What's it like working in the Middle East? Here are some of our recruits talking about their experiences.

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to work in KSA. Along with the amazing experience, friends, and travels, the extra money I saved allowed me to pay off all my student loans so I may start school again, debt free!" Catharine, RN, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

"My name is Lisa, I am a Canadian Registered Respiratory Therapist and made my move to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with the help of Helen Ziegler and Associates. It continues to be one of the best life choices I have ever made. I have grown as a therapist and as a person in ways I could have never imagined, I have visited seven countries so far, have met people from all over the world and have established many lifelong friendships. I know I made the right choice in choosing Helen Ziegler and Associates as my recruiter!" — Lisa, RRT, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

“My United Arab Emirates experience has been quite interesting, to say the least. However, it is a different world out there and it’s not without wonders. One juggles through many questions when deciding to move to UAE for work, hopefully my experience here in UAE can provide some support to that notion.

Abu Dhabi is the capital of United Arab Emirate, 80% of its population consist of expatriates from many different countries making English the primary spoken language here but with a variety of accents. No worries on communication here, if you can speak English. As for communicating with patients, many speak English, for those who don’t, hospital provides interpreter and they’re readily available.

Abu Dhabi has its own beauty, one of the most beautiful countries in the world, in my opinion. Buildings and architectures here are truly amazing. Where else in the world could you appreciate men made islands having more skyscrapers than you can count. Once, a desert now holds more buildings from the world’s top architects. There is a lot to do here, if you like to stay busy and socialize. It’s like 31 flavors here, something for everyone. Dubai is another major city here, which is about 1.5 hour drive and there is a lot to see/do there as well.

Helen and Ziegler Associates had been a blessing in making the transition. They have an amazing and efficient team that provides you with any and every possible information you may need. I can say from my experience that moving to Abu Dhabi was even smoother transition than moving to another state.

HZA team provided me with all the necessary details, constant updates on the application process, submitted all my required documents to the Human Resources. I am truly very grateful for all their effort, which made things quite easy upon my arrival here. I would recommend anyone who’s interested in applying to work in UAE/Saudi Arab, contact Helen Zeigler Associates. Even if you decide not to go through with working abroad, at least you will get the correct information.” — RRT, Abu Dhabi, UAE

"Hi!! I'm experiencing all of it!! So very happy I came. Meeting so many people. Work is awesome. I've even been to an embassy party! Edge of the world!!! All set to get my igama. It's been a smooth transition. Thank you for everything!! Hopefully some friends from the U.S. Will want to follow. I will hook them up with the best. You!!!" — Leila, Registered Nurse, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

"Greetings from warm Abu Dhabi! Everything is very organized and going very well so far. I am very impressed with the organization and the accommodation and compound are absolutely beautiful." — Veronique, Registered Nurse, Abu Dhabi, UAE

"Since coming to Saudi Arabia, I have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, been on safari, and been to Zanzibar. In short, life is terrific. I've met the man of my dreams (I came here to be single - oops!), saved more money than ever before, and gone on my dream trip to Africa. Thank you so much for being instrumental in changing my life in the hugest way and for your patience and encouragement to do the scariest thing I've ever done. My heartfelt thanks for your hard work." — Jennifer, Registered Nurse, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

"This is my ultimate experience in the nursing travel career. I will not ask for a better experience then to win the lottery. Literally, am having a blast. Love you guys. Bye y’all" — Khalid, Registered Nurse, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Things are going very well. This really is an amazing place. So far the staff has been wonderful. I appreciate everything you have done to help me get here. I will keep you posted. Please tell Elaine I said hello I have give quite a few people your information. Thank you again." — Raymond, RRT, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

"...Some people think I should be the hospital greeter at the airport (because that's how much I love it here). It is all mind set. If you are positive then the experience will be positive." — Lorrie, Registered Nurse, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

"Do not stress about packing…all you need is EMPTY suitcases, your passport, and money!!! You greatly understated the shopping here…" — Danielle, Registered Nurse, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

"Overall I would highly recommend this experience to anybody. Its fantastic! The life is good, the work is challenging, but rewarding, and the opportunity to have a new adventure kills any negativity in the experience.

I have already been to Thailand and Sri Lanka, and next month I'm off to Lebanon and The Philippines...now thats incentive enough!" — Cody, Registered Nurse, Abu Dhabi, UAE

"It is warm, I don't pay taxes, and I can get a Starbucks Latte. How good is that?" — Marlene, Registered Nurse, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

"I think anyone with a serious sense of adventure and willingness to look at life from another angle can find plenty of ways to be happy here." — Steve, Eegistered Nurse, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

"The Saudis have been very hospitable and have welcomed my colleagues and me enthusiastically." — Edwin, Registered Nurse, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

"I just signed on for another year! I am currently working on a committee to begin a chapter of AACN in Riyadh. I still work with Magnet and various projects in the unit. I so very much enjoy working in this multicultural environment and getting to know the Saudi people. I can not say it is easy but it has definitely been worth it. I look forward to doing all I can to help it be a better hospital and encourage the new Saudi nurses in their career development." — Christine, Registered Nurse, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

"Things here have been amazing. The city is very beautiful. I am glad to have been given this opportunity. I was skeptical about moving to a big city, let alone one in the middle east, but I am settling in very nicely. " — Zackery, Registered Nurse, Abu Dhabi