Student presents on Saudi Arabian culture
Puteri Sabira
Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: Campus Life
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The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an Arab country, the largest in the Arabian Peninsula. Hathah is from Jeddah, the second-largest city.
She says she had to make many adjustments upon arriving in the United States several months ago.
"I think the biggest adjustment for me was in terms of relationships between men and women here," she said.
In Saudi Arabia, men and women are not even allowed to shake hands, much less go out on dates together.
"The man will tell his family if he wants to tie the knot," said Hathah.
After the man indicates interest, marital arrangements are made between the families of the man and the woman. However, men and women are allowed to hold hands with members of the same sex.
"It is purely a sign of friendship," she said.
When she first arrived here, Hathah says she felt that people were staring at her.
"I wear a long cloak (arbaya) when I leave the house to protect my modesty," she said.
In addition, according to Hathah, Saudi Arabians are forbidden from eating pork or drinking alcohol, and as part of the religious culture, this is strictly enforced.
"It's hard to find 'halal' food (permissible according to Islamic law) here compared to other states," she said. "I have to go to Kansas City to get Arabian food like kebab, beef and chicken."
"To this day, it takes some time to get over culture shock when arriving in the U.S."
Also, she says Saudi traditionalists object to women driving, although there is no specific law to forbid it.
"I have made a choice by learning how to drive here and I will get a license soon," Hathah said.
She says that life in the United States is much easier because Americans are open-minded and have freedom of choice.
"I think it's very helpful to have the opportunity to study in the U.S., to exchange points of views and learn from each other," she said.
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