Running Head SAUDI STUDENTS IN THE USA .docx
- 1. Running Head: SAUDI STUDENTS IN THE USA 1 SAUDI STUDENTS IN THE USA 2 Saudi students in the USA 1. Background section Is it ok to say that public opinion is one of the significant issues when it comes to the citizens of a given country? This has gone even further for the students in another state to live in fear of not having the freedom to suggest what they would want to speak. It is one of the significant issues that Saudi students in the united states face (Griffin, Small, Clanagan, 2018). I, therefore, developed further interest in observing what these students were going through during their stay in the united states. My main aim for researching these students is to try to find out more about the cases that have been emerging out of the public threat from the government of Saudi. The community being studied will be Saudi students in the united states. It comprises of the students who have secured scholarships to study in the
- 2. united states of America (Griffin, Small, Clanagan, 2018). My role in this community was conducting my research, then leave the city. Therefore, I was just among the non-participant observer. 2. Methodology 1. Note-taking 2. questionnaire 3. Observation Note-taking It is a technique of data collection where I decided to interview a set of Saudi students. In the process, I was able to note take some specific important information from the students, together with their suggestions about the whole issue. The interview process was on a personal level; hence the students decided to open up their hearts without hiding anything. Therefore, it was one of the helpful techniques where I was in a position of collecting optimum feelings of the victims towards the main list of the research. Observation It is a data collection technique where I was forced to observe the whole community of Saudi students in the united states of America. Basically, one of the ways I applied was my observation techniques was through interacting with them on one in the study institutions, where they lived, and also through social media. Through this technique, I was able to notice the reaction of the students, especially when this topic was brought up. Questionnaire This is where I decided to give out a sheet of the question paper. This question contained a set of questions which revolved around the topic list. From the answers we obtained, we were able to understand what the students have been going through the whole process. Findings from the data collection technique. It is and was very depressing, having to realize that currently, freedom of speech is still an issue in some countries,
- 3. especially in this new period. We were able to notice a level of hatred that these students had towards the given topic of our research. These students always expect to make new friends through socializing and to know how they think differently when an issue arises. However, all this turns out to become a nightmare since the students will shift all the energy, he or she had to power of maintaining silence to avoid uncertainty to happen. These students, what they say, is that they are in a position of speaking more about their country. If they do so, then their life is at stake. Meaning there are some sets of penalties if someone decides to leak any information about their country to the stranger. It so unfortunate to them in such a way they cannot indulge in any of the class discussion about their country. Some of us might have questions on how the government is in a position of realizing whether one has leaked something or not. It is possible since there are some sets of spies within the students themselves who take the information to the government in case one opens up. 3. Literature review. In this section, we further took a step in investigating more from the previous researchers who have been researching these issues. Some of the researchers are very bitter over the given topic about the whole point (Ammann, 2005). These scholars and the researchers went further in investigating the issue of that face the Saudi students in the united states. What they found out has a similarity from the field research I carried out. These scholars suggested that the Saudi government denied knowing all these issues that revolved around their students from the country. Adam Cole, who was a researcher in human rights in the Middle East section of the United States, gave out a transparent scenario of what the students of Saudi passed through (Ammann, 2005). He said that he was contacted by johns Hopkin professor, who was more upset about the activities done by their Saudi embassy towards its citizen, who was a student in the respective country.
- 4. The student received a couple of massages that were life- threatening. These massages come from the embassy of Saudi(Ammann, 2005). The student was directed to take charge of the whole process of anti-student events around the university. Failure to do so, the student would face a thorough consequence from the Saudi government. This was possible because the Saudi government had already delegated to keep track of the whole event. One of the unknown students gave out information on how the Saudi embassy has organized its spies wherever the students are engaged. He says that the Saudi embassy has the set of either two or one spies who is responsible for giving out every information about any event organized by them. Hence this why they have no power to demonstrate their suggestions and feeling towards the negatives of their country (Mason, 2017). The whole issue is not new to the Saudi embassy since the entire affair was known by the former FBI agent Frank Montoya. He suggested that some of the cases were forwarded about a similar issue while he was still an agent. What was more frustrating being that the agency was not concerned by then with the problem, and also, they did not believe the whole issue was just a trend(Mason, 2017)? Frank Montoya also suggested that he has been talking to the current FBI agents who have said that the whole issue has been expanding, especially during the reign of Prince Mohammed. When more investigation was carried out, the FBI team suggested that they have no comment on the alleged Saudi spies. The human rights organizations, together with other critics, suggest that the current prince has the power to silence everyone to maintain his decency. It was very evident in September 2017 when the Saudi kingdom arrested more than twenty people. They claimed that they have been exposing the intelligence activity of a given country with the benefit of helping the outside party(Mason, 2017). Two months later, the other three hundred people were arrested for the claims in partaking in corruption practices.
