Job Discussion Forums

[christmas]

Hello
I'm considering taking a teaching post but not sure what life will be like in Kuwait. So far I haven't read anything redeeming about the place. Are there activities to keep busy with? Yoga, gyms, art classes, dance classes, etc. Anything really. I live in Oman and find it limiting here. Are Xpats clicky or friendly and easy to get to know?
Thanks

[nomad soul]

Somehow you missed Is the social life in Kuwait similar to the UAE ? right below this thread.

[christmas]

nope, just hoping for something better.

[ttxor1]

I was a single guy in both Kuwait and in Oman. I don't know about Yoga, art or dance classes. But I did spend a lot of time in the gym in Kuwait. They are everywhere and, when I was there (2010-2012), cheap.

I don't know where you are in Oman, but I was in the interior, and life was much quieter. This might have to do with the particular town I was in and the employer I had which was a smaller organization, and thus a smaller group of xpats. Are you a drinker? The hotel bars in Oman gave me an outlet that I didn't have in Kuwait. Playing pool, bringing my laptop, watching sports on TV and chatting with Omanis was enough for me.

In Kuwait, I was at a larger organization and so had greater networking opportunities. Also, my apartment happened to be a place where a lot of American military contractors lived. But, no hotel bars. However, I gathered that the longer you are there and the more networking you have increases one's quality of life, as per socializing. For instance, I heard rumors of wild parties in people's villas, in the desert, etc.

I think that whether xpats are clicky or friendly really depends on the type of xpats one gets to meet. This might depend on where you are teaching, where you live and whether you have a car. For example, I was in a newer area of Kuwait City which was far from the center of town, so there weren't as many expats there to be able to meet in the first place. In Kuwait, some xpats were friendly and others were not. In the interior of Oman I was one of very few expats. Muscat is probably a better option if socializing and having a large group of friends is important to you.

The students in Oman are far more motivated, respectful and serious than in Kuwait.

Good luck!

[nomad soul]