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Top 10 things to do on a Day Off in London

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London is a magical city, always hustling and bustling with life day and night, it is a great city to spend hours on your day off exploring, shopping until you drop or dancing the night away. With great travel links such buses, traditional London Black Cabs or the extensive underground tube you will never be stuck in one place for too long. Use contactless payments or 

Big Ben and London Eye

oyster cards for getting about central London, or rent a bicycle and get some exercise while you tour. We have listed our top ten favourites to explore in the city of London.

 

  1. Big Ben and London Eye – Big Ben is an iconic landmark for London, situated at the Buildings of parliament, grab a coffee and enjoy the short walk from both Westminster Abbey and the London Eye with plenty of photo opportunities in between. The London eye – best booked online in advance offers you the opportunity for spectacular views of London city and its landmarks.
  1. The British Museum – London has copious museums throughout the city however the British Museum provides free entry with the opportunity to attend regular paid exhibitions if you choose. Show casing over two million years of human history, you can certainly spend several hours getting lost in the history within this beautiful building.

    Tower of London

  1. Tower of London and Tower Bridge – the Tower of London is situation at London Bridge on the north bank of the River Thames. The tower of London is an incredibly popular tourist attraction, experience centuries of history with a guided tour from the Queens’ Guard, spend some time walking around the grounds or marvel at the crown jewels. Following you visit to the tower, perhaps grab sometime to eat with a view of the famous Tower Bridge. The Tower Bridge is a well-recognised London landmark, why not spend some time walking along the river and witness the ‘bridge lift’ to allow vessels through, this can occur several times in one day and mostly in the evening. The Bridge also offers the opportunity to climb its 200+ steps up to the top and you can walk across the bridge glass walkway. 
  1. Body Worlds London – Body Worlds is a great learning tool for anybody in the medical field, since touring the world in 1995 Dr Gunther van Hagens exhibition is now a permanent addition to Piccadilly Circus. Spend a few hours on a rainy day in London to enjoy a guided tour around the ground-breaking museum which shows a series of preserved corpses and internal organs, while it sounds gruesome and not for the squeamish it shows a fascinating insight into the human body. You can see the physical affect that diseases, lifestyle, and the diet’s impact on the body and its organs. Piccadilly Circus itself is a bustling hub of attraction, get a photo of the world-famous Billboard or wander towards Leicester Square. There you will discover several restaurants, shops, a cinema and even the M&M store – or sit and relax and watch the hustle and bustle of the city.

    Buckingham Palace

  1. Buckingham Palace – What visit to London could be complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace. Get there early to witness the Changing of the Guard Ceremony or take a tour of the palace itself! Green park is a beautiful park situated behind the palace, a quite and relaxed space within London and a great place to sit and take a break from sightseeing for the day.

    Hyde Park

  1. Hyde Park – one of the largest parks within central London, divided by two lakes. The park is the perfect place to sit and enjoy an ice-cream during a summer day or a great area to get some exercise outside away from the busy London streets. Walk about the scenic park, alongside the lake or visit some of the nearby attractions. During the winter Hyde Park transforms into a spectacular Christmas destination, walk along the brightly lit paths and peruse the numerous Christmas markets, try some ice-skating at the magical outdoor skating rink or jump on one of the numerous funfair rides. Entry to Winter Wonderland is free, avoid the queues for admission and plan to get there earlier in the day, there is plenty to eat, drink and see – you will be sure to return again and again.

    The Shard

  1. The Shard – London’s 95 story tall skyscraper, the Shard offers a unique experience. Book yourself in for a breath-taking day or night view of the city. If it’s a special occasion why not book in for dinner at their premium dining experience or spend some time sampling cocktails at the bar, nowhere else will offer such stunning views while you dine.
  1. Oxford Street – Oxford Street offers you a shopping experience like no other in London, with approximately 300 shops, this bustling street is sure to have something for everyone.

