Process of Interview:
My interviewee was a 23 year old male, Alaadin Hamad from Saudi Arabia. this time i felt more confident and relax in talking with him. i settle a evening time with him at his place on friday. to company him i bought a Hooka (middle eastern way of smoking tobbaco). which was really helpful and he was so happy. even though it was friday night but Alaa cooperate with me and give his best to make our interview better than the best. I already emailed him the question and it was really helpful for him because he got mentally prepered for it .
My interviewee was a 23 year old male, Alaadin Hamad from Saudi Arabia. this time i felt more confident and relax in talking with him. i settle a evening time with him at his place on friday. to company him i bought a Hooka (middle eastern way of smoking tobbaco). which was really helpful and he was so happy. even though it was friday night but Alaa cooperate with me and give his best to make our interview better than the best. I already emailed him the question and it was really helpful for him because he got mentally prepered for it .
Personal Overview:It was easy for me to talk to Alaa . he was really friendly nature personality. Also he was very openminded and was giving me honest opinion. Although I lived in saudi arabia but was not really encountered the saudi culture and tradition. I not only conducted a good interview but also knowledge myself by asking these question.
Country report
Country report
My interviewee was from Saudi Arabia. Following are the some specific detail about Saudi Arabia.
Current King: Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz
Independent Day: 13 September
Currency: Riyal
Political view: Kingdom
Religious view: 100% Islamic
Independent Day: 13 September
Currency: Riyal
Political view: Kingdom
Religious view: 100% Islamic
Saudi Arabia is well known for its distribution of oil all around the world. Also due to religious purpose people who believe in Islam often visit holy places Makah and Medina situated in Saudi Arabia. If we look at the Middle East history, we will see that before Saudis, it was a Turkish kingdom. Saud the first king of Saudi Arabia took the land from turkey and implemented the rules of Islam; he declared the country as the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and himself as a king. It’s been our 100 years and still the royal family is ruling the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
It is said that people were digging for the water, but they were lucky and oil comes out from the ground. Saudi economy is very strong because they are the biggest supplier of oil all over the world. Saudi students get scholarship to study abroad; Saudis are vastly growing in technical world. Although women are not allowed to drive-in Saudi Arabia but still kingdom have strong boundaries and limits.
In Saudi Arabia majority of people are Muslims, so does there are strict rules and regulation. Every woman must wear a veil no matter what. Men are only allowed to own shops and businesses. Women are only allowed to work in some specific places such as hospitals, banks customer service but with rules and regulations. Over past few years Saudi people are very much highlighted, like about 20 years ago a former king Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud (Late) had did a tremendous work for the Muslim people who visited Saudi Arabia for pilgrim purpose. During the era of King Fahd both the holy mosques Al Harem in Makah and masjib Al-Nabawi were restructured and were implemented with so many facilities.
Also the biggest important thing about the Saudi Arabia that their alcohols free country. There are very harsh punishments if being caught with alcohol. Saudi Arabia is a great country to visit from tourism perspective. It has cities as compared to the cities of united sates with tall buildings and amusement parks. But more often people visit for religious purpose. A lot of foreign people live and work in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is the largest country in Middle East who offers thousands and thousands of jobs every year for the people all around the world. Due to current revolution in Egypt and Tunisia, present king Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz had declared a raised in a pay for most of the people. Over all Saudi Arabia is the most strong and well man tined country in Middle East.
Work cited: http://www.countryreports.org/Saudi%20Arabia.aspx
Work cited: http://www.countryreports.org/Saudi%20Arabia.aspx
Transcription:
Moiz: Hi, how are you? My name is Moiz Hashmi
Alaa: O Hey I am good , thank you for asking. I myself Alaadin hammad but you can call me Alaa.
Moiz: Nice to meet you Alaa.
Alaa: Nice to meet you to Moiz.
Moiz: So Alaa where are you from and how old are you?
