Job Discussion Forums

alyshia · Joined: 17 Mar 2006 Posts: 12 Location: Kuwait

Also, LadyBrettAshley -- ASK is a highly thought of school here in Kuwait. It's one of the best (if not THE best) Am. school here in Kuwait.

LadyBrettAshley · Joined: 30 Mar 2006 Posts: 18 Location: USA

I do believe ASK is a very good school. I have a son who will be attending and the opportunities there far outway the opportunities he has at his present school.

Do you know any teachers with families who are living in Kuwait? Maybe you are one yourself...I need a mother's perspective on life for her children. I understand the climate limits outdoor activity for a large percentage of year. What is available for the kids to do and how do you adjust to the living arrangement (apartments).

LadyBrett

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I can make a comment on the safety issue. I don't know where you live in the US, but living in much of the Middle East is more similar to small town America or the 1950's as far as crime or violence. If you were in an equivalent sized city to Kuwait City in the US, you would be in much more danger from random violence.

That said, these are different times and working in a school with the word "American" in its name could theoretically make it a target for an individual or group. It would be foolish to think that it couldn't possibly happen... but to put it into a context... there is Columbine too. Nowhere is completely safe. (and BTW... if the nutcases in DC decide to invade Iran, all bets are off...)

My feeling is that the biggest danger in Kuwait is still the deranged traffic!! On the other thread you asked about your 17 year old driving. I would not make any promises to him until you have been there and seen it. Personally I would say no... unless he is a very mature and level headed young man.

I can't really speak much about raising children there as I never did, but my friends with kids all around the Gulf enjoyed the child oriented culture and there seemed to be plenty for the younger kids... not as good perhaps for the teenager.

VS

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

Most of the year you can enjoy outside activities. July and August tend to be warm, but in the shade around the pool or in the water it is very nice. especially with an E&T. or something similiar. We usually have BBQ's (hot links, ribs etc.) until the end of June when we go on vacation and start up again when we come back in Sept. we usually have a break in Nov- Jan when it is really too chilly to be outside, otherwise it is fine.

Safety in Kuwait is not a big problem, there have been isolated attacks on westerners but not many. Sensible behaviour in public, conservative clothes (at least for women) and refrain from shouting in public, in other words don't be the loud american abroad. You'll be fine.

I have lived in Kuwait with my wife and family for many years, Kuwait is our home. Your son cannot drive here, he will not get a licence under the new regulations. Even if he could it is too dangerous to drive here. You will have a great time in Kuwait with fellow expats. It will not be a great cultural experience. You may make friends with the odd Kuwaiti, but that is the exception rather than the rule.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Hey Fred... just curious about the new driving license rule...

Is it expat kids that are excluded or have they raised the driving age for all?

VS

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

According to the new regs you must be a university degree holder and in a professional job. This is for expats, Kuwaitis are nor restricted.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Then it sounds like non-working wives of expats are out of luck too? Yikes...

VS

LadyBrettAshley · Joined: 30 Mar 2006 Posts: 18 Location: USA

You all have had such great information. I appreciate everyone's help. Do you know where I could find information about he new driving regulations? Is a university degree equal to a college degree or is that something different? I guess the bottom line is... will I be able to drive?

LadyBrett

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

From Fred's one statement, it looks like the answer is no... unless you are employed in a professional job (and have at least a BA). I can't recall, were both you and your husband getting teaching positions?

You might try asking the Kuwait Embassy, but there is no guarantee that they will give you the correct answer. (rather like calling the IRS about a tax question... Confused

)

To be honest, you may not WANT to drive when you see the traffic situation there. And taxis are easy to get... if you can't.

VS

middleastman · Joined: 19 Feb 2006 Posts: 73

No VS expats wives are exempt as are many other people..... there was an article in the Arab Times last week. In fact the new law seems rather stupid as there are so many exceptions to it. Driving here is so dangerous you wouldnt be missing anything if you didnt though..

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

That is good news... I think... Confused

LadyBrettAshley · Joined: 30 Mar 2006 Posts: 18 Location: USA

I will be teaching and have a BA. I just wonder about how to get to my children if they are sick or if I need to get anywhere. It will take some transitioning, I am sure.

LadyBrett

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

According to middleastman, you should have no problem getting a driving license. Be sure before you go over there that you and your husband both have a valid US license - preferably as new as possible with plenty of time left... don't bring one that expires in the next year or two.

Also get a "no-Claims" letter from your car insurance company. It will cut your premium in Kuwait significantly.

VS

middleastman · Joined: 19 Feb 2006 Posts: 73

Sorry VS but what premium? In kuwait we pay about 20kd for 1 yrs insurance (3rd party). Maybe save a kd or 2 but its not really worth it is it?
I reccomend investing your money in a monster truck and crash helmet. I really hate driving here and if possible only venture to work and back in the week. Trust me- you have never seen anything like it!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Personally I purchased full coverage on all cars that I owned in the Gulf. Collision and Liability... as my cars were new and I had no desire to have to pay thousands of KD in blood money in case of an accident deemed my fault whether it was or not.

The premiums were equivalent to what I paid in the US... with a no claims letter. I have no idea what you are talking about... whatever third party is...

I know too many people who have ended up in big legal problems in Gulf traffic accidents. But, feel free to gamble if you wish...

VS