    Camden Town

  1. Camden Town – Camden Town is a district in the northwest of London, famed for its eclectic mix of markets, the are is popular with visitors of all ages. Camden Town hosts a large range of open-air markers: pick up some crafts and books to keep you busy during downtime, clothes, jewellery or spend the day sampling a wide range of different cuisines. For those looking for the nightlife scene, Camden Town certainly is the place to be with lives music, pubs and clubs.
  2. Theatre District – Often referred to as London’s West End, the Theatre district hosts numerous musicals, comedies and much more. Titles regularly change however there is a regular list of long running shows such as Mamma Mia, The Lion King, Les Misérables or if you want to watch some of the shorter running programmes there is a multitude of theatres to choose from. You can buy tickets from street ticket booths within the West End or book online. Shows can run for several hours so why not choose from a set pre-theatre menu at any number of the West Ends Restaurants.

If you have a few days off why not spent some time outside of the city, London has excellent transport links to the rest of the UK or indeed Europe. 

Nursing Overview – Making Friends UK

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Making friends

Moving anywhere new can be daunting, never mind the other side of the world! Luckily the UK hosts a large multinational culture so you can expect to make friends from all over the world. The healthcare system in the UK hires internationally so you can expect a welcoming attitude from your colleagues. However, anyone who has moved overseas, or even interstate, knows that even in the most-friendly environments, making friends can often be a challenge.

Here are our top tips for making friends in the UK:

  • Give yourself a good 3 – 6 months before you feel like you’ve settled in. During this time, you’ll discover how independent you can be; you’ll be able to find the people and socials scenes that suit you just right.
  • Ask if your ward does days/nights out. Many wards will organise social events outside of the annual staff Christmas Party to boast morale; encourage the team to bond and get to know each other.
  • Say yes to invitations. Whether it be a ‘team night out’, a chilled drink at the pub or just a walk in the park. You may not enjoy that particular activity but it will help you build a friendship and then you can choose the next activity!
  • Volunteer at your local community group, join a local sporting team, introduce yourself to someone in a class at the gym. Whatever your hobby is,find a group that does it, and do it with them.
  • Facebook has lots of groups for expats, its easy to search for one that you find interesting.
  • Check out Girlcrew.com,it’s an online platform that helps women find friends in their local area. It began in Dublin but now is used globally.
  • Bumble BFF.It’s not just a dating site! Lots of expats use this as a way to connect with people and build up friendships.
  • https://www.meetup.com/cities/gb/ is a site where you can select your local region and join a group for a local meetup. From hiking to book clubs, there is something for everyone. Can’t find your local region, you can start a new group and organise your own trips or gatherings for hobbies for yourself and locals.
  • For those who prefer more “me time”, the UK is ideal as the towns, attractions and shopping are easily accessed by foot or public transport and it’s safe. You will enjoy a balance of doing your own thing plus spending time with new found friends.
  • Like any relationship, you need to put in the effort to make friendships and it does take time – it’s almost like dating! You have to follow up with a phone call after the first coffee date. But if you put yourself out there, it’s worth it and you’ll soon have a friend for life!

 

To Register your interest in nursing overseas, click here

Throughout our site/blog you may find links to external websites. These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only and are not affiliated with CCM Recruitment International. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. Please read the terms and conditions or terms of use policies of any other company/website you may visit from our website

Nursing Overview – Accommodation In The UK

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Accommodation

Where will I live? How do I find accommodation? How much is the rent? What’s a good area? They’re all really important questions! So, we’ve given you a breakdown below.

Where will I live

Most of the hospitals we work with offer free accommodation for the first 2-6 weeks to allow you to settle in and find your feet. After that, you’ll need to find your own accommodation. Where that is depends on your own wants and needs. Ask yourself – Do you want to live closer to the city or in a smaller town? Do you want to live by yourself or with housemates? How many housemates? Travel links with buses and trains are good within the UK within towns and cities but some of the more rural areas will work on a reduced service. It is important to look at the local transport links and find out what bus/rail services you will need to take and if these times coincide with your shift patterns. Hospitals will also provide parking for a fee if you wish to drive, make sure you are checking out how busy the morning/evening commute will be first.

Types of Accommodation

The most common types of accommodation you will find will be flats, studio apartments, semi-detached and terraced houses. As you move out into the suburbs and into the rural areas and villages you will find more multi-bedroom houses but usually with a garden and a bit more space. Depending on what you choose, accommodation can range in price, as with all major cities the closer to the city central you are, the more expensive it will be.