Alaa: I am from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and I am 23old
Moiz: o wow Jeddah, I been there it’s like a 2nd New York. A city that never sleeps.
Alaa: yeah I know. It’s a great place to live.
Moiz: ahh……it such a great Friday night and I brought a Hookah (Middle Eastern way of smoking tobacco) for you. I hope you like it.
Alaa: are you kidding me, damm man you made my day. I am so happy and appreciated. I really like it thanks tho.
Moiz: No, problem bro, you are most welcome any time.
Alaa: are you bribing me (Laugh)
Moiz: Hell no (laugh)
Moiz: so, you know why are you here for today?
Alaa: yeah, for hooka (laugh) just kidding bro…yup I got your email regarding the question you wana ask me.
Moiz: o great was that helpful at all.
Alaa: yup, it really helped me to know the things you wanted to know from me.
Moiz: before starting the interview, I want your permission to record it.
Alaa: sure ,definitely go head .permission granted (laugh)
Moiz: (smile) thanks man
Moiz: so first question.
Moiz: how will you think that it will be easy to find a job after college?
Alaa: well , this question is some what hard to answer right know but any how if I think to work back home it will be kind of easy for me to get a good job, because I am earning a degree in BCIS( bachelor of computer science) which highly demanded in Saudi Arabia. Also I did a certified course in English language which boosts my chances of getting good job. If I think about getting a job in United States it will be hard because I am an international student and also a Middle Eastern guy. So I would rather preferred going back home and work for my country.
Moiz: I like your spirit. Hope everyone should think about the progress for their own country. I wish you a best of luck for your future.
Alaa: thanks for the wish.
Moiz: No problem any time.
Alaa: I am really enjoying the conversation so far, and with this hookah it gets more relaxing and enjoyable
Moiz: ( with pleasure) thanks bro
Moiz: let see . ahan this question really help me to understand you
Moiz: what was the culture shock you face in US?
Alaa: hmmm. It was total different from back home. Although I did felt hazated talking to people around me. But some time I feel so racism while I am in club or any where partying.
Moiz: so how did you come our it
Alaa: in the beginning it was hard but love and good behavior can break this barrier. Instand of feeling depressed I just meet everyone with a smile and try my best to be friendly with them.
Moiz: ahan… I appreciate your effort
Alaa: thanks man.
Moiz: let’s move on to our third question. Why did you decide to come to SCSU instead of studying or working in your own country?
Alaa: well, i dont have specific reason to come to SCSU. I been to Canada and also I been to other universities in Minnesota like the st.thomas. But I end up in SCSU because it’s a nice and quiet place. People do party on weekends otherwise it’s a good place to live. As studies are concerned in my country I got scholarship to study over here and I am very happy with that.
Moiz: Nice bro.
Moiz: so I know your food and it’s totally different what we have is USA, but I need you opinion on this American diet and why most Americans like it?
Alaa: well, as you know back home we have a lot of good stuff not just pizza and burgers. I majority of people work over here that’s why they don’t get enough time to cook, so they rather choose pizza’s and burgers. I know some of the families that usually cook at home and avoid fast food because they have time and passion for cooking fresh and healthy food.
Moiz: great. Nice answer
Moiz: let’s talk about the climate as compared to here?
Alaa: you know we all get happy when it rain but over here I just hate snow because it restrict us to do outdoor activities. Specially back home in Jeddah the humidity is so high because we have sea over their and it always keep the Jeddah climate hot in day and little bit cool in night.
Moiz: ahan. Yeah I been to Jeddah several time and I feel like sticky whenever I enter in Jeddah due to its climate.
Alaa: yeah it is.
Moiz: o it’s almost 11 pm and we are not half way done
Alaa: its ok take your time we have whole night and to be honest I am really enjoying the hookah.
Moiz: (laugh) So you don’t want me to go
Alaa: well somewhat yes (smile)
Moiz: let see what we have know. O yeah the culture difference?
