Amanda Wright is a Tuskegee native and Howard University alumna. In 2021, the 38-year-old relocated from Atlanta to South Korea. Though her original desire was to move to the Middle East, she did not have much teaching experience at the time. Thus, it was easier for her to secure a job in South Korea.

“I was offered a job in Thailand as well but ultimately decided on South Korea because the pay was higher, and they also paid for housing, unlike Thailand,” says Amanada.

Despite not being her first choice, Amanda made the move to Korea. But within weeks of her moving there, she knew she did not wish to remain there very long.

“The pay is not as high as the Middle East and for me, it was a difficult adjustment and underwhelming. Also, I felt like at times it was a bit xenophobic and prejudiced toward non-Koreans. I also struggled with the work-life balance in Korea, as it was quite toxic, in my opinion. It might actually be worse than in the States.”

Her work contract in Korea would soon be ending, so, knowing that she really wanted to move to the Middle East, Amanda began to apply for jobs around the region.

“I applied for jobs in multiple countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. I was offered three jobs: two in Kuwait and one in Saudi Arabia. Ultimately, I decided to go with Saudi Arabia as the country has so much mystery and has always appealed to me.”

mecca, saudi arabia