- 5. 4. Conclusions Every government ought to fully understand that the power comes from the subject and not them. It very important for everyone to know that the government has to set some sets of rules for the citizens, and they have to understand that they, too, have the power when they come together. Energy can become helpful but sometimes can also become a threat, especially to the subject to that power (Mason, 2017). Power can make the subject slaves for the rest of their lives. Hence any authority needs to come up with the best governing style, which will become conversant to the citizens of the country. For example, if the governing system of the Saudi government is conversant, then it means that its citizens will live freely, not subjected to the existing threats (Mason, 2017). Some sets of measures have to be taken by the human rights body to ensure the rights of the students of Saudi countries are protected from the unjust full action. Also, they have to ensure that the students have the freedom of speech wherever they are which will help in releasing them to the jail of life they have been subjected in Reference Mason, J. (2017). Freedom of speech Griffin, E., Clanagan, J., Small, L., CodeBlack Entertainment., L.S. Productions., & Vivendi Visual Entertainment (Firm). (2008). Freedom of speech. Sherman Oaks, Calif.: Codeblack Entertainment
- 6. Ammann, D., Ammann, D., Ammann, D., Ammann, D., Ammann, D., & Ensemble fürNeueMusikZürich. (2005). The freedom of speech Groen, L., &Stronks, M. (2010). Entangled rights of freedom: Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the non- discrimination principle in the Dutch Wilders case. The Hague, Netherlands: Eleven International Publishing Running Head: SAUDI STUDENTS IN THE U.S SAUDI STUDENTS IN THE U.S Survey Report Saudi Students in the U.S Background
- 7. The survey mainly looks to answer the question: the degree of safety that one feels while living away from their country. whereby the focus community in this case is the Saudi Arabia student community living in the United States. The main issue that is the focus of the paper is to prove that actually living away from you home country is stressful and one will not feel safe as compared to be living. This is normal, for everyone as they tend to start living in a new environment which actually has a very different culture than what one is sued to in their home country. So, this being obvious the exact item that needs to be identified is what is the Degree of safety one feels. The population includes all the people that are living in the United States and were previously lying in Saudi Arabia. Half of these correspondents are students and the other half did not specify their vocation. Form the population of six correspondents only one was female the other were males. The actual role I take among the group is non-participatory observer. It would be easy of the studying the community from an observation point of view. Methods There were typical methods that were used to collect the data for the survey, since the correspondents were from different geographical locations it meant that the methods that could be used would be limited. Observation: This technique of data collection was instrumental as it really helped to look at or observe the community of Saudi Students in the U.S. that were near me. The observation was feasible when I was able to interact with the population, mainly in studying institutions before things changed, but lately it was mostly through social media due to the circumstance. Through this one is able to identify their feedback especially if the topic at hand is brought up. Questionnaire: This was designed to be taken through online platforms, that helped in designing a set of questions to the correspondents. The questions obviously were carefully
- 8. designed to revolve around the topic/ therefore form the answers of each respondent gave out a point of view that was able to understand their attitude towards this issue at hand. This method was the most instrumental because it helped in reaching different geographical locations which made the data collected more inclusive and not bias of only one area. Results The results were not at all surprising. The results were collected in a scale and all the correspondents were asked to mark the degree, which showed how safe they felt while living in the United States. The scale ranged from one to five, 1= very safe, 2= safe, 3= neither safe/unsafe, 4 = unsafe, 5= very unsafe. Two of the respondents said that they felt safe, three of the respondents felt neither safe/unsafe and one of the respondents claimed they felt very unsafe. Looking at the results it is conclusive to say that the degree of being safe maybe represented by unsafe. This particular supports the hypothesis, that claimed that living in a new environment of in anew environment in this case will definitely make one feel unsafe especially if there are different aspects such as cultural differences. When particularly looking at Saudi Arabia and the United States. Conclusion The survey results showed that the correspondents felt that they were unsafe and looking back at the research question, “what is the degree of safety that you feel while living away form your country?” The results being divided into three degrees, safe, neither safe/unsafe and very unsafe it creates a vivid picture that shows the attitude of Saudi Arabia community living in the U.S. at the current moment. But all this can be synthesized into the single degree of feeling unsafe. This helps to create the perfect response for this survey and support the hypothesis, that actually claims that living in a foreign country somewhat feel like you are not safe. In addition to these there are derivable
- 9. that need to be focus on, such as work or school environment, the cultural differences and if one has family or familiar people like friends in the U.S. these factors actually makes the research to have different answers (Alsahafi & Shin, 2019). The only biases of the research are the number of participants, definitely only six people would not provide the substantive results that would represent the Saudi Arabia community in the U.S. References Abdel Razek, A. N. A. (2012). An exploration of the case of Saudi students' engagement, success and self-efficacy at a Mid- Western American university (Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron). Alsahafi, N., & Shin, S. C. (2019). Factors affecting the academic and cultural adjustment of Saudi international students in Australian universities. Journal of International Students, 2017 Vol. 7 (1), 7(1), 53-72.
