John, Engineering Specialist
"The experience of being part of and contributing to the legacy of Saudi Aramco is truly worthwhile."
For John, a Canadian, the discovery of ice hockey leagues in Saudi Arabia have helped bring the years he and his wife, Carol, spent in Calgary just a little bit closer. When he joined in the fun by becoming part of a recreational hockey team, it became one more unique experience for a Saudi Aramco expatriate.
He and Carol have also become close friends with other couples in the Dhahran area, who share similar interests and, coincidentally, acquaintances from Canada. "It shows you that it's a small world," John says, "and also how mobile experienced oil and gas professionals have become."
John says they take advantage of technology to stay in touch with their friends and family. It is fun to use Skype to visit with the children who are attending schools in Canada and France: "It’s a great way to maintain contacts, which are very important to us."
Recreation takes many forms, from library visits and movies, to touring local sights and markets, traveling, gardening, participating in volunteer work and team sports. Carol can often be found on the running path, and they also enjoy golf, baseball, swimming, sailing, yoga, cycling and long walks.
"The efforts and opportunities made to ensure expat communities feel at home are amazing," she explains.
Of his work in the company’s upstream operations, John says he’s found satisfaction and reward. He and his colleagues work on “challenging projects in a multicultural and professional organization,” and enjoy playing a key role in transferring knowledge and optimizing the drilling of Aramco’s oil and gas wells.
