Kuwait doesn’t lure nearly as many English teachers as its neighbor, Saudi Arabia, which means it has a kind of raw and undiscovered edge for those who sign a contract here. Not to say that Kuwait is rugged or unrefined – on the contrary, this country has a modern capital, great museums and plenty of cultural intrigue.  

Kuwait is a fascinating center of Bedouin culture and it has been luring residents in from across the Arabian Peninsula for centuries. All of this interest from its neighbors has contributed to the country’s rich culture as well as its occasional contests for sovereignty.
Most of the country’s attractions are in capital Kuwait City. Famous sites include the soaring Kuwait Towers, the National Museum, Sadu House (with its Bedouin cultural displays), the Grand Mosque and Seif Palace. Tourists could spend days exploring, but teachers and expatriates have the luxury of spreading their sightseeing across weeks, months or longer.

On the cosmopolitan side, the capital and other major cities operate excellent high-end shopping malls and parks, but the nightlife is held back by a strict ban on alcohol, and furthermore there are no allowances for importing alcohol.

The type of housing that teachers can expect depends on the type of organization they work for. Small schools may offer a stipend and help the teacher find a shared apartment in the city. Larger language institutes are likely to organize their own housing.

The easiest way to get around most cities is by taxi, though there are adequate city bus systems in every major city. Driving conditions are chaotic, but officially obtained international drivers licenses are recognized. Employers can help incoming teachers work out transportation details.

Teacher salaries in Kuwait are reasonable high, considering the country’s booming oil industry and the fact that demand for teachers outstrips supply. Even so, employers would rather be short-staffed than hire unqualified teachers, so TEFL certification and past experience are important considerations.  

Most of the teaching jobs are found in Kuwait City (population: 32,500). These include positions at private schools, international schools and dedicated language institutes. There isn’t much available for walk-in applicants, so be sure to apply and arrange interviews as early as possible.  
Many teachers turn to private tutoring to subsidize their income, which only boosts the capacity to save. Given the lack of nightlife and limited exposure Kuwait gets in the international media, English teachers in Kuwait are generally serious, well-qualified career types.

Kuwait Links

• Go to Kuwait forums
• Go to Kuwait photo gallery
• Google search for Kuwait
• Kuwait wikipedia entry