How to find accommodation

Ask if there are longer term housing options with your hospital. Some hospitals have on site nursing accommodation which you can rent, these rental prices will usually include bills and you will have shared living spaces. There are also some more options such as:
• https://www.spareroom.co.uk/ – for rooms available in shared houses
• https://www.rightmove.co.uk/ – for properties to rent/buy
• https://www.zoopla.co.uk/to-rent/ – for property to rent
• Local estate agents will also advertise properties to rent on their websites
• Find out if your hospital has a staff notice board, sometimes people may advertise rooms/properties for rent.

To Register your interest in nursing overseas, click here

 

Throughout our site/blog you may find links to external websites. These links are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only and are not affiliated with CCM Recruitment International. The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. Please read the terms and conditions or terms of use policies of any other company/website you may visit from our website.

 

Nursing Overview – Living & Working in the UK

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The process of moving overseas to work can take a minimum of 6-12 months; so it is good to plan ahead. If nursing overseas is something you’ve always wanted to do, now might be a great time to consider where you see yourself in 2021 and how to get there.

Fun facts about UK

  • It has a population of approximately 66.65 million.
  • England is famous for its Fish and Chips.
  • Wales is surrounded by sea on three sides.
  • Scotland is home to the tallest waterfall in the UK.

The UK is a vibrant, bustling, multicultural nation. It is famous for its long history, easily seen in tours throughout the UK or in local museums, galleries and heritage sites. Historic landmarks, local music venues, historic theatres and stunning scenery attracts millions of tourists each year. There’s so much to explore in the UK.

Working in the UK requires you to have some post registration experience and you will need to register with the NMC. There are lots of benefits to living and working in the UK, from educational, to travel and making new friends; it really does offer a whole host of new opportunities.

With opportunities to work in the Public or Private sector, there are a range of benefits to working in either. The healthcare system in the UK has been highly ranked. For the next couple of weeks we will be posting a series of blog posts every TUESDAY which will talk about living and working in the UK.

CLICK HERE  TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST TODAY

Nursing Overview Saudi Arabia – Nursing Registration

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So you’ve done your research, talked to your family and friends & have decided to take your career to Saudi Arabia.  What’s the process? The ultimate question…. All international nursing, whether it be Europe, America or the Middle East, takes time. This is due to overseas nurse licensing & work visa/permit applications.  Saudi Arabia is our most popular location with Aussies and Kiwi nurses travelling there for work every month! To work in Saudi Arabia there are 4 main steps. The entire process can take minimum of 4-6 months so it’s good to plan ahead. Don’t worry, we will help you through it all!

Applying for Employment

The benefit of Nursing in Saudi Arabia is that you can secure employment before you have to apply for nursing registration and work visa permits. To apply you’ll need an updated CV and completed application forms. You’ll then be asked to complete an interview via an online platform such as WhatsApp, Zoom or Skype. If you’re successful, you’ll receive an official job offer letter and we can help you complete the necessary paperwork!

Apply for Nursing Registration

The registration board for Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Commission for Health Specialities (SCFHS). The registration process can be quite complex, so at CCM, we do this for you!

There are 4 main steps for nurse registration:

  • Dataflow

    Dataflow is a company hired by SCFHS to verify your qualifications. You’ll just need to send us scanned copies of these documents. We then send them to dataflow for verification. The process takes approximately 6 weeks. The documents you’ll need to provide are:

    • Bachelor Degree
    • Academic Transcript
    • Current Nurse License
    • Statement of Service
    • Passport Copy

  • Mumaris Plus

Mumaris plus is the SCFHS online portal for nurse registration. Once Dataflow has verified all your documents, we will upload the required information to the Mumaris plus portal for you. The SCFHS will then assess and determine if you meet their criteria to be a Registered Nurse in their country. If you do, you’ll receive an eligibility number. You need this number to progress to the next step.

