Lisa
@lme
American looking for information about Kuwait
Forum posts
72
Contacts
4
About me
American
Lives in New Jersey
Speaks English
Registration: 26 November 2011
Can a teacher expat have a second job (part time) in Kuwait?
Most of the teachers I know work doing private tutoring. They make as low as 5 KD and up to 20 KD an hour, depending on the subject. Read More
I need your help this Saturday by legacy
Hola expats, Good morning! fine morning it is! to some it is the last day of the week, to them we say enjoy your extended weekend, to others it is merely the calm before the storm of the last day of the week. I am in need of your assistance in a ...
Happy to help, have a great time at the marathon!!! Read More
Are there short term furnished apartments that allow cats? by GuestPoster326
Hi All, Can anyone give me some advice? Perhaps someone else has had this problem. We will be arriving in October with our three cats. I don't want to put them in a cattery but we obviously can't stay in a hotel with them. We really need a furnished ...
There is a woman who runs an animal rescue here in Kuwait and she may be able to give you at least some direction. She loves animals and so maybe she knows where to point you. Look on facebook for a group called "Become a Foster Guardian - you're ... Read More
How to make friends in Kuwait? by morningdue
How can one meet new friends in Kuwait outside the work circle, especially someone who is a female? I think it's somehow hard to come across new people in Kuwait. I noticed small cultural communities are closed to others who do not share the same ...
One I found on facebook and the other through meetup.com. Also, in the back of the EEK magazine are listings for all kinds of classes and groups. To find a church I just did a little research. I knew since last November that I would be arriving in ... Read More
Goodbye Toronto........ Kuwait, Here I Come! by illie
:)
Welcome to Kuwait - Also, Crittle glad to see you made it! Yeah it's different from living down south in that there is no humidity. Last night was the first time I really felt any humidity here and still it wasn't as bad as it can be down in ... Read More
How to make friends in Kuwait? by morningdue
How can one meet new friends in Kuwait outside the work circle, especially someone who is a female? I think it's somehow hard to come across new people in Kuwait. I noticed small cultural communities are closed to others who do not share the same ...
I joined two groups that focus on expats and it has kept me busy and allowed me to meet new people. I've been here not even a month and I have gone to several bbq's, a house party, out to dinner numerous times, with some friends to a shisha place ... Read More
Calling all bookworms! by J-Dizzle
Hello! I'm back. My question is the same: are there any bookworms out there? If yes, what are you currently reading? I am reading Haruki Murakami's The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. And if anyone's interested, my offer to start a book-club is still ...
Thanks for starting the group, I sent a request! Read More
Canadian in Kuwait by AllanlakasMrlakas
Hello there, My name is Allan and I wanted to introduce myself. I am 29 years old, from Peterborough Ontario moving to Kuwait in 14 days to teach a grade 3 class at the Kuwait Bilingual School, despite the negative reviews I've read about the ...
Concerning the heat Ally, I am fair skinned too and it hasn't been that bad. Plus I am in my 40s so I get extra hot. However, once it is dark and you can eat and drink in public, it is actually kind of nice, if you absolutely cannot stand it - ... Read More
Calling all bookworms! by J-Dizzle
Hello! I'm back. My question is the same: are there any bookworms out there? If yes, what are you currently reading? I am reading Haruki Murakami's The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. And if anyone's interested, my offer to start a book-club is still ...
Oh no, that's not good. We will have to think of some other way. We could start with a facebook page - that is free. Read More
Chit chat ;) by Linouly
Hush little baby don't say a world..!twinkle twinkle little star...! Dodo l enfant do ... ! Are you sleeping....! Fais dodo cola mon ptit fr猫re ..... What else CAN i sing to make him sleep ? Lol
My oldest son was so difficult, I would have to take him for a car ride sometimes to get him to sleep. You know the rule: Sleep when your baby sleeps, because they don't sleep on your schedule so you must sleep on their schedule. Read More
Canadian in Kuwait by AllanlakasMrlakas
Hello there, My name is Allan and I wanted to introduce myself. I am 29 years old, from Peterborough Ontario moving to Kuwait in 14 days to teach a grade 3 class at the Kuwait Bilingual School, despite the negative reviews I've read about the ...
