Job Discussion Forums

[wooly]

I'd really appreciate some info re how women are viewed and treated in Kuwait. I seriously thinking of taking up this teaching post so need to be mentally prepared.
I know that it is fairly liberal in that women don't have to wear a hijab but how would I expect to be treated by male students aged 18-24? R teachers respected in general or not?

Thanks in advance

[veiledsentiments]

In general, I found Kuwait very easy to live in as a single female. Much depends on your age and demeanor. If you are a giggly 22 year old blond who dresses the same as you did at home, you will probably have lots of unwanted attention. But, with only a slight adjustment of dress to showing a minimum of skin and using the usual common sense of lifestyle for women anywhere in the world, one can easily get on with life.

If you go to the local malls, you will see that Kuwaiti women dress in a wide variation of styles... from skimpy skin tight 'western' fashion to the traditional black abaya. When you drive the Corniche in the evenings, you will find the young male and female drivers engaging in a game of flirtation that is decidedly dangerous to all around them. I think you will find most of your stereotypes shattered...

As to the students, naturally there is individual variance. There will always be a few that are more obnoxious and/or lazy than the others. If you are a professional, they will respect you. Many women have found that they have fewer problems with the male students than the men teachers. This is an area where your age and classroom management skills come into play. I assume that you are rather young since you used "R" for "are." If you are very new to the field, teaching a group of young males in the Gulf who are near your age may not be a sensible choice.

VS

[wooly]

Thanks so much for your reply.