Job Discussion Forums

[menace2society32]

Ok, any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I have a contract offer for Kuwait American School, but have read a few posts that are very critical. But those posts, if I recall correctly, were a year or two ago. Is the situation still the same? What are the elementary students like as far as discipline is concerned? Based on the conversation I had on the phone with the employer, I would not be teaching English, but instead other academic subjects. Is this true? I personally am kind of attracted to this job only for that reason; I would like to take a break from teaching EFL. What is good pay in Kuwait? I have been offered 650 KD, which seems kind of low when reading posts on this board from previous and current teachers in Kuwait. The contract offers 150KD a month for an unfurnished apartment. This also seems kind of low. How much is rent generally in Kuwait City and/or Salmiya? The school appears to be located in Salmiya. Is this a suburb of Kuwait City? Is there easy access to everything in Salmiya such as supermarkets, shopping centers, etc, etc. What is Salmiya like? Is it urban or rural? Is a car a must in Kuwait? If so, is it worth it to have my car in Oman shipped to Kuwait, or should I sell it before I leave Oman? They also only offer a one-time payment of 125 KD for furniture allowance. This seems ridiculous. What about a tv and basic furniture, such as a bed, couch, and table. Is this not provided? The contract also states 30 contact periods per week. How long is a period? If it is true that EFL is not taught, what subjects do teachers teach? I am also married. It appears does not offer anything extra in terms of allowance for married teachers who plan to bring their spouse? Any answers to these questions PLUS ANY MORE INFO WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

[veiledsentiments]

menace2

I don't know the school itself, but I can answer some of the general questions. It would probably be safe to assume that all the bad things that you had heard/read in the past are still true... that seems pretty standard for these places... good general rule is to avoid these schools if you can. It makes me rather suspect what kind of place they are when they can't say what you would be teaching. That suggests that their open spaces don't need to match your abilities or experience... teachers being just pegs to put in holes.

I can't say if the pay is appropriate or not as you didn't mention your credentials. But, it is about standard for these private international school. I lived in Salmiya, it is one of the nice, more convenient areas to live and work. Main shopping centers and supermarket were in walking distance of my place. But, I would take my car... taxis are available, but not cheap... and Kuwait is just one big spead out city. You spend half of your first year chasing papers and signatures and stamps all over it. It takes weeks to get everything done.

The rental amount is very low for a family... will get you a small basic dump. How you are going to furnish it for 125 KD is a complete mystery. Most flats come with AC, plumbing, and kitchen cabinets... nothing else. At KU, they gave 2500 KD for furniture and 250 KD for rent for a single person and this was 6 years ago.

I don't know your circumstances, but I would put this one at the bottom of the list and take it only if you are desperate...

VS

[menace2society32]

Thanks VS for your info. Greatly appreciated.

[strawberry]

Dear Menace,

I have a friend who lives right behind KAS. I've seen the school many times. It's run down and I never see any students around. That tells me they don't have very many. And the school just put in a swimming pool, but that's nothing special. All I hear are bad things about that school. Apparently, they fired a 60 year old guy a couple years ago who they'd accused of calling a female student a "bitch". He got a lawyer to fight the case, but was sent by the school back to New Zealand. My friend just found out that he died a few months ago.

Believe me, you'd be better off working for any of the ACCREDITED western schools in Kuwait. The salary KAS offered you is basically the salary that would be offered to a local hire. You should be getting at least 700, not including the housing allowance and airline tickets. And what's the deal with the 125KD for furniture? That won't buy you a bed! They should be providing you with completely furnished housing!

Also, the rents have really gone up in Kuwait. My friend's flat behind KAS is 250KD a month for a moderately sized 2 bedroom. The newer flats are gonna cost you at least 300, and that's unfurnished.

Please, don't make the mistake that other people have made by working for that school. If you enjoy teaching, as most of us in this cafe do, you'll want to surround yourself with respectable professionals, not people like the ones at KAS.

