LIFE IN KUWAIT

Kuwait is a small, oil-rich constitutional emirate. Foreign workers constitute approximately 90 percent of the labor force. Kuwaiti citizens number 1.1 million of the country's population of 3.4 million, and enjoy the benefits of a generous social welfare system that guarantees employment, housing, education, and medical care. Facilities for travelers are widely available.

Shopping

Kuwait offers an array of shopping opportunities from Souk Mubarakya (old-fashioned traditional shopping) to the Grand Avenues. There are shops available for every budget and to match almost any criteria. There are ample grocery stores located throughout the country with items which you would typically find at home. Vegetables and fruits are fresh (many are grown in the region), with many products imported from the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia.

Driving

Although the school provides bus transportation to and from school on a daily basis, there are many teachers who prefer the freedom and flexibility of leasing or owning their own car. Please note that road conditions may not be what you are expected to at home and may differ significantly from what you are accustomed to. Although Kuwait has an extensive and modern system of well-lit roads, excessive speed on both primary and secondary roads, and a high density of vehicles (one vehicle for every 2.8 residents), leads to frequent accidents.

Taxis are available at major hotels and may be telephoned to pick up passengers at other locations. It is sometimes possible to hail taxis on streets; taxis have meters, but fares are more commonly negotiated. It is advisable to use only marked taxis with meters, avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxi, do not travel to unfamiliar areas, do not enter taxis with unknown passengers, and do not engage in “small talk" that can be misinterpreted as interest in the taxi driver. Visitors can use international driving permits issued by their respective countries within the time limit of their visas; however, the visitor must also have liability insurance.