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Post by Monique Van Rensburg on Feb 19, 2013 15:56:22 GMT
Hi all SO today i got my offer from Aramco and although i have not formally accepted it yet i know i will. Its an amazing opportunity. I have to say i am very excited and in the same breathe scared to be coming all the way by myself. I know i will be staying in the Ballpark apartments so if there are any ladies who are in the same boat and would like to get hold of me and stay in touch that would be great.  I have so many questions, although most of them have been answered it would be awesome to get first hand experience. 1. What are the apartments like? (if you have pics that would be great) 2. What kind of activities are there after working hours? Is there a forum where they are listed. 3. Can we have pets in our apartments? 4. How quickly can we be set up with a cell phone and internet connection (ADSL) 5. How is the work as a secretary? Same as home or a little different Looking forward to all the answers. Chat soon. Monique |
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Post by vpainter on Feb 20, 2013 21:59:29 GMT
1. The apartments are like a hotel room suite. It has a living/dining area, a bedroom and a kitchenette.
2. There are a lot of activities that you could choose to participate in. No there is not a forum where you can view these. You can have a list that is in your home upon arrival.
Exercise groups, art group, quilting group, Women's group, garden group, Women's exchange (second hand store), running group, sports groups: tennis, softball, soccer to name a few, marshall arts groups, country dance, to name a few.
3. Yes, you can have a pet.
4. There is a cell phone kiosk in the commissary, so you could get set up with a cell phone the day you arrive. You will have to start work and get your internet ID, you will have dial up internet first, then DSL can be purchased for about $45USD/month. Can take 1 - 3 weeks for this.
5. Your work may be about the same, but you will be dealing with people from all over the world which may be different. You are in a different culture, so there will be differences.
Congratulations on your job offer.
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Post by GroveWanderer on Feb 28, 2013 12:23:22 GMT
While there isn't a forum or site you can access from outside Aramco, showing the different activities, assuming you make it here and once you have your logonid, you can go to the Community Services website and find information about all the various activity groups (known locally as Self-Directed Groups or SDG's).
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Post by wahoo65cavs on Mar 7, 2013 5:10:16 GMT
Also you can get a cell phone in the commissary but you will have to get a SIM card from the STC office in the community services building. I believe all you need is your passport and an Aramo ID and they are less than 100 SR. As for the dialup I was told dialup was discontinued after the "infection" last year. It did take me two weeks from arrival to get my ADSL connected. Just be locked and loaded and when you get your network ID immediately request SAP access and then immediately request home internet. You can call home immediately from your house phone by enetering your badge number and a password but it is very expensive. At least you can check in with home from time to time until you get a less expensive method. The instructions should be in your apartment when you arrive.
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Post by vpainter on Mar 7, 2013 21:02:26 GMT
wahoo65cavs, thanks for the update on the dialup.
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Post by ukexpat2609 on Mar 26, 2013 12:33:42 GMT
Monique put ur email address on here or send me a PM - I was a secretary in Dhahran and can give u an honest opinion on all things secretarial - vpainters comment about the ball park apartments being 'like a hotel suite' is rather glossy! yes a 1970's hotel suite! no really its fine but I will give u a lot more info ;o)
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Post by Monique Van Rensburg on May 2, 2013 6:48:39 GMT
Hi Ukexpat2609 My email is monique.v67@gmail.comI would appreciate any additional information. Looking forward to hearing from you. Kind regards Monique |
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Post by Orchid on May 6, 2013 12:23:04 GMT
I wonder if you could describe the kitchen a little more, I have a lot of cooking paraphernalia and if space is limited or for example if there is no oven and just a hob, I will bring only equipment that I will be able to use. Many thanks |
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Post by vpainter on May 8, 2013 16:43:20 GMT
Orchid,
The kitchen I saw was small like an efficiency apt. There is a stove with an oven. You will have some cabinets and counterspace.
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Post by Orchid on May 11, 2013 9:11:47 GMT
Vpainter Brilliant that's exactly what I needed to know. Much appreciated |
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Post by Monique Van Rensburg on May 29, 2013 10:32:06 GMT
I resigned on Monday this week so if all goes according to plan I fly to KSA the first week in July 2013.
I am getting excited about the new adventure now and everyone on the forum has been so incredibly helpful.
I do have a question regarding excess lugagge coupons - in the relocation booklet I recieved it states that we get 50kg excess luggage coupons. Do we?
I will ask my relocation officer as well.
Counting the days!!!!
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Post by Orchid on May 31, 2013 6:19:18 GMT
Monique Van Rensburg,
Hiya.
I have been advised (departing from the UK) to pay at the airport and claim it back on arrival. I guess it might depend on your airline.
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