ELC BLOG

Faris and Saud Alogayyel are beloved brothers here at ELC Santa Barbara. They were both born and raised in Saudi Arabia, more specifically, the city of Riyadh. They feel that traveling here together was the best decision they could’ve made! Today we sat under the warm California sun to learn a little more about these two awesome guys 🙂

Where are you from? Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Faris, I am 22 years old. We were born and raised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I graduated with a degree in Business Administration.

My name is Saud, I am 19 years old. I am still in college. We have three brothers and two little sisters. There are seven of us!

What are your hobbies?

Faris- I love all sports! Soccer, swimming, and table tennis!

Saud- Me too, my favorites are volleyball, soccer and swimming!

Do you have any hidden talents?

Faris- Secretly, I love to sing!

Saud- I love writing stories about politics and different cultures. A lot of people do not know about Saudi Arabian culture so I like to share.

Did you experience culture shock when you first came to the USA?

We have done a lot of traveling so no. There are a lot of differences though!

Like what?

Faris- There are a lot of bars and clubs here. We have none back home.

Saud- I see a lot of different nationalities here! People are also more friendly here.

What do you miss about your country?

OUR FAMILY!!!

Saud- We have tea and eat with our entire family every day so it’s been a lot different.

Faris- My mom’s food! All the food here does not compare!

Why did you choose Santa Barbara?

Faris- I saw lots of pictures! I also heard about the nice weather, and good transportation.

Saud- I read about Santa Barbara and heard that a lot of famous people live here.

What do you like about ELC?

Faris- You all motivate me to study! I love teacher Michael Steady! I don’t like the weekends because there is no school 🙁

Saud- Teacher Michael! He includes everyone, respects their opinion, and gives individual attention.

What advice would you give to new students?

Saud- Introduce yourself to other students and people everywhere you go. Don’t be shy!

Faris- Choose a good friend. One who respects your opinion.

Any closing remarks?

Faris- Thank you everyone here at ELC! Teachers! Everyone! I will try to come again to say hi! I will miss you all!

Saud- I learned sooo much in such a short time! Thank you for all the smiles and motivation! I am so thankful!