Back in Saudi

After 6 months back in Germany (well, with a stopover on our beloved Island Giglio) it's time to say 'Welcome to KAUST' again!

Unfortunately, we are currently still a half team - because there were problems with the issuance of Felix's visa, which is why I had to travel alone for now. Insha'Allah, as they say here - it won't be long before he can finally join me.

Until then, I am exploring what's new and am fully involved in the so-called 'Orientation'.

            

During this time, all new students are welcomed and informed about all the organizational matters (applying for a residence permit, enrollment, etc.) as well as the cultural characteristics of the country and the university and living here.
Having been here before is definitely a plus - because I already know and am familiar with many things. The only new thing is the student status.

Because, unlike most doctoral positions in Germany, I am here at a GradSchool, which means I am treated as a student again. This also means that I actually have to take a few university courses during my time here. (Unlike in Germany, where you usually teach courses for lower semesters).

But for now, I'm just going with the flow - everything is new to me. But it's also exciting and surely presents a lot of great opportunities.

For the welcome, everyone received such a 'package':

      

But not only with such 'small things' it becomes apparent again that money plays a different role here at the university.

Because, get ready for our apartment! (Personally, I'm still completely thrilled today, three days after my arrival):

        

The apartment has a total of three floors. In the picture above you can see the bedroom and the kitchen / living room area.

On the first floor: guest toilet, pantry, room for washing machine, and dryer, and a covered terrace.
Second floor: bedroom with balcony, large bathroom with shower and bathtub.
Third floor: study with small kitchenette, another bathroom with shower, and a roof terrace.
You can see the view from this in the next picture:

By the way, the dark turquoise stripe in the background is the sea ;-)

To all those who might get a little jealous now - please understand ;-) We really worked hard and made sacrifices to get this far. And - we have to work here just like anywhere else. The fact that it's a bit more luxurious than elsewhere somehow makes up for being in a 'gilded cage'.

My next week is still full of administrative matters - so the seashells have to wait :)
But soon, we're going full steam ahead - I'm curious to see what the future holds for us.
We'll keep you posted!

Susann

PS: Please all keep your fingers crossed that the adventure in the Middle East will continue for us as soon as possible! :)
Because:

'Happiness is the only thing that multiplies when we share it!'