Job Discussion Forums

[jadoaus]

Hello all, I glanced through the whopping three pages of threads for Bahrain, so I have a rough idea about my first question, much less for the others.

1) I understand that a salary of 800 dinars is not huge, especially in an expensive country like Bahrain, but given that my accommodation and flights is covered, is it liveable?

About me:
-Like to cook, don't need to eat out every week
-Do enjoy a drink or six, but not much for clubbing, and perfectly happy to drink only at home if bars are too expensive
-Don't really enjoy shopping/indulge in retail therapy
-No financial commitments, dependants, pets or debts (Well, a UK student loan, but I don't believe I will have to make any repayments while abroad)
-Will have about 830 dinars (�1400) in the bank upon arrival for start up costs
-Used to being broke (Graduated in 2008 when everything crashed)

The school is in Janabiyah, Saar. I am aware that there are higher salaries elsewhere, and that I could be making more across the bridge in the Magic Kingdom. But I am relatively inexperienced (British, non related degree, CELTA pass, approx 1 years experience) and have a lot of faith in the school, so I would really like for this to work.

2) Does anyone know anything about Janabiyah, Saar? I have been told about the local amenities by the school, I just wonder if anyone here has lived/been there and has any strong opinions.

3) Roughly speaking, how much would it cost to purchase a car in Bahrain. I am talking the cheapest hulk that will reliably run. I understand Taxis are easy to come by in Manama, how are the transport options further out by Saar?

4) I understand there is some internet censorship in Bahrain. How extensive is this? Does in encompass news websites, for example Al-Jazeera English (The coverage of the Bahrain uprising was pretty limited, but not flattering), or is it all just blocked porn (Not that that, ahem, is of any concern to me...).

Thanks for any info provided.

[desertdawg]

Salary is very low. But if you want the job, then go for it. (Good foot in the door. Make some friends and try to get in to Bahrain Poly. They are always looking for people.) You can live on that. Food etc much the same as UK.

Going out aint cheap. A bevvie is around 3 BD. But go to the booze shop and get tanked up at home before going out or get to know the happy hours. Much as in England. Eating out is as expensive or as cheap as you want it. My favourite place is Trader Vics. Lovely to sit outside. Again take advantage of the happy hours. Last time I was there dinner and coctails was around 60 BD for two. On the other hand you can have a really good curry or kebab with fresh fruit juice and get change out of 1 or 2 BD.

Cars. Same as UK. Lottery. They have auctions, second hand show rooms, autotrader etc. Leasing is an option. Probably around 150 BD a month. For me if I didn't need transport to work or if it wasn't difficult, I would stick to taxis. They are a real ripoff despite having meters. It's only a few BD but it annoys me. Get the number of SpeedyCars. A prebooked company who are very reliable and stick to the meter without addons.

Don't know nuffink about that area/school.

Don't worry about the student loan. They don't know you're working. If anyone asks you've been in China doing voluntary work.

Download Skype before you leave and get a VSPN/proxy (?). It,s a think for less than �10 per year which will allow you to access whatever you want on the internet (see Saudi Arabia forum). Censorship isn't that bad though. Al Jazeera etc widely available. As you say it is mainly porn that is blocked.

Good luck and keep posting on your outcome. As you say the BAH forum has pretty thin picking.

[jadoaus]

Thanks, dawg!

To be honest, I just lived in London earning bugger all for a year, and still had a good time, so it sounds like more of the same. Keep my booze at home and buy a good shisha and I might get buy.

I don't want to stereotype all Middle Eastern drivers as God awful, but how is the driving there? Would buying a scooter be remotely safe/feasible?

Fortunately it sounds like the school and apartment are nearby, so it might only be the weekends taxis rip me off

[desertdawg]

I think you will do more than get by. You won't save money but you can live decently and if you've lived in London, then you're aware of the tricks in a big smoke location.

I think as I said this is a very good foot in the door and much easier to find a better job after finishing your contract at the school. Get some Gulf experience, consider doing a diploma maybe and I'm sure doors will open. Much easier to be on the ground physically knocking on doors. You'll also get a taste and an idea if you could tolerate Saudi.

I have friends who use motorbikes in BAH. I think 250cc or less and usual "trials" for a more comfortable ride. Traffic can be horrendous and if you're brave enough to weave through the queues, then two wheels are just the job. The problem is the weather. It will be too hot for some of the time and just not possible to endure without A/C.

The standard of driving is pretty poor, but in my opinion the best in the GCC. Common sense and forward thinking and you'll be right. I have a lot of friends who either live in BAH or travel over most weekends. The only crash I can recall was an unfortunate friend who was rear ended by a drunk Saudi.

All the GCC countries I've lived in, if you are a resident then you have to get a driving licence for that country. This hasn't been a problem for me as the Britiish licence is transferable. No tests or nuffink. But I don't know about Bahrain or scooters. If it were me and I had the time I would pass the bike test in England first and then get a full licence with motorbike option. I don't know about Bahrain, but passing a bike test in KSA could be a headache.

Best of luck. It can be daunting moving to a totally alien culture. But it sounds like you like the school for whatever reason. This can make a big difference. If your employer cares, then even if you're not earning a fortune your stay can be a pleasant one.

[jadoaus]

Thanks for all your advice, desertdawg.

Yes, I do have a lot of confidence in the school for various reasons, so I am going for it if I get the offer.

As for the bike - A full bike license might be impractical in the time frame I am looking at before going, and expensive. But I will look into doing a CBT/Scooter extension to my current license which should clear me on anything up to 125cc, provided it is transferable. I am aware that the weather is RIDICULOUS, but if a car is unrealistic it might be the best option.

[jadoaus]

Just to update -

Landed on my feet. The money isn't going to make me rich, but I want for little, can go out, and did manage to buy a car for 500 dinar that has yet to explode.

The school is very well run and suffers from few of the problems of a private language school. It's the admin and the bureaucracy that kill me, but at least the employers have been genuine and welcoming so far. Fine place to do a first contract in.

Now if only it wasn't so bloody cold.

[desertdawg]

Good news.

Enjoy the weather while you can! Look at the snow coming back home.

Tell me about the paperwork. Will have taken nearly a year for me to get a driving licence. Partly my own fault, but things do take time.

Was in Bahrain a few weeks ago and still a bit of trouble in the outlying areas. Take care.

Foot in the door and onwards and upwards. All the best.

[jadoaus]

Nah mate, it's bloody cold here. . . well not like back home truth be told.

I applied for an Int Driving permit before I left which is good for a year, my employer is talking about getting a Bahrani one but I wonder if it might not be easier to extend it when I'm next in the UK

And yes, things are still pretty hot here. I've given up going to the roof in the evenings because of the teargas smell

[desertdawg]

Never had a Bahrain licence. Also only got an international one for the USA where they like photo ID. My licence is the old paper one with no photo (which I still have and previously converted to Saudi, Omani and UAE licences).

I think as I said before if you are a resident of a GCC country, then you should convert your UK licence to Bahrain. Probably takes a bit of time and cash, but think that is the legal way. One way to check would be to go to a big car hire company like Avis and ask what their requirements are.

[desertdawg]

Just talked to a friend. He has a licence from another GCC country and is leasing a car. Says it depends on where you're from, so an international licence might do it.