Job Discussion Forums

[Janeee]

Hello, I've been offered a position teaching for the Ministry of Defense. The housing they provide is a 2 bedroom apartment in Mangaf. How is Mangaf? Is there anything of recreational interest in the area? Is it very far from the city center of Kuwait? Is it a fairly comfortable place for a single young woman? Thanks in advance!

[veiledsentiments]

Have you read the threads about working for MOD? It doesn't sound too positive. In fact, military related teaching has a very bad reputation all up and down the Gulf...

I'm not familiar with Mangaf... looked on the map and it is WAY south of the city center. It would be a long jaunt on their deadly highways to get there very often.

I suspect that it may not be a great place for a single female and I would check things out VERY carefully before accepting this position. Preferably communicate with a single western female who is now or has lately lived there.

VS

[Rommel]

VS is correct, in that Western women do find it difficult adjusting to the MOD, and Kuwait in general, if they're on their own. I've done two stints with MOD. Two years ago, there were 4 women teachers and the students really enjoyed them. However, they were strong, confident teachers who let the students know they were there to do a job, period. The problem is you not only have to deal with the students, but the brass as well. If they like you, you're ok. Remember, all of your students are young, thick Arab men, so dress conservatively, keep them interested in the lesson/book, and you'll be fine.
As for Mangaf. well, the apartment is fine, but unfortunately, Mangaf offers nothing in the way of entertainment. On days off, however, the teachers usually get together for lunch and shopping in the city.
I suggest that you get in contact with the Team Leader, Abusurea, and ask for e-mail addresses for the other women there. See if you can start a relationship with them before you get there. PM me if you need some help.

Good luck

[veiledsentiments]

Great advice from Rommel. He is correct that experienced mature women (I mean experienced educators if anyone out there gets the wrong idea. ) often find it easier to handle these male students than men. It also helps if you are old enough to be their mother.

VS

[q8teacher]

Basically, most schools have moved teachers into accomadation in this area(Fintas, Mahboula and Mangaf) away from the city because apartment prices are cheaper there. Mangaf has plenty of photo stands, restaurants, corner stores, chocolate shops, amusement park, and is close to a mall Al Kout Mall on Gulf Road etc...it is also next to Fahaheel a medium large city with bazaars and malls-but you'll still find yourself wanting to go to the hubs of Kuwait for Western expatriates like Salmiya(15 minutes) and Kuwait City about 1/2 hour away.

[LadyBrettAshley]

I have read that Fahaheel may not be that safe (have had some terrorist like activity)...What is the proximity of Fahaheel to Mangaf? Should that be a concern or just a place to avoid, if any?

Thanks.
LBA

[younggeorge]

I'm not sure where you read that, but I don't think Fahaheel is any more terrorist-prone than anywhere else - and Kuwait's little burst of anti-American attacks seems to have fizzled out anyway. I used to like Fahaheel - the harbour area had an almost Mediterranean feel to it, with lobster pots stacked up beside the road. Can't remember how close it is to Mangaf - not very, I think.

[Rommel]

[younggeorge]

[veiledsentiments]

Sounds like the neighborhood has really gone downhill or perhaps you've mixed up the areas.

Are there lobsters in the Gulf? I don't recall them showing up on menus anywhere...

VS