My biggest gripes in the past about the US Embassy have been just getting through security and the level of manners of those who you have to deal with before you even get in the door. Previously, there were only grunts and gestures from most of the guards and those at the "reception" counter either spoke very little English or were rude in general - like they owned the place. Yeh!
All that has gone away. And the last several times that I've been there, not only have they immediately located my name on the guest list (imagine that!), but they have pronounced my name CORRECTLY and with a smile. Shazayam. The first point of contact guards (the guys on the street) smile and even joke and are very polite. I like what I'm seeing. It all screams, "Welcome" - which is all that I really wanted; to feel included at my own embassy in the presence of my homies.
Well, "included" has extended to people like my friend, Media Girl, who went out of her way (after reading some of my more negative posts about the embassy) to change my impression. I call it "process improvement." My philosophy is that if you know there is a PR problem with the organization, don't pretend that it isn't there and that it is going away, but confront it positively and try to change it. Isn't that the nature of true statesmanship? She did (kindly and diplomatically) and I am very grateful. She also goes out of her way in extending invitations and being a wonderful hostess. There are others like her, but she was first and took it as her mission to change my mind. Thank you, girlfraynd. I sincerely admire you (and I miss you! When are we getting together?! It has been too long.)
So, my latest compliment to the US Embassy comes today. Je am impressed. For the first time in my FIFTEEN YEARS in Kuwait, I heard a representative of the US Embassy, Ms. Wendy Ryde (I hope I'm spelling her name right), Consul General, was on FM 99.7 this morning talking about the embassy and their new program,"Ask the Consul." It is all about answering people's questions about visa and other Embassy/US requirements. Did you know that the US Embassy processed 30,000 visas in 2011? Oh.My.God! ... and I've heard that they are doing it with much more grace and kindness than in previous years. (You don't want your experience at any embassy to be negative, so the people on the front line must really have the right mix of personality and professionalism. They are basically "selling" the concept of tourism/trade to people wanting to go there.) And... it sounds like Ms. Ryde has the right personality for the job. If I were going to be on the radio, I would probably sound like a babbling moron (not too far from the truth, as you know). Ms. Ryde has a great voice and quite welcoming.
She also talked about an education expo on tomorrow night (Feb 21) from 6pm to 9pm at the Regency ballroom. 16 schools/universities will be there and there will be reps from the Embassy and Amideast to answer questions. I have to call The Man and make sure that he goes, so that Pretty Girl will have a better chance at a scholarship maybe. Her year in the States through the exchange program is almost over and the time for planning is already passing. Yala!
Anyhoo, as a long-time American resident in Kuwait, I appreciate the US Embassy's increased efforts.
By the way, the US National Day (which is actually the 4th of July) is coming up. The dates change every year. The Embassy takes sponsorship donations to help offset the costs for the event. (I don't work there, have no affiliation other than friends, so I guess it is okay to say that, right?) It is good bilateral PR and a good opportunity for companies to promote themselves. Just sayin. Last year's event was huge (the 50/20 thang) and there were SO MANY restaurants that sponsored with food stands. I thought I was gonna explode. The US Embassy, Kuwait’s contact information is HERE.
(You can also promote your company by registering it through the Commercial section, site HERE.)
10 comments:
My main gripe with the 'previous' arrogance and lack of professionalism with this Embassy was the fact that they refused to answer the phone and/or would bang the phone in my ear. No worries, I called the U.S. Consulate in Dubai with my questions, and yes they answered the phone in a friendly tone and in 5 short minutes I had my question answered. To FINALLY involve FACEBOOK to answer people's questions is a step forward. I really have never understood in my years here why everyone has to be so abrasive towards one another. Is it a Kuwait issue, maybe? Another key point, is that when someone interfaces with the Embassy they want to interface with Americans. My boss was not only furious at how he was treated by the Embassy, but that he was only dealing with foreigners who he felt were disrespectful to him and he deserved to be treated with the utmost respect. As you stated this is a positive move for this Embassy and is more reflective of true American professionalism.
I'm SO glad they're making changes. I know back in 05/06 I was impressed, but made an appointment about 2 months ago and left there in tears...literally. Their online appointment system lists only a few options for making an appointment (my needs were not listed) so I checked another box closely related. It then asks who will be attending the appointment with me; I listed T since the appt was for both of us. Arrived on time and was told only I could enter, even though he was listed on my appointment. They were rude, wouldn't assist at all, told me I had to schedule another appt online (though it didn't list what I needed an appointment for), and refused to let anyone in other than me. No one spoke even decent English, they wouldn't answer any questions, and I left there terrified these are the people I have to rely on in case of an emergency!! I was shocked, appalled, upset, and couldn't believe this is what our embassy had been reduced to. I get better service from the local bakala! Any changes they're making can only improve the place.
I've always felt that the Embassy needed to have an online survey; a "how are we doing?" check. It's important.
I always find the comments on my blog interesting and I hope that someone from the Embassy is taking note.
And yes, the local bakala is pretty friendly. I always get smiles and they always try to teach me new languages. I find joy in that.
I rarely and I mean rarely go to the embassy, only if I really HAVE to. I often say (and that is usually the whole drive to the embassy ) that I would rather go to the hospital than go to the embassy, ok it's a toss up but I still hate it. They have prevented me from voting for president from their incorrect information, TWICE!
In addition, this Embassy should mull setting up their Visa facilities outside the Embassy, like the British Embassy in Kuwait. I would even contemplate building a Visa building adjacent to the outside parking lot where the public parks. Possibly this will help them to decrease their paranoia level dealing with the public. Also the US military should be treated with the utmost respect by this Embassy and should be able to contact this Embassy directly by telephone with special appointment matters. This does not occur at this time.
You know how many Americans would love to leave their jobs on Arifjan and work at the Embassy, why do they hire foreigners who don't have a good command of English? When I visit any Embassy in the world, I want to interface with their country nationals.
I went to the embassy this morning and was SHOCKED to see how the "security" allowed people to park. WTF! Is it a Kuwaiti ministry now with people parked at angles in the middle of the lot? One woman drove up in her mini van and blocked the entire drive, so that she could be the very first car. Another car topped her - blocking in 2 cars to park next to her.
If I, as an American, were to be so inconsiderate in my own embassy's parking lot, I would catch hell for it. I told the "security" guards outside and I got the deer-in-the-headlights look.
I'm ALL in favor of hiring Americans. If you are going to push "Buy American" - HIRE AMERICAN!
Oh the parking! I didn't even mention that in my previous comment/rant! Yes yes yes yes yes yes!!! I noticed that too!! I was SHOCKED to see people parked in the middle of the lane, blocking others in, though there was PLENTY of parking further down. God FORBID someone have to walk a few extra feet! If we parked like that at a WALMART our cars would be towed! Why not do the same at the EMBASSY?! Oh yeah, I'm all mad over here again.
Dear Desert Girl, can you please please post the road directions to reach US embassy from Salmiya? I have an interview (visit visa) and I am new and not very familiar with the roads in Kuwait. Thanks, Sol
Dear Sol, There is a wonderful invention called "Google"....
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