Alaa: well as you know every country have different tradition and culture so do we have. We are considered as 100 % Islamic country so we have most of the traditions according to Islamic principles. In my country it’s a tradition that we all sit together while having dinner. And also when it is time to pray the male usually go to mosque to pray. Also you will not find a single shop open at the time of pray because at that time we all get together and try our best to worship as much as possible. Also when we do it five times a day it really helps us to get to know each other. But here I don’t know my neighbor at all. Because we never got time to say hi to each other that’s why we don’t know each very well.
Moiz: hmm sounds interesting to know
Alaa: yup and shocking too
Moiz: well, people over here also friendly, we just have to look for them in different places
Alaa: yeah you are right
Moiz: so tell me about your financial stuff. Who really takes care of that?
Alaa: well obviously my father. My mom is a house wife and she takes cares of my siblings. My father work for a government so it’s a hard and stressful job. But at the end of the day he feels happy to see his family all together in the evening.
Moiz: aww. Everyone miss their family a lot. Especially when you have no one over here to spent time with.
Alaa: totally agree. I Miss my family a lot and just want get done soon and then stay with my family
Moiz: sure bro.i wish you a happy and bright future.Ameen
Alaa: Ameen (emotional)
moiz: well let’s carry on. So at what age do men and women spend private time and at what age do they consider marriage?
Alaa: usually most of the marriages in my culture are arranged. But know due to vast ability of internet people interact with each other a lot. We don’t allow young boys and girls to meet each other before getting married. Even though we don’t have the co-education system either.
Moiz: ahan. So it’s good to know that Saudis highly stick with Islamic rules and regulations.
Moiz: so tell me something about your personal experience with racism since coming to US?
Alaa: well, in the beginning I feel that a lot. I was being a victim of racism in clubs. But know I don’t care I just go out chill and party. I never mind if someone back bite for me.
Moiz: what was your preconception about the US before coming here and how have they changed?
Alaa: I came from a most conservative country. What I heard about USA was that its land of freedom but what I realize is that there is a freedom of speech but not a freedom of action. Nowadays back home we have to much protect going on against the corruption by our government and it is a first time that Saudi male and female are protesting against it on roads and in big groups. This is known as freedom. Here the government of United States keeps the people so busy in their jobs and bills that they don’t get enough chance to say something against it. That why people over here don’t know anything about the world.
Moiz: so true, totally agree. I am from Pakistan and I bet if I had ask about Pakistan before 9/11 incident I garuntee that nobody in USA every heard about that country.
Alaa: so true.
Moiz: what is the most important thing you miss in US?
Alaa: obviously my family, friends and the food.
Moiz: how will you define freedom in America?
Alaa: well as I mention early in my answer that there is only freedom of speech but not freedom of action.
Moiz: how are the relationship between your country and US?
Alaa: it’s great. America is being our friend for a long time. Even we have American army in our country for long time. We also provide patrol to USA, so that why I think we have good relationship with them.
Moiz: last but not the least question?
Alaa: we are on last question man. The conservation was so awesome that didn’t realize that know we are on the last question?
Moiz: (smile) good time always pass so fast.
Alaa: yeah very true
Moiz: so, tell me if you want one thing to be changed about this country what would you have change?
Alaa: well the only thing that I concerned is about the hate and racism. That only thing I wanted to be changed and if we all respect each other and don’t judge on skin color or stereotypes. Than this world is an awesome place to live in.
Moiz: good nice advise alaa. We all need to be patience and try our best to finish the misunderstanding between us.
Moiz: o well I really appreciate your time and effort. Really thankful to you for this.
Alaa: o no problem. I am glad you came and brought me a hookah. Really you made my night awesome.
Moiz: thanks man see you around the campus. Best of luck with the finals
Alaa: yeah you too. Take care
Moiz: thanks I will.
Alaa: O Hey I am good , thank you for asking. I myself Alaadin hammad but you can call me Alaa.
Moiz: Nice to meet you Alaa.