Hi Allan, I have just arrived and will also be teaching. My one piece of advice is if the building you will be living in does not come with internet, make sure bring books to read or dvds to watch (you can get dvd's cheap here). The heat has been ... Read More
Calling all bookworms! by J-Dizzle
Hello! I'm back. My question is the same: are there any bookworms out there? If yes, what are you currently reading? I am reading Haruki Murakami's The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. And if anyone's interested, my offer to start a book-club is still ...
Do you belong to meetup.com? I think we can just start a group and see who would like to join. I believe it is free! Read More
how are tattoos perceived in kuwait ?? by vindaloolad
hello all, i have just had an hour telephone interview with a UK company with a depot in Kuwait. should i be lucky and get the job, great. if not keeping a look out. my question is "how are tattoos perceived in kuwait?". form my time in the british ...
Oh I was thinking it was like some sort of cover up, like something wet that is flesh colored and then you put it on and it dries and covers up the tattoo. But now that you point it out, I am surprised I didn't realize she probably meant band aid. ... Read More
Calling all bookworms! by J-Dizzle
Hello! I'm back. My question is the same: are there any bookworms out there? If yes, what are you currently reading? I am reading Haruki Murakami's The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. And if anyone's interested, my offer to start a book-club is still ...
Perhaps we could start a "meet-up" group. I am also interested. Read More
how are tattoos perceived in kuwait ?? by vindaloolad
hello all, i have just had an hour telephone interview with a UK company with a depot in Kuwait. should i be lucky and get the job, great. if not keeping a look out. my question is "how are tattoos perceived in kuwait?". form my time in the british ...
Does anyone know of a kind of "plaster" that you can get here in Kuwait to cover your tattoos? Someone here said that is what some of the workers used, but she didn't know any more information about it. Read More
Visa paperwork outside of home country by katieray
Hi, I'm an American currently living and working in Seoul, Korea. I will be teaching in Kuwait in September and have been working on the documents I need for my work visa. I was under the impression you need to get the police clearance from your ...
Good luck with all the paperwork!!!! It is easy once you figure it out, but if you do not live in the area of your university, it can be a pain. Read More
American Football by Coach P
Almost 2 months ago we had 16 guys at practice for the Kuwait National Team. Now we are no less than 70. Watch our youtube video to support your fellow expat coach. (me) Search Kuwait Gridiron Football to watch the first installment of the ...
Good luck with your team. Looks like you have some pretty dedicated players and fellow coaches to work with. We volunteered for years with the youth Pop Warner football program here in the States and that took up easily 25 hours a week, so I can't ... Read More
Newest Q8Ti Candian! Just moved to Kuwait and Looking for friends.
You can try checking out the meetup.com page and see what is going on, there are a couple of groups you can join. They seem to have several things going on. Read More
Gyms in Kuwait by salue
Hey All New Member ! but thats not important now Lets post about Gyms in Kuwait and there prices! u got Platinum Gym in Salmiya Restaurant Street = 35KD per Month got a top cardio+aerobics room+Massage Pool+jacuzi+the weights and the basements ...
See the following link for prices of the gym you are asking for, as well as some others. http://www.bananaq8.com/activities/gym-and-health-club-prices-in-kuwait/ Read More
Teacher from California---HELP NEEDED (or Canada) by ksfm12
Well it seems I am in quite a bind. In an effort for California to be a "green" State, or to save a tree, they no longer mail out hard copies of teaching credentials (as of 2008). They only offer electronic or online copies that can be ...
I think it is a good idea to check to make sure people don't have a criminal background if they are going to be working with children. However, some of the steps just seem tedious (such as having the police clearance only after the NOC is issued). ... Read More
Teacher from California---HELP NEEDED (or Canada) by ksfm12
Well it seems I am in quite a bind. In an effort for California to be a "green" State, or to save a tree, they no longer mail out hard copies of teaching credentials (as of 2008). They only offer electronic or online copies that can be ...
I have heard from other teachers and none of them have done this step. However, since my school wants it done, I'm doing it. Read More
Teacher from California---HELP NEEDED (or Canada) by ksfm12
Well it seems I am in quite a bind. In an effort for California to be a "green" State, or to save a tree, they no longer mail out hard copies of teaching credentials (as of 2008). They only offer electronic or online copies that can be ...