- 10. Appendices Figure 1 Degree of Safety while Residing in the United States Very Safe 1 Safe 2 Safe/Unsafe 3 Unsafe 4 Very Unsafe 5 Correspondents II III I Male to Female Ratio
- 11. Age of the Respondents Age 23 27 28 30 35 1 1 1 2 1 Gender Male Female 5 1 Running head: INTERVIEW RESULTS ANALYSIS REPORT 1 INTERVIEW RESULTS ANALYSIS REPORT 4 Interview Results Analysis Report Abstract The interview held on Monday, 17th February 2020 at Ahmed’s apartment in Boca Raton, Florida aimed at creating an
- 12. understanding of how Saudi students felt about studying in America. Specifically, the study aimed at identifying what challenges if any the Saudi students in America encountered and how they solved those problems if they ever did. The study revealed that the greatest challenge the Saudi students was the difference in culture in the United States as compared to their homes. In America, they found that people were more open minded about concepts and life and openly addressed such areas. The interview concluded by revealing that time created the opportunity for Saudi students to learn and acquire cultural competency which further facilitated the opportunity for Saudi students to enjoy the benefit of the high-quality education provided in the United States. Interview Results Analysis Report Background The study focused on investigating whether or not the Saudi Student’s living in the United States enjoyed the freedom to discuss issues that concerned their native country. Also, study aimed at identifying the challenges that Saudi students in the United States experience. In America, public opinion is considered an important cultural tool that identifies the key issues facing society and further provides suggestion on what can be done to improve the situation or solve the problem entirely. This study, therefore, sought to investigate how the American culture impacted the Saudi students. The interview was conducted to collect relevant data on what Saudi students perceived of the American culture and what impact studying in America had on their lives and mindset. All interview questions were aimed at identifying how different things were in Saudi as compared to in the United States but focusing only on the educational sector. Methods To ensure that the interviewee was as comfortable as possible the interview was held at the interviewee’s residence in Boca Raton, Florida. The interview was held on the Monday, 17th
- 13. February 2020. The two methods employed in collecting data during the interview were the use of a voice recorder as well as note taking. For note taking, some of the important techniques applied were such as using short phrases to capture data as opposed to writing complete sentences. The phrases captured were often direct quotes such as words he used to describe his experience. The relevance of this technique was to ensure that the report prepared after the interview would reflect either an exact representation or something close to the exact representation of what the interviewee had in mind when providing the responses. The recording would help capture points and clues missed during the initial interview. At his apartment, the interviewee was calm and composed and the environment was net and quiet making it conducive for the interview. Results and Discussion Provided that the interview was recorded, and notes are taken, the session was followed by another session where the researcher transcribed the interview for further analysis. The interview transcription is attached below. See Appendix ii. The interview revealed that at first Saudi students found the culture in the United States different (Alsahafi and Shin, 2019). It was difficult to understand whether the Saudi students found the American culture different in a good way or a bad way. Ahmed the interviewee however explained that with time, studying and residing in the United States got easier. However, he stated that the key was to develop cultural competence and have an open mind towards the difference in the various cultures that exist in the world. Conclusion First, from the interview, it was evident that Saudi student’s indeed have a difficult time adapting in the United States. The cultural difference could at first offset the Saudi students (Abdel Razek, 2012). However, Ahmed the interviewee explained that with time, the students begin to become more open minded as they learn and understand the culture in the