  • Prometric Exam

You’ll find that most overseas registration boards require you to take an exam. For Ireland it’s the RCSI exam, for the UK it’s the OSCE exam, for Saudi it’s the Prometric Exam. Our best advice for the exam – don’t stress! The Prometric Exam is multiple choice & based on the different specialities of nursing. You have 3 hours to complete it. Most nurses have it done within an hour. You only need 45% to pass and you have 3 attempts to complete it. We haven’t had any nurses fail this exam and you won’t be the first!

  • Professional Classification

Once you’ve passed the Prometric Exam, the results are automatically sent to the SCFHS. After approximately 2 weeks, they’ll issue you with your “Professional Classification”. With this, you can travel to Saudi where you complete the final stage through the hospital, as they will be your work sponsor. You’ll then be fully licensed!

Work Visa/Permits

The process takes approximately 8 – 12 weeks* and is done in conjunction with your nursing registration. There is some paperwork required including: Nursing degree authentication, Police check & Medical. Don’t worry, we have a dedicated team to help you with all the required paperwork & apply for this visa on your behalf.

*processing time frames vary, this is just a guide

Travel

Once you have your nurse registration and work visa/permit you’re ready to hop on the plane! All of our Recruitment Consultants have lived and worked in Saudi Arabia and remember how daunting that first step on the plane can be. We are dedicated to compiling resource materials about the culture, work and life in Saudi Arabia so that you can be better prepared for when you arrive. We’re all happy to answer any questions you have, the challenge is getting us to stop talking about it! Once we go down memory lane, we may never stop!

Nursing Overview Saudi Arabia – Cost Of Living

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Cost of living is a major factor in the decision making process when relocating overseas. If your goal for overseas nursing is solely financial and you endeavour to save for a mortgage or similar, then Saudi Is prefect for you. With salary paid tax free to you in Saudi and free accommodation provided, this country offers fantastic saving potential to help you achieve your financial goals.  

Below is a basic breakdown of some of the common costs of living. The below is a guide only. We have listed a few websites to help you conduct further research so you can assess your individual needs.

Food

Grocery prices vary depending on which supermarket you choose to shop at. HyperPanda is a local grocery store with local produce. Danube is a more upscale grocery store stocking both local and imported goods. Many grocery stores have home delivery services.

2 Litre milk8 SAR$3.09AUD$3.30NZD
15 large eggs7.75 SAR$2.99AUD$3.22NZD
1kg Tomatoes9.95 SAR$3.84AUD$4.13NZD
1kg potatoes1.95 SAR$3.80AUD$4.13NZD
500g boneless chicken6.95 SAR$2.68AUD$2.88NZD
Bread4.25 SAR$1.60AUD$1.70NZD

Housing 

Housing will be you’re biggest savings. All of our hospitals provide free, fully furnished accommodation for staff including utilities & electricity. Males have the option to move out of hospital provided accommodation and source their own housing, this is often covered by a housing allowance.  For a more detailed breakdown of housing please visit out Accommodation blog. 

Internet

Unlimited 5G internet280 SAR/month$108AUD/month$116NZD/month

 Transport

Petrol0.82 SAR/L$0.30 AUD/L$0.34 NZD/L
Taxi 10 min ride12.32 SAR$4.76AUD$5.12 NZD
Intercity train80 SAR$30.90 AUD$33.23 NZD

 Entertainment

Dinner for two69 SAR$26AUD$28NZD
Movie tickets60 SAR$23AUD$24NZD
Best available theatre tickets100 SAR$38AUD$41NZD

 Further resources

https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/country/saudi-arabia

https://www.expatica.com/sa/moving/about/cost-of-living-in-saudi-arabia-71066/#:~:text=The%20general%20cost%20of%20living%20and%20standards%20of%20living%20in,to%20cover%20basic%20living%20expenses.

Nursing Overview Saudi Arabia – Expat Life

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Expat Life in Saudi Arabia

It’s a common misconception that there is no social life for expats in Saudi Arabia. Like any country, life is what you make of it. If you’re open to invitations, trying new things & meeting new people, you’ll be amazed at what’s on offer. Behind the veiled curtain the media portrays, Saudi Arabia has an incredibly active social scene where one can be as active or as quiet as one likes.

Expat activities

One of the best ways to make new friends when you arrive in a new country, is to join a sporting team. Depending on what suits you there’s a number of clubs and associations around the country available to new arrivals.

