with them. Even if you are visiting the UK in summer, it is a good idea to bring a light jumper or coat to wear in the evenings where it can get chilly.

Expect rain anytime of the year and an umbrella or Rain coat is not a bad idea to carry with you even if you think the weather looks nice and there are no clouds in the sky to be seen. It might all change suddenly and it is better be prepared than drenched with water a few hours later.

In summer, the temperature can reach 30 degrees and can be very hot in closed places. Many places do not have air conditioning, as the British summer is usually not very hot. It is a good idea though to carry a bottle of water with you on hot sunny days to keep cool.

In winter, it can be cold and chilly and it is a good idea to wear several layers (but comfortable) if you know you are walking to keep you warm.  Most places in the UK get snow in winter and sometimes that causes great delays in traffic including trains and flight cancellations and/or delays.

Most if not all indoor places are well equipped for winter and heated although sometimes only in the morning and evening to cut heating costs.

Wind, in winte

r lots of places in Britain can become affected by strong wind.

There is an overseas belief that it rains more in London, but in fact the rainfalls as much as any European capital. It rains evenly around the year, so visitors will usually experience rain when visiting the UK.

Transport in the UK

Here is a short guide about transport in the UK.

Buses

The bus fair cost ranges between £60p and £3.00 for one way. If you are a student then check whether you can use your “student card” for discount. Under 18s can benefit from free bus travel. More information should be available in your college/university.

Buying a monthly bus pass might save you some money over time, especially if you will be using the bus daily.

Trains

Use your student card to get a rail card. It will save you lots of money. Students get 1/3 off the normal ticket price. If you can try to book your ticket in advance, tickets are usually cheaper that way.

Underground / Metro

If you are studying in London, one of the popular transport ways is taking the tube. One journey ticket will usually cost £4.00. If your journey is short, try getting the bus or even better walking. Tub stations are very close to each other in London and you will save quite a lot of money walking.

Always be on the look out for cheap travel cards.


Driving

If you decide to drive your own car in the UK, then you need to be aware of a few things before hand. Issue an International driving license before coming. Be ware that you can only you are your non EU International driving license for 12 months only, after that you will be required to apply for a UK driving License.

When buying a car you will need to get an insurance, car tax and pay for MOT test for your car yearly. The cost depends on the area you live in, your age, car age and model and where you are going to park it.

Adding to that the cost of petrol and any repairs your car might need it can be very expensive.

Coaches

National Express coaches can be cheaper than trains. Try to book in advance for cheaper tickets. Students can buy a Coach card, which offers discounts.

Taxis

Taxis are very expensive to hire, but it is advisable to keep their number safely with you in case of emergencies or if you are out late and you miss the last bus.

Flights

Booking your flight way in advance gives a good chance in getting cheap flights. If you are from outside the EU and would like to travel in Europe, remember that you will need to apply for a Schengen visa before travelling. The schengen visa includes 15 countries in Europe.

Bike

Bike riding is the best way to travel round. Insure that your bike has light and you wear your helmet especially if you are out in the evening or night you need to make sure you are well seen and visible to car drivers. Keep your bike locked when you park it and insurance is not a bad idea as they are stolen easily.

Qatar (Culture)

Todays post is a glimps about the social expectations and Business Etiquette in Qatar. If Qatar is your next destination for Business. Remember that Social culture awarness is more complex than explaining it in a short article on a blog. Social awarness needs you to pay attention to details and improving your (reading people) skills. The idea behind the Culture- Countries weekly articles is to give you a wide idea about a specific country's social mannarism in a wide range, however it is you who decides what kind of experience you'll have!

Geography:

Qatar is a small peninsula that extends into the Persian gulf from the East side of the Arabian Peninsula. Qatar shares a border with Bahrain to the Northwest, Iran to the Northeast, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to the South.

The landmass of Qatar forms the shape of a rectangle that the local people describe as a right hand extended in prayer.

Hawar is 16 small uninhabited islands that Qatar and Bahrain both claim it to be as part of their own territory. The Hawar islands are rich of water resources, fishing, pearl diving and Sea trade. The conflict between the two countries is being decided by the International tribunal, although Bahrain in recent years has turned the islands into tourist place.

Despite the conflict between Qatar and Bahrain the two countries continue to have good diplomatic relations between them!

