Virologists are medical doctors who oversee the diagnosis and management of viral infections. They also run laboratories and research into different aspects of viruses, from chicken pox to emerging infections like Zika and Ebola.
Saudi Arabia has an extensive education system, including 29 public and 14 private universities. It also has a number of tertiary vocational and technical schools. These offer diploma, associate degree and postgraduate diploma programs, as well as short-term training courses.
Medical Education
Saudi Arabia is a country that is home to some of the world’s largest oil and natural gas resources. It is also a young nation with over 50% of its population under the age of 25.
Medical education is an important component of the Kingdom’s higher education system. This includes medical schools that train future doctors and specialists in various fields of medicine.
Currently, there are more than 15 universities in the Kingdom and 6 medical schools, each with a distinct curriculum. This reflects the country’s commitment to education and its drive for innovation in the health sector.
As a result, medical students are exposed to a variety of courses that may vary in length. It is also important to note that medical students are required to take a pre-medical year of study prior to entering the 5-year undergraduate curriculum in order to gain the necessary knowledge.
Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
In Saudi Arabia, the government has set an ambitious goal to train citizens to fill high-demand jobs across a wide range of industries, including in virology. To meet this challenge, the country has developed a variety of TVET programs, with many available in specialized vocational schools and post-secondary colleges.
The Kingdom’s technical education system focuses on training individuals for industrial and commercial, agricultural, and public service work. It offers a range of vocational programs and short-term certificate courses, as well as on-the-job apprenticeships.
These programs are designed to provide graduates with skills that they can use immediately after graduation. A recent World Bank report finds that TVET graduates are experiencing positive returns in the labor market over time, and that they are able to leverage job transitions toward higher salaries as the economy improves.
The Kingdom also has a number of vocational training centers, which are operated by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation (TVTC). They provide instruction to people in areas such as agriculture, health, sewing, telecommunications, and postal services.
Work Experience
If you want to work in Saudi Arabia, your first step is to get a work permit. This is incredibly difficult to secure unless you have an employment offer, and it’s rare for foreigners to go into Saudi Arabia without an offer in hand.
There are a number of industries that offer job opportunities to foreigners, including oil and gas. However, as part of its ‘Vision 2030’, Saudi Arabia is diversifying its economy away from oil. This means that there are more options available in the areas of engineering, IT, healthcare and medicine, banking and financial services, teaching (especially women), telecommunications, and construction.
Remuneration packages for highly skilled workers are competitive compared to those in other Gulf countries, and a tax-free salary can mean more money in your pocket. The country also offers a lower cost of living than most other Middle Eastern countries.
The culture in Saudi Arabia is very much a family one. Personal relationships play a key role in business and trust is essential. This is why you should try to meet your Saudi counterparts face-to-face rather than over the telephone or email.
Arabic is the primary language of business in Saudi Arabia, and it’s best to learn it before you go. This will improve your chances of finding a job in the country, as it will help you understand the country’s customs and culture.