- 14. United States. Also, Ahmed explained that he as a Saudi student and an accurate representative of the Saudi students enjoyed studying in the United States because the opportunities of learning and quality of education in the United Sates was far higher than what was offered back home in Saudi. The central and unifying theme was, therefore, that Saudi student’s while they faced challenges settling in and accepting the culture in the United States, the more culturally competent they became the easier it became for them to enjoy life as American Students. However, Ahmed also explained that even after four years of studying in the United States, he continued to proudly identify himself in his country Saudi and with his culture and people. The information provided helped my topic by answering the research questions. The answers Ahmed were meaningful because they clarified some of the assumptions held against Saudi students studying in the United States (Abdel Razek, 2012). The interview was void of any obvious researcher or participant bias and appeared to be honest open and accurate. Appendices Appendix i. References Abdel Razek, A. N. A. (2012). An exploration of the case of Saudi students' engagement, success and self-efficacy at a Mid- Western American university (Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron). Alsahafi, N., & Shin, S. C. (2019). Factors affecting the academic and cultural adjustment of Saudi international students in Australian universities. Journal of International Students, 2017 Vol. 7 (1), 7(1), 53-72. Appendix ii. Transcript of the Interview Abdul: “Hello Ahmed, how are you?” Ahmed: “I am good, how are you?” Abdul: “I am good, thank you.” Abdul: “I am making a research about the Saudi student’s life in the U.S and I have a couple questions that I want to ask you if
- 15. that’s okay with you?” Ahmed: “Yeah sure!” Abdul: “Okay, what do you think about living in the U.S as an international student? How do you feel about that?” Ahmed: “The U.S. presents a great opportunity for people eager for learning and accomplishment. Throughout my studies at different institutions in the U.S., I have learned a lot in my field as well as in other disciplines. I saw that in myself and in other classmates who came from other countries around the world. We used to take classes together, accumulate our knowledge and experience, and perfect our scores. It is amazing to see what they have accomplished after they graduate and to notice the level of professionalism I achieved along the way, also.” Abdul: “I see, and have you faced any problem(s) with adapting in the U.S? If yes, what is/are it/they?” Ahmed: “After being used to a specific lifestyle back in my home country, I faced some obstacles trying to adapt to life in the U.S. It did not take me much time to grasp the flow of everyday life here in the U.S. One of first challenges I faced, is dealing with public transportation. At the time, I had no previous knowledge or experience, and it cost me time to ask friends about it. After that, it became an everyday process that requires no thinking. ” Abdul: “Okay, and what do you think about the American culture?” Ahmed: “I admire the open-mindedness of people, which is inherently in American culture. People are adherent to their culture, and also open to exploring other traditions and cultures.” Abdul: “What are the differences between the education in Saudi Arabia and the U.S?” Ahmed: “Although education in Saudi Arabia is not as advanced as education here in the U.S., graduating Bachelor students in the fields of Science and Engineering in Saudi Arabia are comparable if not competent to the graduates of matching fields
- 16. in the U.S. Officials in Saudi Arabia are trying to raise the level of the outcomes of Saudi universities to match the requirements of the labour market.” Abdul: “Could you describe a situation in which you felt it’s necessary to be an ambassador for your country?” Ahmed: “Being an international student in the US has taught me a lot through many situations and occasions. One of the lessons that I learned, is to set a good example of my culture and the country I come from. Whenever I take a new class, I introduce myself to my classmates with my name at first. However, sometimes they get curious about the origin of my name, since it is not so much common. I have made many friends from the US as well as other countries around the world. I always focus on conveying a good image about my country, culture and our tradition. I remember helpful conversations that yielded a deeper understanding of our tradition. That all is added to the help in reviewing and revising course material and preparing for exams. It leaves a good impression about myself and the culture I represent.” Abdul: “What are the differences between the education in Saudi Arabia and the U.S?” Ahmed: “” Abdul: “Has your experience here in the U.S helped you gain an ability to communicate effectively within and among diverse cultural groups? If so, could you cite specific examples?” Ahmed: “Having friends and classmates representing different cultures from many backgrounds is an eye-opening experience. It stimulates critical thinking and facilitates progress of conversion. During my English language program, I participated in extracurricular activities that involved initiating and continuing conversations with classmates as well as others. Talking with others whom I have barely met in a foreign language gets me out of my comfort zone, however it also forces my brain to be sharp and spontaneous.”