Job Discussion Forums

[endo]

Hello,

I'm currently working in Seoul, South Korea and I love it here. However, at the same time I am thinking about changing it up and looking at potential opportunities in the Gulf.

-I'm a Canadian citizen
-28 years old
-4 years teaching experience (two of those have been in a management capacity)
-BA degree
-TESOL certificate

With these qualifications I'm currently earning $2,800 U.S. per month, with a fantastic appartment (paid for), and 15 days paid vacation.

I think I have it pretty good, but like I said, I wouldn't mind at least looking at my other opportunities.


So with that said,
(a) What are the chances of me finding employment in Kuwait?
(b) Will I have to take a pay cut if I move there, or can I potentially earn more?


I only plan on teaching for two or three more years before heading home to complete an M.A. in a other field of study.



I'm sure you get a lot of these kind of posts on your forum. But any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers~

[veiledsentiments]

Just my opinion, but I don't believe that Kuwait offers you anything much positive as far as life style or pay.

If I were you, I would visit it first to see. It would be very very rare to find any expat teacher who would say "I love it here" about Kuwait.

VS

[cmp45]

Personally I wouldn't even waste the money to visit Kuwait.

When I was working in the UAE some years ago I had an interview with Horizons something or other forget their name? Although the interview went well and they offered me a job, the thought of being stuck in such a small country with virtually no where to go outside of Kuwait city itself...turned me off...I chose Saudi instead LOL

Talk about out of the frying pan and into the fire! But am okay here in Saudi. With your credentials you could possibly apply to the women's branch at the Institute of Public Administration(IPA)in Riyadh. You can find their site on the internet, although I have no idea of the salary azt the women's college or how they accommodate single female teachers. Saudi is even more restrictive than Kuwait though...so...

Do an internet search and you should discover that there is not much in Kuwait! Your better off staying in Korea, if Kuwait is your only option. Just my own opinion though...different strokes for different folks???

[sheikh radlinrol]

The weather in Kuwait is beautiful at this time of year, Endo. The restaurants are inexpensive and varied. When I think of something else positive, I'll get back to you.

[endo]

Thanks for the responses everybody.


cmp45, I'm actually a male so working with women in Saudi isn't really an option

And that's actually one of my main fears about working in the Middle East. I mean the alcohol I could do without. No problem there. However, the women and my interactions with them are another story.

And Korea definately has some beautiful ones. So comming to the Gulf would certainly be a change.


But I think that possibly a reason why I'm drawn to teach in that part of the world. Basically take a break from certain things, expolore an entirely new culture, and challenge myself before I return back home to start a career in government and politics.

And honestly, to save some money.





veiledsentiments, you mentioned that Kuwait wouldn't fit into my lifestyle or pay plans.

I'm certainly aware that my lifestyle would be totally different. And I think I would be able to accept that. But where in the Gulf could I achieve my financial desires with my qualifications.

Could I work in Saudi Arabia?

I've always wanted to see the mountainous areas of the Red Sea. Jeddah is a city I've been thinking about.



Thanks in advance. All of you have helped me a lot.

[veiledsentiments]

One country that might be better is Oman. The pay is about the same as you are getting now, decent housing provided, 2 months vacation is the norm. And the country is scenic and the fewer restrictions. In the countries with the better pay, it gives you a better sample of a new culture. You are still kept away from the local women, of course. You may teach them, but nothing more.

You may want to look into the colleges spread around the smaller cities and villages of the country. Some are on the sea and some are in oases in the mountains.

VS

[endo]

Cool, I'll definately check some of the options in Oman out.

Thanks again.

[Stephen Jones]

I'm another who found Kuwait claustrophobic, though with holidays at half-term, Christmas, Easter, Haj and Ramadan I was never long enough for it to get me down.

Money wise you probably wouldn't be much better off. As for women plenty of expat women around, but you'd be facing competition from a lot of Kuwaiti males.

[pat blake]

Kuwait University, like many state universities in the Gulb, requires an M.A. and they are firm about that. I don't know about the private universities. Kuwait is livable for a couple of years for young people, but if I were young I'd not come here for longer than two years. But you never know.

[sheikh radlinrol]

[johnslat]

Dear sheikh,

"The competition is stiff."

Pun intended, I assume.

Regards,
John

[Rommel]

[veiledsentiments]

From my experience of Kuwait, I'd have to say you're welcome to it and I can't imagine any circumstance including quadrupling my salary that I would go back. One year was way more than enough for me.

VS

[pat blake]

Additonally, if you're a woman and over 45, the competition is Asian women under 30 even if the guy...oh never mind.

[veiledsentiments]

VS