I'm chill, Student.
It is wise to hear what others say, I apologize for my post being a little aggro. However, with no experience you have little choices of where to work that may be "reputable." Additionally, your beheading comments only perpetuate a negative misconception; last time I checked there are no American prisoners awaiting execution in Saudi Arabia. Also, getting a job offer scrubbed is apples to oranges in that sense. SA is only one of many places abroad to work as well, which is completely and utterly different than Qatar. Speaking of another type of SA - situational awareness- you should increase yours. Contracting is extremely difficult to break into (without knowing someone who can reputably vouch for you.)
It's the type of thing where you weigh your options out, but if you really want to do it you take a leap of faith and dive in with caution knowing the water may be shallow. You apply generously, and the first one to put you on plane is the winner. It is fairly commonplace for the process once "hired" to take a long time and to, although less common, sometimes be cancelled altogether. Which is why most people will tell you not to quit your day job until your plane ticket is in your hand. "Hurry up and wait" is a good line to live by in contracting. Granted, once you have established a network and a reputation (and you will establish a reputation for better or worse) you can finagle your way into more selective choices.
It is also important to note that each individual will have a different experience, so it is hard to try to decipher the good and bad companies. Clearly, if the overwhelming majority are saying its a donkey show then it should be considered a no-go. However, generally speaking while one person hated it, there was another who loved it. There are pros and cons to everything in life. The people you encounter will also have positive and negative traits. I have met folks that while making incredible amounts of money could not do anything other than gripe and moan about insignificant things. I've seen squabbling and backstabbing and enough bull crap to make the Jersey Shore cast tired. I've also met people who do their job, keep their head down, and find something productive to do such as staying/getting into peak shape and/or working on their degree(s) online.
You may get housed in a tent or trailer on the loudest flight line in Afghanistan or you may get a lavish apartment with some Western amenities, and everything in between. It all depends on what route you take (I.e military vs civilian ambulance vs hospital vs offshore vs whatever else.)
Traveling abroad is not for the faint of heart either. I recommend moving out of your parents' house and try being away from everything you know and love- that is if you haven't already. You strike me as someone who may or may not be that guy, apologies if you aren't. Not a swipe at you, but rather plain old advice. You will be away from everybody and everything that you know. All of your favorite and familiar foods, smells, people, hobbies, amenities, places, sights, sounds, etc. will be gone. Adaptability, decent interpersonal skills, and self sufficiency are not on most of the lists of requirements for the job, but they should be.
There are many variables including those mentioned and safety, quality of life, family life, etc. It is important to know your limits, and equally important to push them if you see fit if you want to make it in this field.
