Hello Intrepid English Learners, it’s me, Lorraine! How have you all been?
For those of you who don’t already know, I have been working on a special project in Saudi Arabia for just over a year now. The original plan was for me to work for three months on a project to set up an English school in the northwestern desert region of Saudi. After much deliberation and conversations with the wonderful Intrepid English Team, I decided to take a leap of faith and hopped on a flight. The project went so well that three months turned into a year of incredible experiences, a lot of challenges and more than a few lessons learned.
As an avid traveller, I’m no stranger to cultural differences, but I cannot understate how formative the last year has been for me. If you’re interested in finding out more about my experience, you might like to read this article in which I detail some of the biggest takeaways from my desert adventure.
While I am deeply grateful for the opportunity, I would say that a year in the desert was just about my limit. I’m delighted to report that I have now relocated to Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia. It’s delightful to be back in a big city again. The public transport. The live music. Pavements!

So, what’s this exciting announcement?
Working on the project in Tabuk made it clear to me just how much training and development in languages, environmental knowledge, and business skills are needed in the region. As Intrepid English turned 11 years old in October, I felt inspired to bring the empowering, inclusive, personalised learning experience that makes the Intrepid community so special to Saudi Arabia. While discussing this with my long-term business partner and friend, Dr Mohammed Gad, the idea for a sister company to Intrepid English blossomed and a new company, Bridge to Excellence (‘Jassour’ in Arabic) was born.
As I look forward to 2025, I’m filled with optimism. I’m incredibly excited about the future of Intrepid English and Jassour. On a personal level, I am really looking forward to having a little more time to rest and travel, as the last year has been non-stop work and very little time to experience the ancient and intriguing culture of Saudi Arabia.
But, of course, more than anything else, I am looking forward to reconnecting with each and every member of the Intrepid English Community.
How have you all been? I’d love to hear all about your 2024 in the comments below. What have been the biggest wins this year, and what are you looking forward to in 2025? What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned in English recently? I’ve missed you all so much – Let’s catch up!
As 2024 draws to a close and we usher in a brand new year, I am so pleased to be back where I belong in the Intrepid English Community.
Here’s to a fantastic 2025 for everyone. Wishing you all the best!
Lorraine
Want to know more? Check out this video summary of my 2024 on LinkedIn