Job Discussion Forums

manonatrain · Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 88

Hi to all with experience in Kuwait.
Is 750 plus 150 for housing a good deal for Kuwait.

The housing allowance sounds low to me..
just curious?

Bindair Dundat · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Posts: 1123

Yes, 150 is low. If you're single and willing to share that should do you, but otherwise it will not be adequate. 250 for a single person and 350 for a family is more in line with what you should expect to pay. You can find something for 150, but it'll make you wonder why you went all the way to Q8.

manonatrain · Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 88

50 KD for travel allowance is this typical ?????

thanks for the above advice...

ohman · Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 239 Location: B' Um Fouk, Egypt

The salary at KU is relatively low, but not much more so than UAEU's UGRU, KFUPM, etc.

Kuwait U. can be a relatively low stress job (if you avoid Allied Health, commonly referred to by its veterans as Allied Hell).

However, working in the English Language Centre's various language units doesn't drain your energy and unless you're a coordinator, you more often than not get home about 2:00. That's plenty of time rest up for a night job. If you are willing to put in your four to five hours per day at the university and another 2 to 3 hours in the evening (even the university runs a non-credit language institute), the two salaries combine make the money one can earn in Kuwait comparable to the big bucks Saudi contracting jobs.

Cleopatra · Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2004 6:59 pm Post subject:

What lies behind Allied Hell's bad rap?

Saffron · Joined: 02 Feb 2004 Posts: 27 Location: Middle East

Allied Health is not that bad - as long as one learns to focus on the classroom work and ignore the pettiness which some people feel they are entitled to (not having any brains to get on with either their personal or professional lives without making others' lives hell). But the situation has been changing over the last couple of years. It's really up to you and how you choose to live in Kuwait - which does not deserve the bad commentaries it often is subject to.

As for the allowances: both are low in terms of Kuwait. The previous posts which quoted figures are closer to reality. Housing will not be less than 250 KD - unless in dire conditions.

Good luck!

Saffron

Cleopatra · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 9:35 am Post subject:

Thanks for your input, Saffron. I appreciate it.

Fred Bilbo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 52 Location: Kuwait

The salaries you quoted are about the standard for Kuwait, KD 150 for housing will get you a new single apartment out of the city area. A lot depends where you will be working. If in the south you should have no problem finding good accommodation for 150. KD 50 for transport will not be enough to hire a car, but is ok if you are prepared to car pool/share. Laughing

manonatrain · Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 88

Typically in Oman teachers purchase used expat vehicles. And use their vehicle allowance to pay of the full amount back to the bank.

Is this done in Q8 ?

Will I have to take the driving test again ????

Thanks

Saffron · Joined: 02 Feb 2004 Posts: 27 Location: Middle East

Driving matters: you may or not be required to take another driving test - depending on where your original license is from. Usually, it is paperwork (eg, translations etc) to obtain the legal local license. If you have a Kuwaiti embassy near you, just give them a call to inquire.

Cars in Kuwait: as in most places, you have a choice:

1 - buy a new car. there are companies who will give teachers financial support to pay on a monthly basis. You will need a letter from your sponser/guarantor. Again, a question of paperwork but runs easily.

2 - buy 2nd hand. plenty of choices - if you know a bit about engines etc. be wary - the local climate does affect car maintenance, and the last thing you need in Kuwait is for the ac (air condition) to break down or to have the car break down in the desert. Procede with caution and good sense.

3 - rental - there are different prices, depending on where you go. Look around before taking up an offer from the regular international companies. You will need a copy of your passport if you don't have a Kuwaiti ID card.

4 - leasing - some companies run special leasing offers for teachers, on a 9 month basis (ie. academic year).

5 - Public transport: cheap, available - BUT you do need patience - timings can be irregular. And YES - western women can take public transport without any hassles as long as they are appropriately dressed and follow local customs - ie, sit in the front seats and do not start looking around at the men (who will be mostly workers from Asia).

And if I may, a word of advice: do think about leasing/renting or buying. It is worth it. When the temperature begins skirting the 45+ degrees, it is HOT. Distances are easy with one's own transport and being mobile in Kuwait is definitely an advantage. You must however, drive carefully - driving is an issue in Kuwait as people do tend to speed and are often reckless behind the wheel.

In a nutshell, roads are excellent, petrol is cheap (so are cars in comparison to other parts of the world) and the only "danger" one really encounters in Kuwait is on the road - just be careful and learn how to predict other drivers' styles. You will soon manage easily!

All the best,

Saffron

manonatrain · Joined: 06 May 2003 Posts: 88

thank you to all you have given me further insight
on life in Kuwait. Thanks for the housing and car info, all vital to
considering relocating.

jd · Posted: Fri Nov 12, 2004 3:01 pm Post subject: wages in Kuwait

Is 1500KD a month plus a car, a good salary for a family of 4? Considering we will have to buy health insurance for wife and kids. Moving to kuwait in one year. Husband already there. What can we get for 400KD amonth for accomodations, out of the city. 30minute drive ok. Dont want to be stranded with nothing to do, though. Any suggestions? I spent the summer in Amman Jordan and hated it. Garbage everywhere!!! Is it like that in Kuwait? no green grass, nothing green as a matter of fact. What is it like there.

jody