Alaa: Nice to meet you to Moiz.
Moiz: So Alaa where are you from and how old are you?
Alaa: I am from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and I am 23old
Moiz: o wow Jeddah, I been there it’s like a 2nd New York. A city that never sleeps.
Alaa: yeah I know. It’s a great place to live.
Moiz: ahh……it such a great Friday night and I brought a Hookah (Middle Eastern way of smoking tobacco) for you. I hope you like it.
Alaa: are you kidding me, damm man you made my day. I am so happy and appreciated. I really like it thanks tho.
Moiz: No, problem bro, you are most welcome any time.
Alaa: are you bribing me (Laugh)
Moiz: Hell no (laugh)
Moiz: so, you know why are you here for today?
Alaa: yeah, for hooka (laugh) just kidding bro…yup I got your email regarding the question you wana ask me.
Moiz: o great was that helpful at all.
Alaa: yup, it really helped me to know the things you wanted to know from me.
Moiz: before starting the interview, I want your permission to record it.
Alaa: sure ,definitely go head .permission granted (laugh)
Moiz: (smile) thanks man
Moiz: so first question.
Moiz: how will you think that it will be easy to find a job after college?
Alaa: well , this question is some what hard to answer right know but any how if I think to work back home it will be kind of easy for me to get a good job, because I am earning a degree in BCIS( bachelor of computer science) which highly demanded in Saudi Arabia. Also I did a certified course in English language which boosts my chances of getting good job. If I think about getting a job in United States it will be hard because I am an international student and also a Middle Eastern guy. So I would rather preferred going back home and work for my country.
Moiz: I like your spirit. Hope everyone should think about the progress for their own country. I wish you a best of luck for your future.
Alaa: thanks for the wish.
Moiz: No problem any time.
Alaa: I am really enjoying the conversation so far, and with this hookah it gets more relaxing and enjoyable
Moiz: ( with pleasure) thanks bro
Moiz: let see . ahan this question really help me to understand you
Moiz: what was the culture shock you face in US?
Alaa: hmmm. It was total different from back home. Although I did felt hazated talking to people around me. But some time I feel so racism while I am in club or any where partying.
Moiz: so how did you come our it
Alaa: in the beginning it was hard but love and good behavior can break this barrier. Instand of feeling depressed I just meet everyone with a smile and try my best to be friendly with them.
Moiz: ahan… I appreciate your effort
Alaa: thanks man.
Moiz: let’s move on to our third question. Why did you decide to come to SCSU instead of studying or working in your own country?
Alaa: well, i dont have specific reason to come to SCSU. I been to Canada and also I been to other universities in Minnesota like the st.thomas. But I end up in SCSU because it’s a nice and quiet place. People do party on weekends otherwise it’s a good place to live. As studies are concerned in my country I got scholarship to study over here and I am very happy with that.
Moiz: Nice bro.
Moiz: so I know your food and it’s totally different what we have is USA, but I need you opinion on this American diet and why most Americans like it?
Alaa: well, as you know back home we have a lot of good stuff not just pizza and burgers. I majority of people work over here that’s why they don’t get enough time to cook, so they rather choose pizza’s and burgers. I know some of the families that usually cook at home and avoid fast food because they have time and passion for cooking fresh and healthy food.
Moiz: great. Nice answer
Moiz: let’s talk about the climate as compared to here?
Alaa: you know we all get happy when it rain but over here I just hate snow because it restrict us to do outdoor activities. Specially back home in Jeddah the humidity is so high because we have sea over their and it always keep the Jeddah climate hot in day and little bit cool in night.
Moiz: ahan. Yeah I been to Jeddah several time and I feel like sticky whenever I enter in Jeddah due to its climate.
Alaa: yeah it is.
Moiz: o it’s almost 11 pm and we are not half way done
Alaa: its ok take your time we have whole night and to be honest I am really enjoying the hookah.