The Gaelic Football club is located in Riyadh & runs across the Middle East with teams travelling to neighbouring Middle Eastern countries for championship matches.

The club also has a Hurling and Camogie base for those wanting to branch out from football.

The athletic club has been running since 1978 with branches in the coastal cities of Dharhan & Jeddah. The club focuses on marathons, cycling and 

triathlons and hosts races with approximately 250 -300 participants.

If you live in Jeddah or love to dive you can’t go past the dive scene on the Red Sea. There’s an array of clubs available with people going out each weekend to explore what the relatively untouched coastline has to offer. Once you arrive in the country, you’ll soon find a club that suits you, just ask around.

Latin dancing is surprisingly popular in the Middle East with many festivals being held around the region. Saudi itself has a growing dance scene with many compounds hosting classes and salsa clubs popping up across the region. Ask around and you’ll find a club or dance school near you. Great way to meet people and get the endorphins pumping.

If you’re just looking for a bit of fun, try BOUNCE, a theme park filled with wall to wall trampolines. Embrace your inner child and jump around. Its good exercise and most importantly will have you laughing with joy.

Yoga, Pilates, hiking, hockey, rock climbing, badminton, tennis, volleyball and other sports are all available in the Kingdom along with a multitude of other sporting activities. Just ask around and you’ll soon discover what you’re looking for.

Local Events

With the country slowly opening up, you’ll find there’s a lot more locally run festivals available providing you with the opportunity to appreciate the local culture.

Arguably the largest cultural festival in Saudi, it takes place over two weeks in February each year. Expect to see traditional sword dances, horse and camel races, local arts and crafts, songs and poetry, falconry & delicious food – it’s the best way to learn more about the Saudi culture and experience what the country you’ve chosen to live in has to offer.

Riyadh Season was a 3 month festival covering a variety of themes to celebrate the social life of Saudi. 31 restaurants had pop up stalls to satisfy the culinary tastes of foodies. Concerts were held across the city, including local Arabian stars as well as famous Korean pop band BTS. Winter Wonderland from London was created with spouting ice-skating rinks, Ferris wheels and fairground rides. Theatre lovers could enjoy plays such as The Wizard of Oz & King Lear. The festival had something for everyone and is sure to be back again this year.

As part of the major car racing event E-Prix, a massive music festival was held in Saudi. Stars included Enrique Iglesias, Amr Diab, David Guetta, One Republic and the Black Eyed Peas all performing to a sold out crowd.

It’s a fantastic time to be on the ground in Saudi as you watch the country change before your eyes. A lot has been invested with a string of cultural events planned for the coming months and years.

Embassy Events

Many embassies will have events which expats are welcome to join. You’ll need to contact the embassy and be on their event mailing list. Some embassies are open to all expats, others will require you to be the “plus one” to someone from their country.  Europe month is one of the more popular events held by the Embassies in Saudi with concerts ad different cultural events being held throughout the month of July.  Ladies, when packing your bags, make sure you bring at least 1-2 ball gowns, embassy balls are held throughout the year. You’ll also find the Australian and New Zealand embassies hosting their own events. If you’re from one of these countries, reach out and ask to be on the mailing list.

Art, Food & Entertainment

A decade ago, Saudi had almost no art galleries. Fast forward to now and local artists are flourishing. From traditional, to abstract, to graffiti more and more art is popping up across the city. Check out where to find the best art galleries here. If you’re interested in more textile forms of art, take a look at Saudi Design week where modern design meets traditional Islamic craft.

If you’re living in one of the major cities – Riyadh or Jeddah, there is an array of restaurants and dining options for you. From local street food,  food trucks and fine dining there’s plenty of opportunity to explore the culinary delights of Saudi. A popular place is The Boulevard where many expats go for a night out and to experience the local atmosphere.

There’s all forms of entertainment popping up across Saudi as it begins to diversify and become more tourist friendly. One of the more popular forms of entertainment – Escape Rooms. Put your mind to the test and figure out this puzzle to reach the end of the maze.

Travel

There’s so much to explore in the country itself, too much to list in this article. For more info on domestic travel check out our Domestic Travel blog here.

