Teach English in Kuwait
Please keep an eye on our Job Board for open positions in Kuwait.
Image Source: Hamad M
Kuwait, officially known as the “State of Kuwait”, is a country in Western Asia. It is situated at the tip of the Persian Gulf and shares a border with Iraq and Saudi Arabia. As of 2014, the population of Kuwait was around 4.1 million people, with 2.8 million of the population being comprised of expatriates.
During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Kuwait was a prominent trade port. However, this began to change during the early twentieth century due to war and trade blockades, which devastated its economy. Kuwait’s economy was revitalized with the discovery of oil reserves in 1938.
During those next few decades, the country underwent rapid modernization until the Gulf War. Despite being at the center of it, Kuwait has made many advances in the last decade. The country is often heralded as being one of the freest, in terms of civil liberties and freedom of press, when compared with the rest of the Middle East.
To teach English in Kuwait, you must have:
- A full University degree
- A teaching license in your home country
- A TEFL certification (120+ hours). Click on the link for more information about TEFL courses. Many schools lean strongly towards classroom based TEFL certifications or combined TEFL certificates that include online and classroom hours. If you are unsure about a TEFL course, go with a TEFL provider that will provide you with a certificate that does not have ‘online’ stamped across the front of it.
- One to two years of ESL teaching experience
Teach English in Kuwait City – Kuwait’s Modern City
Kuwait City (Arabic: مدينة الكويت ) is the largest and capital city of the country, home to about half of the countries population. The city has one international airport and two sea ports
While in Kuwait city, you can: see a traditional theater performance, go shopping at the Souk Al-Mubarakiya traditional market, take a walk through the Grand Mosque, take in the beautiful art and architecture of the Mirror House or the Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Arts, pose for a picture in front of the Kuwait towers, pose for a picture in front of the Al Hamra Tower (the tallest carved concrete skyscraper in the world), check out the various ports and marina, and experience Arab culture! Although it is a small country, there is still a lot to see and do around the capital city of Kuwait.
Image Source: Khalid Almasoud
Your Journey to Teach English in Kuwait Starts Now!
With lucrative compensation packages, high standards of living and numerous exciting things to do and see, most people are bound to look back fondly on their time teaching English abroad in Kuwait.
Perhaps one of the most unique aspects to Kuwaiti culture is their long held tradition for live theater performance. It is the only country in the gulf with a theater tradition. Additionally, Kuwaiti soap operas are the most-watched soap operas in the world.
From live theater to various museums and landmarks, one is bound to discover exciting new facets to Kuwaiti culture.
Image Source: Khaleel Haidar
Expand Your Horizons in Kuwait!
The most practical and enjoyable way to meet people with similar interests of travel and adventure is to teach abroad. Teaching English abroad in Kuwait will give you access to a bustling population of expats. With over two-thirds of the population being comprised of expats, one is bound to encounter a diverse range of people.
Kuwait is known for being one of the most progressive nations in the Middle East. The country has consistently ranked as one of the most progressive among the Middle Eastern region when it comes to the areas of protection of civil liberties, freedom of press and constitutionalism.
Due to this progressiveness, a person coming from a Western culture will find it easier to adjust to the different way of life in Kuwait. Additionally, the country’s booming art scene allows for foreigners to more easily experience the beauty and historical progression of this country’s culture.
What to Do and See in Kuwait
Al Hamra Tower
Image Source: Rob Faulkner
The Alhamra Tower is the tallest skyscraper in Kuwait City. Construction on the project began in 2005 and was completed in 2011. At 414 meters tall, the tower is the 21st tallest building in the world and the tallest carved concrete skyscraper in the world.
In 2011, the tower was included in a list of best inventions by TIME Magazine. Its smooth curves and modern aesthetic design have made it a signature part of the Kuwait City skyline. The building contains mostly various offices, but it also has a shopping mall and cinema at the base. So whether you’re looking to catch a movie or just snap a picture with the tower, this is a must see in Kuwait.
The Grand Mosque
Image Source: Khalid Almasoud
The Grand Mosque is the official mosque of Kuwait as well as the largest. Construction began in 1979 and was completed in 1986. The total area of the property is 45,000 square meters. The dome of the mosque is 26 meters in diameter and about 43 meters high. The interior of the mosque is lined with various Islamic paintings that are provided ample lighting from about 144 windows.
The main prayer hall can contain up to 10,000 men and up to 950 women in a separate room. The mosque also houses a library which contains many Islamic documents and reference books. If you appreciate art, architecture and history, this is a must see.
Souk Al-Mubarakiya
Image Source: Khalid Almasoud
The Souk Al-Mubarakiya is a traditional market place in Kuwait City. It is one of the oldest souqs in Kuwait and was the center of trade prior to the discovery of oil in the country. The marketplace has been well-preserved by the government and allows one a glimpse into what Kuwait life was like before rapid modernization.
While at this souq, you can buy many things including fruits and vegetables, spices, artworks, clothing and more. One can often find things for much cheaper here if they know how to bargain efficiently. It is also recommended to eat at one of the many restaurants dotted around this area– these restaurants will have some of the most delicious and authentic Kuwaiti, Iranian and Indian cuisines.
