Hashim Abdu Hashim Okaz newspaper Are we a nation of brutal, heartless and backward people? I ask this question with a bleeding heart whenever I read about a crime committed by our students who we send abroad on generous government scholarships. Like many of you, I feel bitter and disillusioned whenever I read or hear about mistakes committed by any of our young male and female students. These students will be harshly punished for their mistakes as they are either ignorant of the laws of their host countries or unaware of the seriousness of their actions. The mistakes they commit will put an end to their dreams and keep them behind bars for decades. It is high time that we provide intensive courses on the laws and customs of countries to which Saudi students go to study in. All scholarship students should be subject to an orientation program for at least a month so they can familiarize themselves with the rules, regulations and traditions of their respective countries of study. The Ministry of Higher Education and cultural attaches at our embassies should closely follow the behavior of every single male and female student and make sure they do not do anything that will get them into trouble. Parents should also keep a watchful eye on their sons and daughters by maintaining regular contact. Our students should not forget who they are and why they are abroad. They should be true ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and convey an unblemished image of their country to foreigners. They should always be careful and never do anything that can get them in trouble and disturb their studies. We may lose our sons and daughters if we leave them to their desires. They will fall victims to lack of oversight and it is up to us to educate them to ensure they have bright futures instead of a life behind bars.