In 1940 oil has been discovered in Qatar, bringing the country wealth. In 1971 Qatar was to join the other Emiratis of the Trucial Coast and become part of the Arab Emirate. However, Qatar and Bahrain decided against the merger and instead formed independent nations.

The capital of Qatar is Doha. %80 of the population inhabits the capital.

International Business Teams

Due to the fast growing International Business market, International business managers are forced to grow and improve their International communication skills, not only with their International customers but managers are required to run teams made of professionals from different countries, with different business perspectives, team values, management expectations and different attitudes.


Although this diversity in a team can bring so much objectivity and benefit to a team, it can also have catastrophic impact on a team and maybe the whole business if the manager takes things for granted and was not wise enough to establish a cultural and geographical understanding for each and every professional and member of his team.


International team managers almost always make this simple mistake!


Rushing to build a team before getting a clear and deep understanding of what the task requirements involve is a big mistake!


Each task needs the right person (personality, professional experience and knowledge, and more importantly attitude). Therefore it is essential for managers to study the job before they rush into building an International team, which can bring more damage to the job if extra help was not needed.


Another important aspect of running an International team that managers need to be aware of is the Business law in the country that his employees are in.


Team leaders are required to be on top on top of the laws and legislations and be mindful of the local HR policies in the country some of his employees are based at.


International Teams are not an easy task any person with limited management skills can lead!


• Culture Differences are the first and hardest challenge a team leader has to tackle. As a manger you need to act wisely and take into care the conflicts that can arise between your team members. Most of the cultural challenges that your International team will face will most certainly be one or more of the following: language differences, business practices, attitude towards authority and rank can also create interpersonal conflict and resentment within the International team. So putting all this together spells COMMUNICATION.


Team Leader needs to test his team members understanding and encourage input from everyone within the team. It is also a good idea to try to test and find out what are the strengths and weakness of your team members. You'll be relieved from many problems later on, having the right person in the right place.


Face to Face team leaders should not under estimate the importance of face to face meetings with his employees from time to time. Be mindful of that when putting your budget plan.


Also another important communication tool is videoconference. Allowing you and your employees to communicate face to face and discuss things as a team could be very beneficial to avoid many cultural and communication problems that can arise between your team members. Always insure minutes of the meeting are taken and distributed and the videoconference is recorded so members of your team who were unable to attend can go through it later and be up to date with what is going on.


A clear communication protocol is one of the key points for good communication between you and your employees. You need to set up a good communication protocol and make sure all your employees follow and respect it. Team leaders/managers are required to be on top of the task you and your team are doing. Your team performance is a reflection of your own failure or success as good team leader!


- Make sure your entire employee understand and respect the sharing of information, reporting to you any risen emergencies.


- Discuss with you and be clear about their intent and purpose.


- Understand the importance of maintaining rapport and continuity.


Our growing International Business market makes it almost vital for most the International businesses to consider employing people from and in other countries, therefore managers who are faced with running and managing such teams need to plan their management structure very carefully. And although it is very tricky to manage such teams and would need a committed attitude to the team and not to forget extra effort, it can also be very rewarding to achieve successfully running a team who understand and respect their own responsibilities as well as the other team members, understand, feel and be part of the task. And more importantly achieving an exceptional communication method with your team, which gives you the over look of what is going on.


Dear International Manager, there are many books and websites that can give you ideas about how to run your International team, however I would like to turn your attention to a very important fact. The different and unique personality of your team members, their language, culture, skills and of course the task they need to perform can only determine what plan structure you need to follow. Many brilliant ideas you read on paper or told to you by others who experienced it are almost impossible to adopt, unless it was suitable for you personally as a manager and your team.


Three advices I will give you:


1. Develop your observation skills.


2. Be flexible and prepared to change a plan if it fails, and always have a backup plan should things fail.


3. COMMUNICATE!!!

Cultures- Germany

Sorry for the delay with the short country brief for this week. But here it is at last, hope you enjoy it and it can be of help to someone out there.

Location:

Germany is located in central Europe, bordering the North sea and the Baltic sea between the Netherland, Poland and Denmark.

Total area: 356.910 km^2

The capital of Germany is Berlin. Germany has 16 States.

