With the lure of pay, perks and perennial sunshine, the Middle East is the most popular destination for British teachers choosing to work abroad.
With the lure of pay, perks and perennial sunshine, the Middle East is the most popular destination for British teachers choosing to work abroad.
There are problems of course, not least of which the unstable political situation in the area. But those who have worked there talk of a civilised infrastructure, smallish classes, good discipline in schools and students that want to learn.
But the biggest attraction is the salary. Salaries are in line with the UK but tax-free. The school also gives its staff free accommodation and utilities. Your biggest overhead will be the running of a car.
Kuwait sits at the top end of the Persian Gulf, wedged between Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Its climate is hot all year round and dry with occasional rain and thunderstorms. Because of the heat, the school day starts at about 7.45am and finishes at 2pm, although these times can vary.
The academic year runs from late August or early September to mid-June. Expat schools usually have three days off in October, two breaks a year of a fortnight each, plus official holidays. The working week runs from Saturday to Wednesday; weekends are Thursday and Friday (the Islamic day of worship).
Kuwait is extremely wealthy. It has been described as “an oil well masquerading as a country”. As a result, Kuwaitis are willing to pay for private education. Despite high fees, American and British curriculum schools are flourishing.
The official language is Arabic, although English is widely spoken. Kuwaiti children are taught English as a second language, so teachers can expect to have to offer plenty of explanations of vocabulary and grammar.
Of all the Gulf states, Kuwait has had mixed reviews from teachers working there. In online forums, aggrieved teachers have complained about their treatment at the hands of some of the country’s run-for-profit international schools. Check out our International Forum to get the lowdown from those who have worked in the country.