Nursing Overview Saudi Arabia – Domestic Travel

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Saudi Arabia has been described as the “final frontier” of tourism by Lonely Planet. Previously shrouded in mystery, there was not a lot known about the domestic wonders hidden with this vast desert country. However, it has recently opened up to tourism and as a result, the opportunities for exploration & discovery have grown. From the coastline of the Red Sea, to the mountainous ranges of Hijaz, the ancient archaeology of Mada’in Saleh, the religious birthplace of Mecca or the cosmopolitan city of Riyadh – there is so much to see and explore in this beautiful country.

Cosmopolitan City Life

Look no further than the capital city of Riyadh, located in the heart of the country. The city is comprised of soaring architectural stunning towers in the centre of a sweeping desert. Here you’ll find 5 star Michelin restaurants, designer shopping malls, lively festivals and a thriving cosmopolitan atmosphere. Our top pics

  • High tea at the Globe: you’ll be served the finest of foods with sweeping views of the city.
  • Sky Bridge: be rocketed to the 99th floor of Kingdom tower and take the perfect selfie
  • Masmak Fortress: delve into the history or modern Saudi
  • Al Diraiyah: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, an oasis within the city

Beach Life

The city of Jeddah is located on the coast of the Red Sea. Home to fantastic dive sites, bustling souq’s and stunning coastline it’s often the first city that travellers visit upon arrival in the country. Our top picks:

  • The Corniche: take a walk along the coastline. There’s children’s parks, cafes, a pulsing local atmosphere not to be missed.
  • Al Balad: A UNESCO listed heritage site where the old world meets the new
  • Diving day trips: Relatively untouched by tourism, Jeddah is the perfect place to explore what’s under the sea. Be amazed by the variety of sea life and colorful corals as you explore the natural beauty of the Red Sea. Don’t miss the Farasan Islands
  • Al Wahba Crater: a day trip from Jeddah, the crater is believed to have been caused by a meteorite and is perfect for those up for an adventure

Ancient Wonders

Madain Saleh is not to be missed. Full of history and archaeological wonders, the area dates back to ancient civilization of the Nabatean. Beautifully carved stone tombs with ancient texts invaluable to historians. Unlike its sister city of Petra, Jordan, Madain Saleh is relatively untouched by tourism allowing its ancient and fragile beauty to remain intact. Do not miss Madain Saleh!

For more ancient wonders, the Jubbah rock carvings located in Central Najd date back to 5500BC. Here you’ll find some of the most impressive petroglyphs you’ll ever see.

Mountain Ranges

Popular with campers and hikers, the Asir National Park encompasses mountain ranges nearly 3000m above sea level. Mt Soudah is famous for misty cold weather and boasts stunning views. It’s not for the faint-hearted though, there are no marked hiking or trekking trails, the routes can be tricky and mist or thick fog is common. Having said that, if you want to go off the beaten track, where better than the mountains.

Our top pic:

  • The Hanging Village of Habala: An ancient village accessible only by ropes and situated half way down a cliff face.
  • Paraglide down form the mountain tops: what better place for stunning views than from the sky itself?
  • The City of Abha: located in the Asir province there’s a lot to explore in this region and so much local wonder to discover

The above is just a taste of what Saudi has to offer. There’s so much to explore and discover in this unknown part of the world. We encourage you to take full advantage of your item there, hit the road and explore!

Further Resources:

https://againstthecompass.com/en/places-visit-saudi-arabia-itinerary/#3

https://www.blueabaya.com/2012/01/ten-amazing-places-to-visit-in-saudi.html

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20170418-saudi-arabias-silent-desert-city

http://www.saudiarabiatourismguide.com/why-exploring-saudi-arabia/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293995-Riyadh_Riyadh_Province-Vacations.html

Nursing Overview Saudi Arabia – Accommodation

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One of the biggest benefits of living in Saudi is that, for most people, the accommodation is free, fully furnished and includes electricity/utilities. There are a few different options available depending on the hospital that has employed you and the type of contract you have taken. 

