What to expect as a teacher in Kuwait
Teaching in Kuwait is a true cultural experience. Kuwait has long had international schools, and has a variety of opportunities with US, UK, International and bilingual curricula. Kuwaiti parents have long made an international education a priority for their children, and many international schools in this prosperous Gulf country have Kuwaiti children in attendance. Because Kuwait's international school sector is so well established, they are often more welcoming of less experienced teachers, making it a great place to start your teaching career.
Salaries, like that of all Gulf countries, are tax free in the country of origin, and benefits packages include furnished housing - which may or may not be shared with another teacher and thus not suitable for teachers with spouse/dependents- this varies by school, flights yearly, and an end of contract bonus, called gratuity, which many teachers use in lieu of a pension payment. Medical insurance is provided but it may or may not extend beyond your host country or cover travel. Utilities may or may not be part of the package but in our experience utilities in the Middle East are very inexpensive.
About Kuwait
Capital: Kuwait City
Language: Arabic
Population: 2.1 million
Kuwait is slowly but surely catching up with its neighbours in the Middle East into a burgeoning metropolis. You will find luxury hotels, shopping malls, green parks and high rises. You will find Kuwait in the Middle East, sharing a border with Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
The Arabian Desert makes up most of Kuwait, meaning that most of the country is very low lying. The desert, which definitely worth exploring, is home to over 400 species of plants as well as animals and birds. It is quite a popular weekend getaway, or just somewhere to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Kuwait houses some of world's most extensive oil reserves resulting in it being the ninth richest country in the world per capita.
Kuwait has a vibrant expatriate community with plenty of activities, clubs and societies to get involved in.
Climate
Due to its location in the north-west of the Arabian Gulf and with its landscape being predominantly desert, Kuwait has hot dry summers where temperatures can soar up to 50 degrees C, but have cooler winter months where temperatures can reach about 15 degrees C.
Activities
There is plenty to do in Kuwait, such as sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling, camping, horse riding, beach hopping, golf clubs, shopping, island hopping, take in some history on Failaka Island, visit the traditional markets, visit the Grand Mosque and of course there is always desert exploring.
Eating and Drinking
There are a variety of restaurants serving both international and Arab cuisine. Some common Kuwaiti meals include falafel, hummus, flat bread and spiced meat. Alcohol consumption is strictly illegal, and there will be no leniency if someone is found under the influence or with alcohol.
Transport
There is a good road network in between cities in Kuwait. Cars and taxis are the main form of transport, however there are a few bus services that are reliable and are air-conditioned.
Currency
The currency in Kuwait is the Kuwaiti Dinar or KD.