Government

Federal Republic of Germany (Deutschland)
People

Population in Germany is estimated around 81,337,541. Migration rates is estimates around 2.46 migrants

Ethnic Divisions: German 95.1%

Turkish 2.3%

Italians 0.7%

Greeks 0.4%

Poles 0.4%

Other 1.1% (made up largely of people fleeing the war in former Yugoslavia).
Religions

Protestant 45%

Roman Catholic 37%

Unaffiliated or other 18%

Language

German (Deutch)

Independence (History)

The German Empire Unification was on the 18th Jan 1871, divided into four of occupation (UK, US, USSR and later France). IN 1945 following World War II, Federal Republic of Germany (FRG or West Germany) proclaimed 23 May 1949 and included the former UK, US and French zone: unification of West and East Germany, took place on 03rd October 1990 and all four power rights formally relinquished 15/03/1991.

Social Characters of Germans (likes and dislikes)
Like
Germans are quite polite people; their language contains many polite phrases built into it (Formal way of Talking).

Germans Like group singing and often join choirs.

They also love nature and tend to take care of their surroundings.
Dislikes

A German will always shake hands when meeting and greeting people, even if introductory has been made already. Make sure your hands are not in your pockets when you meet or visit people, as this will be considered rude.

Avoid chewing gum in the presence of a German, as they consider gum unpleasant and animal like to keep on chewing all the time.

Be aware of your posture when in the presence of a German. They dislike the American casual posture and prefer to stand tall and upright.
Good workers
It has been known about Germans to be great builders, inventors and they hold the reputation for being the hardest working people on the planet. A German writer called Hermann Eich is famous for saying (The Germans have mania for work. They have no Idea how to enjoy Life)!

Germans are perfectionists and when they do something they tend to do it properly. They also like to be organised and give great attention to details.

Of course being proud of their work, gives them the reputation for being fussy.
Social

Germans will not always come up and introduce themselves to strangers especially if you don’t speak their language. Not all Germans speak English and even if they do they do they might not be comfortable using it. They will always appreciate it if you show them that you like learning their language.

Germans are very private people and they might seem to foreigners that they like to keep to themselves, and although this is not completely true. Germans do value their privacy.
Titles

Titles are important in Germany. Titles are used a lot in Business environment. Some Germans might continue to speak formally to others (using surname) even after a number of years of knowing each other. Foreigners and Businessmen should not take the liberty of addressing their German hosts without a title unless their host give his permission.
Eating

Germans have their definite eating hours. Everyone eats all of their meals with the family. If you are invited for a meal, you should never be late as this is considered very rude.

Lunch time: Twelve is lunch time for almost everyone in Germany. People all over Germany have leave at twelve to go home and eat with their families. And in result almost all Businesses and shops close at twelve and will reopen again between 1.00pm-2.00pm. Lunch in Germany is when they eat their main meal in the day. Supper or tea consists of a small light meal (sandwich, baguette, cheese etc.)

Table Manners: German table mannerism slightly differs from other European countries. When seated at the table you should have both your hands on the table. Your plate should always be virtually clean after eating. If you leave something in your plate it is thought that you did not like the food. When finished with your meal, as a signal to everyone, the fork and knife are placed together, tips toward the middle of the plate together handles leaning towards the right.
German Law

Many of the German laws are there to protect, preserve and promote German Culture. In Germany all foreign language programs (TV, Films) must be dubbed in German before they can be shown. Subtitles are not allowed.

All migrants in Germany are required to take German classes before any settlement is agreed!

The German law is also designed to promote values which the majority of Germans value.

Family is an important part of the German culture and as a result many shops shut close during lunch time and on Saturday they close early and on Sunday almost no shop and Business opens. This is to allow workers and Business owners to spend time with their families.

There are also many laws supporting the environment and work to protect it. For example there are laws promoting the use of bicycles in the cities in the form of tax credits and additional fees for cars.
Business In Germany

Germany is a dominant nation in the worldwide business arena. If you are planning to conduct Business in Germany, then maybe it is a good idea to prepare yourself for a Business and work culture that is different than the known (The American casual Business)!

Punctuality: Being punctual and on time is taken very seriously by the Germans. A 5 or 10 minutes delay can result in you getting disapproved frowns. If the delay is longer than that, it could seriously damage any future business relations. If being late is unavoidable, a call should be made to the host with a good explanation as to why.