For the most part, nurses and AHPs are housed in hospital housing. This can be either a high rise apartment complex, or a western styled compound. All our hospitals provide accommodation for single female employees. For male employees, most hospitals provide accommodation or alternatively are allocate a housing allowance for those who wish to find their own. For families or couples, depending on the contract type you’ll either have a housing allowance or accommodation provided. So let’s look at the different types of accommodation….

Compounds

Expat compounds were first established in the early 1980’s in an effort to allow foreign expats to feel a little more at home in their living environment. Generally, compounds consist of a number of 2-4 bedroom villas to create almost a small village or gated suburb within the city, similar to a university campus. Within the compound are a range of amenities including pools, spas, saunas, gyms, tennis courts, basketball courts, squash courts, restaurants, small grocery stores, movie theatres, bowling alleys and other such amenities. Compounds vary in size and can rate between 3-5 stars. This will determine the types and number of amenities available on your compound if you are placed here.

Compound life is a great way to meet fellow expats and build friendships. If you’re not housed on a compound, don’t worry! These compounds quite often hold social events & gatherings and you’ll still get a chance to meet people. For those who prefer a more private or quieter social life, the compounds are big enough to provide people with their own space too.

For our hospitals, some compounds are on the same grounds as the hospital. However, most are located approximately 20-30 minutes away from the hospital. Shuttle buses are provided free of charge to transport staff to and from the hospital and allows staff to have that separation of work and home life.

High rise apartments

Apartment complexes are either on the hospital grounds or 10 – 30 minutes away from the hospital. Shuttle buses are provided if housing is not on hospital grounds. Apartment types consist of either studio, 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom apartments. Nurses who travel with CCM will always have their own bedroom and rarely have to share a bathroom. Depending on the hospital, some apartments will be older but more spacious apartments, others will be new but smaller. Apartment complexes will have large shared laundry facilities along with shared amenities such as swimming pools, gyms and computer rooms.

Off-site living

For males, if you choose to live off hospital housing you will need to calculate your housing allowance based on your contract type, and use this to determine which type of housing you can afford. Compounds with a large number of amenities for example, will naturally be more expensive. Apartments may suit your budget but may not have the amenities you want. Quite often a group of colleagues will rent a large share house together allowing for social connections and shared costs. Do your research and ask your colleagues who have lived in the country for their advice. There are also many expat groups that you can utilise for further information.

Furnishings

All hospital provided accommodation is fully furnished. Furnishings include beds, couches, linen, kitchen cutlery, pots, pans, towels, TV, landline phone etc. Everyone’s taste is different & so while the furnishings may not be to your exact liking you will have everything you need. There are plenty of great home-ware shops in Saudi Arabia including IKEA so once you get settled you will be able to go shopping for nick knacks, cushions & plants to make your new place feel like home.

 

You can find out more about our client hospitals accommodation here

Further resources

https://www.expatarrivals.com/middle-east/saudi-arabia/accommodation-saudi-arabia

http://www.kingpininternational.com/news/article/guide-finding-apartment-saudi-arabia/

https://www.expatica.com/sa/housing/renting/renting-in-saudi-arabia-70915/#Renting

https://www.expat.com/en/guide/middle-east/saudi-arabia/7_accommodation.html

https://www.zaahib.com/home/en

Nursing Overview – Introduction to Saudi Arabia

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So much to be said about Saudi Arabia – where do we begin! An ancient country in a modern world, it’s perfect for those with a sense of adventure and people wanting to experience a rich culture at its most authentic. It often receives mixed reviews in the media however for those who have travelled and worked there they’ll tell you a different story, one full of wonder and awe. You can find out more about peoples personal experiences in Saudi here. For now though, let’s dive into the country and find out more about this hidden gem.

The Basics:

Saudi Arabia is located in the Middle East with population of 33.4 million. It’s still a very young country, only transitioning from a land with nomadic tribes, to what is now known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.

There are three main cities

Jeddah – located in the west along the coast of the Red Sea. Perfect for those wishing to live a more carefree beach lifestyle & yet still have access to cafes, restaurants,, shopping malls & an international airport.

Riyadh – the capital city located in the heart of the country. A thriving cosmopolitan city filled with high rise buildings, modern architecture, mega shopping malls, 5-star hotels, days spas, cafes & restaurants serving a wide range of international cuisine.