Moiz: (laugh) So you don’t want me to go
Alaa: well somewhat yes (smile)
Moiz: let see what we have know. O yeah the culture difference?
Alaa: well as you know every country have different tradition and culture so do we have. We are considered as 100 % Islamic country so we have most of the traditions according to Islamic principles. In my country it’s a tradition that we all sit together while having dinner. And also when it is time to pray the male usually go to mosque to pray. Also you will not find a single shop open at the time of pray because at that time we all get together and try our best to worship as much as possible. Also when we do it five times a day it really helps us to get to know each other. But here I don’t know my neighbor at all. Because we never got time to say hi to each other that’s why we don’t know each very well.
Moiz: hmm sounds interesting to know
Alaa: yup and shocking too
Moiz: well, people over here also friendly, we just have to look for them in different places
Alaa: yeah you are right
Moiz: so tell me about your financial stuff. Who really takes care of that?
Alaa: well obviously my father. My mom is a house wife and she takes cares of my siblings. My father work for a government so it’s a hard and stressful job. But at the end of the day he feels happy to see his family all together in the evening.
Moiz: aww. Everyone miss their family a lot. Especially when you have no one over here to spent time with.
Alaa: totally agree. I Miss my family a lot and just want get done soon and then stay with my family
Moiz: sure bro.i wish you a happy and bright future.Ameen
Alaa: Ameen (emotional)
moiz: well let’s carry on. So at what age do men and women spend private time and at what age do they consider marriage?
Alaa: usually most of the marriages in my culture are arranged. But know due to vast ability of internet people interact with each other a lot. We don’t allow young boys and girls to meet each other before getting married. Even though we don’t have the co-education system either.
Moiz: ahan. So it’s good to know that Saudis highly stick with Islamic rules and regulations.
Moiz: so tell me something about your personal experience with racism since coming to US?
Alaa: well, in the beginning I feel that a lot. I was being a victim of racism in clubs. But know I don’t care I just go out chill and party. I never mind if someone back bite for me.
Moiz: what was your preconception about the US before coming here and how have they changed?
Alaa: I came from a most conservative country. What I heard about USA was that its land of freedom but what I realize is that there is a freedom of speech but not a freedom of action. Nowadays back home we have to much protect going on against the corruption by our government and it is a first time that Saudi male and female are protesting against it on roads and in big groups. This is known as freedom. Here the government of United States keeps the people so busy in their jobs and bills that they don’t get enough chance to say something against it. That why people over here don’t know anything about the world.
Moiz: so true, totally agree. I am from Pakistan and I bet if I had ask about Pakistan before 9/11 incident I garuntee that nobody in USA every heard about that country.
Alaa: so true.
Moiz: what is the most important thing you miss in US?
Alaa: obviously my family, friends and the food.
Moiz: how will you define freedom in America?
Alaa: well as I mention early in my answer that there is only freedom of speech but not freedom of action.
Moiz: how are the relationship between your country and US?
Alaa: it’s great. America is being our friend for a long time. Even we have American army in our country for long time. We also provide patrol to USA, so that why I think we have good relationship with them.
Moiz: last but not the least question?
Alaa: we are on last question man. The conservation was so awesome that didn’t realize that know we are on the last question?
Moiz: (smile) good time always pass so fast.
Alaa: yeah very true
Moiz: so, tell me if you want one thing to be changed about this country what would you have change?
Alaa: well the only thing that I concerned is about the hate and racism. That only thing I wanted to be changed and if we all respect each other and don’t judge on skin color or stereotypes. Than this world is an awesome place to live in.
Moiz: good nice advise alaa. We all need to be patience and try our best to finish the misunderstanding between us.
Moiz: o well I really appreciate your time and effort. Really thankful to you for this.
Alaa: o no problem. I am glad you came and brought me a hookah. Really you made my night awesome.
Moiz: thanks man see you around the campus. Best of luck with the finals
Alaa: yeah you too. Take care
Moiz: thanks I will.
Picture of Hokka
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