Take care, and good luck

[menace2society32]

Thank you strawberry for your input. It really helps. I will be looking elsewhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[veiledsentiments]

Good idea menace... good luck...

VS

[enigma18]

Hello All,

I'm wondering if anyone here can help with any teaching positions for September 2005. I have a journalism background and a university degree, recently graduated with a TESOL certificate and license...currently l am tutoring visiting arab students in english.

Also l am 'on hold' with KAS - and as l read they have hired already..any suggestions on what l can do to get them to hire me.

If anyone can throw me a bone or help me land a job with their contacts l appreciate the help ALOT!
So...heLP quickly thanks.

[strawberry]

Yeah, good luck Menace. I hope you find something.
Enigma, I don't know what to tell you. If you're hoping to get a job at KAS, then you're on your own buddy. I don't know the contact names of the people who run KAS, and they don't have a website either.
Try accredited schools like Al-Bayan Bilingual School, American School of Kuwait, American Creativity Academy, American International School, Universal American School. I think they all have websites that post job openings. Be careful with American Creativity, they go by the Islamic calendar and have two different campuses, one for boys, one for girls. Good luck.

[Pomegranate]

I only hear very good news about the Kuwait American School.

The Kuwait American School, established in 1999, is a happy and hard working school. There are currently over 200 students from Pre K to Grade 6. It is a school where teachers, students, parents and everyone associated with the school are appreciated, valued and respected. There is a generous staffing and teaching support allocation of 26 staff. The high quality of teaching across the school creates in students above the international standardised norm test results. Parents choose to send their children to the school because of its high academic standards and for the very high standards of behavior.

Staff turn over is very low and those overseas staff who work at KAS receive a salary equal to their experience. All current overseas staff have chosen their own single accommodation in Salmiya. Teachers are contracted to work thirty 40 to 45 minute lessons per week to include preparation and marking time. In reality, 24 lessons is the norm.

I hear that at the end of the 2005-2006 academic year, a newly appointed teacher reflected that this was the first school she has worked in where no-one had shouted or been disrespectful to her all year. Quite different to the perceptions of previous commentators on this webpage.

The school is very well respected in informed educational circles, is affiliated to UNESCO, advises UNESCO on Early Childhood Education, is a leader in the field of values and character education, and by invitation of the Ministry of Private Education in Kuwait and overseas agencies, addresses State and Private schools on innovative educational practices in the region and across the globe.

(MOD edit for suspected job advert)

[dmb]

^ just out of interest. Where do you work?

[veiledsentiments]

Oh yes, those post number 1 glowing reviews are always VERY suspicious, are they not, dmb? One would almost think that they were written by owners or managers...

New applicants, always make sure to have reviews from more than one post... just in case...

VS

[sw]

Neither a sub-continental (syntax is too good) nor an American (standardised). Good sales pitch, though.

[Rommel]

I interviewed with the owner of KAS early last year. Not the best of salaries, but not the worst. Housing is decent and within walking distance of the school, which is not the norm in Kuwait. The staff were nice and seemed happy. The class sizes were relatively small (12-16 per) and the students were polite and respectful. The owner touts the school as being a "values school", in that, students learn the importance of honesty, politeness, etc....This is the exact opposite of other schools, like Cambridge, where screaming and yelling at students is comonplace.
I have some friends who still teach at KAS now, and say that the owner can be a little demanding from time to time, but otherwise, fair. If you are considering the job, you should negotiate for a higher salary than the one she offers in the beginning. (before signing anything) She went up 150 kd per month with me on her initial offer.

[stoth1972]

[veiledsentiments]

Well, you've been around here for awhile haven't you stoth? What do you think?

I'd say that KAS is probably the same as most of these international schools... tolerable for a contract or two if you have a relatively high tolerance level. What you want to hear is from ex and current teachers to find out if they meet the promised benefits and pay on time, and that the management is moderately sane most of the time.

Glowing advertising level reviews like our new member up there are always good for a laugh though. A post like Rommel's is certainly more helpful, and likely more accurate, even if not direct experience.

VS