Appointments: Always make an appointment if you want to start business with a German Business always arrange your meeting appointment beforehand. Germany is a closed-up society and a drop up visit will rarely be welcome. The ideal times to book a business meeting are between 10.00am and 1.00pm or in the afternoon between 3.00-5.00pm. Avoid arranging appointments on a Friday afternoon as most German Businesses close early on a Friday.

Conversations: In Germany there is a line drawn between social and personal time. A business visitor should not expect to be entertained every evening by their host. Stay away from topics about World War II and the holocaust and do not try to ask personal questions or how much they earn.

Need more information or an Intercultural briefing, agents, translators or any other services, simply fill our contact form and we'll get back to you.

Renting Accomodation in the UK

If you are an International student looking to rent a property in the United Kingdom for the first time, then there are a few things you need to be aware of.

Hunting for a property: Depending on your social circumstances you might consider the kind of property you need.

1. The majority of students are keen on shared student accommodations. Living together with other students from all over the world can be exciting and beneficial for many students who are looking to have an active social life firstly and secondly those shared accommodations are cheaper to rent if you are on a tight budget.

- Things to be aware of: Living with strangers can have its good and bad sides. You need to be aware that you might not be so lucky in finding the perfect house mates that you hope for. If you are a tidy person who likes his or her privacy and calm time, you might find yourself living with a complete opposite, so make sure you are %100 happy with that kind of chosen living and aware what you’re getting yourself into.

- It’s very important to set your own house rules from the start together with your house mates. It might take a while for some to get a grasp on their responsibilities but if you are persistent enough you might succeed.

- Make sure when renting a property to enquire on whether the monthly or weekly rent you’re paying includes utility expenses and /or the council tax. (It’s important that you do your maths properly when it comes to your expenses to avoid any problems with meeting your financial requirements).

- The landlord might have his/her own rules they want the students to follow, be careful you follow your landlord’s wishes and stick to the rule to avoid eviction.

2. If you are a mature student with a family, then you will need to rent a family flat or a house.

- Things to be aware of: when looking into renting a property for you and your family you need to consider a few things.

- It is a good idea to consider renting a property close to your University, bearing in mind that if you have school aged children to look for schools close enough to the University and a walking distance from your rented property in order to make things easier for you in case of emergencies, especially if your partner is also studying or working.

How can I find a property to rent?

Many people tend to seek the help and advice of a letting agency when looking for a property. They can help you get a property depending on your requirements, and support you with the required paper work. Be aware, that a small fee might be required.

You can also look for properties in the local newspaper and on the internet. There are many property websites dedicated only for students!

If you are told something you don’t understand by either the letting agent or the land lord, always ask them to repeat what they said or explain more. Don’t feel embarrassed that you don’t understand what they mean, it is probably a totally different system to rent property in the UK from your own country and it is safer to ask than discovering unpleasant surprise later on.

Before signing the contract, read it very carefully and more than once if you can. Anything you are not sure about, ask away! The rent contract is taken very seriously in this country and both the tenant and the landlord need to abide to it.

On signing the contract you will need to give a month deposit, plus the coming month rent.

The deposit will be returned to you after you leave the property and after the property is checked for any damage done during the time you lived there. If something has been damaged it will be deducted from the deposite.

On leaving any rented property you lived at, you are required to return it in the same condition you got it. Always inform the landlord when something is not working properly in the property or has been damaged.



If you have a friend or a professional who can help you the first time you rent a property, it would be a good idea to take them along with you. They can explain things and rules to you and you can be totally certain of what you are getting yourself into.

Renting a property in the UK is not complicated; however the process is taken seriously by all parties in order to make sure both the tenant and landlord know their entitlements and rights.

Need any more advise or support contact us on our e-mail: info@atw-ics.com

Cultures- Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia 


The modern Saudi Arabia was founded by king Abd al-aziz in the 20th century. His decedents continue to rule the country till this day.

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East. %95 of its land is desert, including Rub’ Al Khali, the biggest mass of sand in the planet.

Population

A publication by the US Bureau of the Census which has been updated in 2010 states that the Saudi population is estimated by 28,686,633 which includes an estimated 5,576,076 none nationals.

Language in Saudi Arabia

Arabic is the official language of Saudi Arabia. English is widely spread as well and it’s used especially in Business. Among the none- Saudi population, many speak Urdu (official language of Pakistan).

