Student profiles: Flight attendants from Saudi Arabia

On Sunday we welcomed a unique group to the International College: 8 female flight attendants from Saudi Arabia, working for HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal’s Kingdom Holding Company.

We had the chance to chat with Reem, Maha, and Hanan about their unique professional background, the importance of English in an global world, and their experience at St Clare’s so far.

Find out more about English Courses at St Clare’s

Can you tell us a bit more about what you do?

Hanan: We work as flight attendants on a private jet.

Maha: It’s one of the biggest! It’s a huge airplane – a 747-400. It is just used by the Prince, his family, guests and his entourage.

Are you perfecting your English to better communicate with his guests?

M: The guests are usually Saudi as well. We actually use English with our other colleagues, as they come from all over the world. We also need English because we travel around the world, and the global standard is English.

Reem: The Prince gives us loads of opportunities for professional development. We are the first Saudi Ladies to work as flight attendants – ever! – so he wants to support us in everything. We are one of a kind!

Why did you choose to study British English?

M: We think that British English is the best!

H: We like the British accent so much.

M: I see British English as the standard, whereas American English sounds more casual to me…

Are you enjoying staying with a host family?

R: Staying with a host family is a completely new experience to me, so it was a bit of a shock as I’m used to living on my own!

M: I’m super happy with my family. They have recently become grandparents, and are super adorable. They have the babies over in the morning, but I haven’t had the chance to meet them yet. It’s quiet, the house is clean and nice. I’m really happy there.

H: My family is completely different – they have a dog and kids! Overall it’s a good experience, as we get to practice our English with native speakers every evening.