Mecca/Medina – the birthplace of Islam with deeply religious roots. Thousands flock here each year to perform the annual pilgrimage of Hajj.

From ancient to Modern:

In the past 2 years, Saudi has seen a huge shift as it navigates its way into a new modern era. Women can now drive, tourism visas are widely available, artists such as Mariah Carey and Andre Bocelli perform live concerts, festivals are abundant throughout the year, the traditional abaya is slowly being worn less and less – these are just a few examples of how the country is developing and constantly growing. In the same breath though, visitors to the region can still experience the traditional hospitality of the nomadic Bedouins tribes, view the 10,000 year old petroglyphs of ancient civilisations, and experience the peacefulness of the beautiful vast desert. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to watch a country transform itself and find the balance between staying true to traditional roots and adapting to an ever changing modern world.

People:

There are a large number of expats in the Kingdom with approximately 38.3% of the population comprising of foreign workers.  The local people are overwhelmingly kind, and hospitality is deeply rooted into their culture. You’ll find that the countries citizens are more than willing to offer you a cup of traditional Arabic tea and are proud to tell you about their country and culture.

Weather:

In summer, the country can get up to over 50 degrees Celsius. In the heart of the country, this can be quite a dry heat however along the coast, you canexpect a lot of humidity. Luckily everywhere is air-conditioned! In the winter, temperatures can drop down to freezing, with snowfall even occurring in the mountainous ranges. Being a desert country there is very little rainfall but when it rains, it pours and there can sometimes be flooding in the more urban areas that have poor drainage systems.

Religion:

Islam is the official religion and Shari’a (Islamic law) is the main source of legislation. Call to pray occurs five times a day, however, unlike other Middle Eastern countries the call to prayer puts everyday life to a standstill. For example, grocery stores will close, often leaving expats inside to continue shopping. Many religious holidays occur throughout the year, with varying social expectations. For example Muslims fast during daylight hours of Ramadan and feast late into the evenings. During these times, finding local eateries is difficult, however international hotels will still serve expats.

Language:

Arabic is the official language. However, English is widely spoken, especially within hospitals with interpreters readily available. Older generations may not have as proficient English as younger locals. Most hospitals offer free Arabic courses when you arrive and there are also some great apps available now to assist you with the language. Once you’re immersed in the language you’d be surprised how quickly you pick it up.

Food:

You’ll never go hungry in Saudi with a wide array of cuisine available. In addition to the traditional Middle Eastern food of meat, rice, dates and those delicious spices, you’ll also find the creamy aromas of European cuisine, the tantalising spices of India and Asia, the delectable shared plates of Africa. From a local shwarma (similar to a kebab) to the 5 star international Michelin restaurants, Saudi has something for everyone. You can buy most of the same groceries as you do at home as many familiar food brands are sold in Saudi Arabia. Local fresh fruit & veg is excellent. Those who are vegetarian or eat a gluten free diet, don’t worry, Saudi Arabia has you covered with plenty of options.

Clothing:

Traditionally, clothing is steeped in the value of modesty. The usual image of a Saudi Arabian woman is a long black cloak, however, with changing fashion trends you will find that the Abayas now a days are quite colourful. For local women this is a personal choice and can vary from the full face covering (niqab)¸ the head covering (hijab), or a simple abaya covering just the body. Expat women are not required to cover their faces or hair, however were previously required to wear the abaya. In recent months this has changed people are slowly transitioning to more western styled clothes with long tops, long skirt or pants.  For local men you’ll find they wear a long white garment similar to a robe (thobe). This is often accompanied by a head covering called the Ghutrah. Expat men are expected to wear long pants in local areas with sleeved tops.

Transport:

The roads in Saudi Arabia, particularly large cities like Riyadh, are intense, with lots of traffic, limited road rules and, unfortunately, accidents are common. As such, many international residents in Saudi do not drive. However, taxis, Uber or personal car services with drivers are very common and inexpensive. Local bus and train services are also available. Interstate these are relatively easy to navigate however within the city expats don’t often utilise them due to the complicated network and language difference. A new metro within the capital city of Riyadh is in the process of being built which will increase the public transport options throughout the city.