Religion

Islam was born in Saudi Arabia and is practised by all Saudis. Saudi Arabia is visited by millions of Muslims around the world every year. The prophet Mohammed is seen as the last of God’s prophet and messenger followed by (Jesus, Moses, and Abraham etc.) The prophet Mohammed brought the last holy book the Quran to the revelation of mankind, as Moses and Jesus brought Torah and Bible. The Quran and the Sunna (Prophet Actions) are used as basis for all guidance in the religion and many fellow it as a way of life.

Muslims are obliged to pray five times a day- at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset and evening. You will hear the Mosk Sheikh inviting people for prayer. Everyone is obliged to stop working and head to their prayers. Friday is Muslims holy day, everything is closed that day. Some companies also close Thursday and Friday making the weekend those days.

Each year Muslims are ordered to fast the month of Ramadan from dusk to dawn. Fasting includes no eating, drinking, smoking. None Muslims, in Saudi Arabia are not obliged to fast but should not eat, drink or smoke in public. Schools shut in the month of Ramadan and public companies only work 6 hours per day. Many shops, restaurants and coffee shops open after (Iftar) in the night.

Family and tribal customs

Family is the most important social institution in Saudi Arabia. For Saudis family is where they get their identity and social status from. They form marriage alliances with other tribes whom are close to their habits, interests and Business. Befriended tribes through marriage usually form very strong bonds between them and become extended family members to each other.

The head of the tribe is called Sheikh and he has the good statue between the tribe’s members. The sheikh will be the first person they will seek to sort out any problem they have.

Saudi men are very protective of their families. The father of the house (husband) is the main figure in his home. He is responsible for making more or less all decisions regarding his wife and children and their welfare. Women are very much dependent on their husbands to manage their daily needs (transport, medical appointments, shopping etc.) Unmarried women will be their fathers and brothers responsibility.

Eating Customs

If you get invited to visit a Saudi in his house with your family, then be aware that entertaining will be in two separate rooms for both sexes.

Usually invitations for food will be for a big group of people, so be prepared to meet lots of people. Be aware to show respect to elderly people greeting them first.

Saudi’s are sociable and would sit together drinking coffee and eating dates while conversing before meal time. It is impolite to refuse coffee offered to you; it is most polite to accept several cups of coffee. Saudi’s spend a lot of their time in coffeehouses drinking coffee and tea! Never enquire about the health of a Saudi’s wife. Keep the mood light, try and engage in their conversations always answering politely.

Hands are ritually washed before and after meal.

Usually meals are offered sitting cross legged on the floor. Meals are offered in big dishes that everyone shares. Food is usually eaten with fingers, during the meal there will not be much of speaking so guests could enjoy their food. The guest will always be offered food first /

Saudi’s use their right hand for eating, drinking and passing objects to one another. Left hand is considered “unclean”.

If you are a vegetarian you might need to be aware that Saudi dishes are almost always contain big chunks of meat. If a guest is present he will be offered the biggest piece.

If invited to a meal in a resturant, the person initated the invite will be expected to settle the bill. Some Saudi's might argue to pay one, but it will be rude to accept their offer.

Business Etiquette

Saudi’s are experienced businessmen and have impressive history in trade experience. Most Saudi businessmen have good English spoken skills and have experience doing business with the west. Saudi’s tend to rely heavily on memory than on papers and notes.

Saudi’s will not finalise any business agreement unless they get to know their business partner well, and that usually involves several initial meetings before that can happen. It is important not get things rushed and keep your cool in those meetings. Gaining your Saudi’s partners trust is a crucial step before any business plan is agreed and once is that established things start moving very fast. In Saudi Arabia businessmen still prefer to meet personally and meetings tend to have a light mood enjoying discussions over coffee and tea.

When entering a room you are expected to greet others in the same manner they greet each other; shaking hands with each person individually. Learning a few greeting phrases in Arabic will be appreciated by your Saudi associates.

In the Arab world, it is accustomed to address individuals by their first name, and any title they have. Saudi ministers are always addressed as” your Excellency” and members of the royal family as “your highness”.

Saudi’s are not much aware of personal space as it is here in the west. A Saudi might stand very close to you when speaking and they might also use some body contact to emphasize a point or confirm that you following what they are saying. It is very important not to draw back, as this might be considered to be rejection to what have been said. Saudi’s who have experience with western culture might be inclined to do so.

