yeslam fammak , man write on !!
keep on writing , keep it coming , i light up reading your stuff , our likes are not few , may the day come when our voices are actually heard,

and it will! never stop ya Ostaz.i won’t stop either, not stopping might inspire the change needed, write on….

1. As already mentioned in the comments, most Saudis who come to the US initially enroll in an English program before starting their university studies. This varies from 6 months to 2 years.

2. I don’t know about this batch of scholarships, but while at various universities in the US in the late 90′s to mid 2000′s, I can assure you that their disciplines were not as narrow as you think – many were in education and related programs, for example.

Research as a major promotional criterion for almost all North American academics is more a phenomenon of the 90′s. Until then, and still in some positions in some universities it was/is possible to advance and get tenure without a major research contribution.

Hopefully the new wave of Saudi scholarship graduates will keep up with current demands and contribute well to the academic and scientific evolution of the country.

The comparison with the 70’s and 80’s program is very interesting and thought stimulating. Most of those who got the higher degree by that time are teaching in universities right now. But how many of them did publish a reputable research, how many of them did build an international reputation? … I am afraid the answer won’t be that pretty!!

Preparation in humanities and philosophy makes better professional whatevers as recruiters and employers have discovered. It also sets a base of people within the country who have been exposed to alternate views and can transmit these sotto voce if necessary, and even if only to those in their immediate sphere–or via blogs!

Since there are academic departments of foreign languages and literatures in
Saudi universities it is good to have Saudis well-trained to be their professors. This elevates the level of study in such departments, and due to ongoing research gives prominence to Saudis and Saudi themes in international academic circles, eg on topics not usually covered in the media, or perhaps even within Saudi commonly.

Many students from highly homogenous and restrictive countries change profoundly over the course of a scholarship period which can be as long as 7 years and happens at formative time whether for undergrad, grad, or postgrad, ie late adolescence/ early adulthood. At the very least they share this evolution with immediate family, friends, and trusted contacts, even if some do “revert” on return. Often the change is seen in expectations of, and opportunities given to children including daughters, rather than with choice of wife, lifestyle, etc.