I accepted a job offer from the 'English' international school in Hawalli at the beginning of January... Haven't been in contact since as they apparently don't start the visa/work permit until 3 months before the move date, Which is in August. Although due to the lack of contact, and direction from the school Iv since accepted a different job in China who have made so much effort in arranging all the ins and outs of moving abroad! From the research into Kuwait and the school.... It's a clear NO GO! Have a look at the international school review website, they have some interesting discussions about Kuwait, although ignore a guy called PsyGuy, he seems to know everything about every country, and every teaching position and every school, and everything in life in general!

Hi Seeker31 I'm hopefully flying out late August; I'm waiting for a copy of my work permit and then will go through the visa process - have you gone through this process? Personally I can't comment on Kuwait having never visited; however those I have communicated with on this forum have been very positive about the schools and living there. Johnio

 Hi Chris

 Yep the lack of communication was worrying me, but I did get an email from them recently saying all was in order. I am an NQT so I cant be too picky and the salary they are offering is better then I could get over here. I guess I could always look for a better school there after a year or two. Also they have offered me a permanenet contract which I thought was unusual for an international school, aint it always contract based?

Hi Johino

I am waiting on the NOC (No Objection Certificate) which will start the process for obtaining the Visa. What school are you heading too?

[edited by: Seeker31 at 22:23 (GMT 0) on 17-4-2012]

Seeker31

 Also they have offered me a permanenet contract which I thought was unusual for an international school, aint it always contract based?

 

Yes, it is unusual though not unheard of (I had a permanent contract at my previous school). Since this is Kuwait, you can look at it from a glass half full or glass half empty point of view.

Half full: they think you're so great they want to keep you for a long time.

Half empty: they will not want to let you go. Ever.

 Surely I can leave when I want, nothing in the contract said otherwise apart from the perks I would forfit.

I am going to look at it from a glass half full : D  - while still looking for the other half by applying to other jobs.

How old are the reviews? What was your feeling at interview? Have you asked to be put in touch with current teachers?

Hi

Currently teaching in Kuwait.

Feel free to PM me x

Some general points that may be helpful on cost of living:  

Cost of living is generally higher than UK.
We are couple and spend 100 pounds per week on groceries. However we shop at the kuwait equivant of Waitrose so you can go cheaper!

Wi fi is about 40 pounds per month

OSN (cable tv) is also about 40 pounds per month

You can get a pay as you go mobile very easily and we probably spend about 20 pounds per month on top ups.

Depending on where you live, you may need a car. you can rent a decent car from about 200 pounds per month which includes insurance and breakdown. Or there is huge second hand market, check out Just Landed website and subscribe to EEk magazine which is ex pat newsletter.

Petrol of course costs pennies.

Download skype before you come as skype website is currently blocked here.

 

Hey guys, I have also been offered a few posts in Kuwait and I am looking to get as much info as I can about the country, the schools, the quality of life over there and how UK teachers have found it. I am seriously considering moving out there as it seems a good opportunity. Opinions are valued, I want to know all about the schools I am considering! One school has a campus in mangaf and hawally and the other is an american school. Any info on these?

 Kate you have a pm : )

 

Interview was professional and they gave me lots of information about the school,  the reviews are 1-2 years old, others online have said the school is progressing. Have asked to be put in touch with teachers just waiting for a response.

 

What is the latest news on Madam Chantal, the Bottle Blonde Bombshell of KNES?

I'm currently in Kuwait as well.  Kate's information is right on the money.  I spend similar amounts a month.

I have single teaching friends here who travel every holiday, have paid off their debts in the UK and now saving for a deposit for a house back in the UK.

Kuwait is what you make of it, I'm raising 2 young children.  It is a very safe country to live in with the exception of driving.  You do take your life into your own hands on the 30, especially in and around Mangaf, which is 'quoted' as the 3rd most dealist road in the world!

The NOC process can not get started until July/August.  The country will come to a stand still during Ramadam which is during that time. 

Good luck, the Kuwaiti kiddies are a hand full, all raised by maids with parents who are not that interested in them!

Beware of the "director", she was the principal of the school in Mangaf when I was there, and I am not the only teacher who really questioned her sanity. She plays favourites, is sometimes totally fine and other times the complete opposite.

Ive been out here some time now and feel this comment is just nasty! If its the same Director..... he/she is kind and thoughtful and will do what he/she can to help with any matters that are worrying you.

Both schools are finding their feet but have a great bunch of teachers and leaders. A happy place to work if you ask me!

losandes

what he/she can to help

losandes

he/she is kind and thoughtful

You don't know?

Is he/she Thai?

I have been living in Kuwait for (too) many years and am familiar with the schools here. I am willing to give advice or information to anyone who would like to contact me.

As far as visas and residency go, this process cannot start until you arrive, and depends on the efficiency of the school. It should be completed in about two months. Living here is what you make of it. There are negatives and positives like everywhere. Most contracts are for one year and renewable, which means , in effect, that you get paid for twelve months (plus gratuity at end of contract) but only work 9. (two weeks at Xmas ,and finish mid June plus other official holidays). If you have got it wrong, then see out your contract, put it down to experience and move on. Many renew and enjoy several years of sea,sun,sand, and saving. It is up to you.

I am also in Kuwait and have 57 days left after almost 2 years... If you like flat scenery, dust, sand and shopping malls, then it's the place for you... You don't say if you are Primary or Secondary? I was told I would get an NOC as well, and by the beginning of August hadn't got one, which meant I'd paid for my medicals (and only got reimbursed for about 2/3s of the cost) and without the NOC you don't need UK medicals. Waste of money. I ended up coming in on a Commercial Visa, but got residency 5 months later. Some people who started with me still don't have residency. As other posts on here say, Kuwait really is what you make of it, but you have still got to live here, and when you are counting your life away, it really is time to go. You cannot drink alcohol legally here anywhere except the Embassies, which is not the same as popping out for a glass of wine after a crappy day. You can save. I did. But other schools pay more, some much more. I have made some great friends here - it's almost like a war-time feeling of all pulling together to get through the "Kuwait Experience" and Dubai, Bahrain etc are only a short flight away when you need a well-earned drink and a bacon sandwich :) I'll PM you before I get too vocal on here!!! PS Chris - good luck in China, you may not know it, but it was the right choice!

[edited by: estrella7 at 16:44 (GMT 0) on 23-4-2012]

Your view of Kuwait reflects that of the previous research I done in making my decision before... Very informative! And thank you for your wishes... I hope Iv made the right decision!

Believe me, you have.....! One of my friends/colleagues from the Mangaf school last year is now in China and loves the fact that the kids want to study, behave and resources are never ending just about. Kuwait is the sort of country where if you are in a good school with a better salary, you can cope. But not in all of them, The best expression we heard last year from one of the guys who left (to go back to China coincidentally!) to sum up Kuwait (or our school at least) was: GRIN & BANK IT.....

Seeker31 - I keep trying to PM you but it keeps rejecting..... It's almost as if someone is stopping my message from getting to you..... can you message me and I will try to reply? Hopefully that will work!