If you are women expecting to do business in Saudi Arabia, you need to be prepared to the challenge ahead. Saudi culture has gender separation which might make your job a lot harder. A woman might not be permitted to enter the kingdom without a husband, father or brother. Ladies in Saudi need to dress conservatively making sure all her body is covered. It is uncommon for a Saudi man to shake hands with a woman or engage in any conversational body contact.



Respect and trust are valued highly by the Saudi people. Once you've gained their trust, you will be certain to get rewarded and introduced to other potential business associates that will benefit you. 

Study at an Independent Schools in the UK

If you are one of those parents who is looking to give your children the best educational opportunities there is, having in mind studying at the best Universities in the world then you might be considering a few of the United Kingdom Universities.

Britain has been famous for its exceptional educational system in the World. Thousands of International students from around the world compete to get a place at one of Britain’s universities.

The latest report published stating the best 100 Universities of the world putting quite a few of  the UK’s Universities in the lead, reminded the world of how exceptional and strong the educational system is in the UK.

International students who don’t speak English as their first language, sometimes struggle to reach the level of English Universities in the UK ask for. Moreover, International students often require more time to adjust to the life in a new country and might take some time before they get used to the acadamic level required for providing good and acceptable work for their teachers and tutors.

Independent Schooling

Starting your UK education in an independent school gives you a better chance to move to your chosen course and University easily. Unlike many International students who need to complete a full English foundation course before moving on to a University course, you’ll be able to move straight on to a degree.

Even on arriving in the UK you couldn’t speak a word of English; you’ll improve very quickly once started. Independent schooling offers International students full support with their studies (seven days a week) and helps you organise and plan your social events and hobbies.

As a student in a UK Independent School you will be able to experience a multicultural environment, giving you a chance to develop as a person and make lots of friends from all over the world. Not to forget the experience you will have of the UK and how things work, makes it all worth while when finally moving into your university studies.

Studying in the UK gives the student a chance to focus on the subjects that interest him form an early stage. The student’s academic studies will have a clear focus preparing the student for his degree studies, giving the student all the educational tools he will need to build on at University.

Note that all International students under 16 of age need a gardian whose over 25 years and living in the UK. If you are considering enrolling your child in a UK independent School, and have questions or need help or simply find out how we can support you and your child contact us on our e-mail: info@atw-ics.com

The Intercultural New way of Living

Now a day, people around the world are so connected to each other. The technology we use that influences our lives makes it impossible for people to keep apart from other nations and cultures. We are so much dependent on each other and if one wants to be part of the International life that is becoming so important whether in education or business, have no choice but embrace the new way of shared living!
The United Kingdom offers a very good example on International shared living. In one street you might find four, five and sometimes more different ethnical groups living together. Many example cases are very successful and people manage to accept other cultures and  traditions without any (or at least obvious) problems, embracing the colourful International life that they are and have become part of.

However, the question that interests me is how much people get to know or are interested in knowing about other’s cultural habits? Do we try and find out more about our neighbours faith, practice and way of living? Or do we go by smiling, nodding at each other, meanwhile forming our own unfounded thoughts and ideas about a certain ethnical group based on rumours, bad examples of certain people and TV reports, ignoring the obvious that we are so individual in our thinking and opinions regardless of what ethnical group we belong to !

In my personal opinion embracing and taking a positive step forward towards International life and participating in an active role in our International community is very important now a day, and not only for profit sake but for achieving harmonic way of living.

Hatred, false assumptions and ignorance is the worst enemy for any community that grows mistrust between its community members.
Knowledge and understanding offers enlightment to people who seek it!

Having people skills is not about using it only with your friends, family and collegues anymore, with people who share same values, traditions and if I may add WAY OF THINKING!!!

We need to train to develop those skills into taking all people in. People from diffrent cultures, relegion, race, continents etc.
The key to succeed is understanding the other's culture (s) firslty, secondly accept (respect) and thirdly use it to our advantage.

Now I'm not saying it's going to be easy and quick to acheive, but I believe it is worth the try.

Therefore, I decided to dedicate a few posts taking each time a certain country explaining a bit about its social, cultural, business etiquette and any other relevant information.

I’m hoping that travellers, International students, businessmen/women and any individual ready to embrace their International life will benefit from the information, and as always I will be happy for any comments or suggestions.