I had to get my actual diploma notarized at every level (college, the county of the college, the State of NJ, and the US State Dept.), get a sealed transcript from my college and also some form from studentclearinhouse.com and submit all of that to ... Read More
Power and weather by crittle73
Hey y'all! I've been trying to prepare and gather the essentials I will need once I'm in Kuwait. I have a couple of questions that I'm sure most you who've been there a while can answer. The first one is about power outlets. I plan to bring a ...
Crittle, I have been trying to imagine what the heat is going to feel like also. At first I was going to live within walking distance of where I would work, and all I could think was I can't stand walking from my house to my car on a hot humid day, ... Read More
Cell phone questions by crittle73
Here in the US, I use an iPhone 4S and would like to continue to use it. I was thinking I might downgrade my phone associated with my US number. Then I could unlock my iPhone to use over in Kuwait. Has anyone taken an unlocked phone with them? ...
I was going to take a small iPod touch, with a preloaded app like Tango on it (to call home to the States) from a wifi area. Then as soon as possible, just get one of the plans there in Kuwait. Do we have to wait for our id card and all that to be ... Read More
Wasta by Kayvictoria
Hi again guys n girls! I keep hearing we need a wasta to speed up driving license procedure.... In around 2weeks I will have the civil ID and so want to drive ASAP. Any advice on where/how to get a wasta!?
I can't figure out something. Kuwait is about the size of New Jersey with the population of Brooklyn all living in the northeast side of Kuwait. From what I see on line everything looks like it is the city and there doesn't seem to be a suburb or ... Read More
so confused... about issuance of workvisa and police clearance by ksfm12
So I am reading and hearing two different things. I am reading from the Kuwaiti Embassy website that the police clearance have to be done after the issuance of a work permit but when I call the embassy they tell me that police clearances can be ...
The test results are fine, in addition to the actual medical clearance. However, my doctor wrote out a medical clearance and submitted (on that same form) that I tested clear for all the diseases (except saying explicitly malaria) but did not give ... Read More
so confused... about issuance of workvisa and police clearance by ksfm12
So I am reading and hearing two different things. I am reading from the Kuwaiti Embassy website that the police clearance have to be done after the issuance of a work permit but when I call the embassy they tell me that police clearances can be ...
Just a quick addition. I went to the Kuwait Embassy in DC today and it did not prove fruitful. My medical was not sufficient because the doctor only wrote the results and the clearance on one form (oh and it doesn't show that malaria was cleared) ... Read More
Instant Arabic App for all phones, all platforms! by legacy
Good Morning Expats of Q8! Language is often cited as the most difficult barrier to overcome, gesticulation can only get you so far! We are often faced with hiccups in our daily lives that require an injection of local lingo to facilitate a better ...
Thanks Legacy! You are always such a huge help. Read More
so confused... about issuance of workvisa and police clearance by ksfm12
So I am reading and hearing two different things. I am reading from the Kuwaiti Embassy website that the police clearance have to be done after the issuance of a work permit but when I call the embassy they tell me that police clearances can be ...
You are right, I guess I didn't think about it because I am just going to drive to DC to make it quicker. Read More
so confused... about issuance of workvisa and police clearance by ksfm12
So I am reading and hearing two different things. I am reading from the Kuwaiti Embassy website that the police clearance have to be done after the issuance of a work permit but when I call the embassy they tell me that police clearances can be ...
The school I will be working at informed me when the NOC was done in Kuwait and then I scheduled my police clearance. It took less than a week to get my clearance. Read More
voting informations for american citizens in kuwait
Thanks so much. This election just means so much to me, so I really want to vote. Read More
Any Lady Bookworms in Kuwait? Book Club for Women? by Viva Liban
Hello all, I have been looking for book clubs in Kuwait and came to the conclusion that it may be best to ask if anyone wanted to start a book club with me. We'd pick a book and in a month's time, we'd have it read so that we could meet up at a ...
Keep me posted, once I get to Kuwait (August 1) I would love to participate. Read More
Buying a fan
To piggyback off of Kayvictoria: Do they sell the portable air conditioning units that you don't need a window for? Also, do you know how much they cost approximately? I love to keep my bedroom cold at night and since I will be living in a shared ... Read More
Be carefull while charging mobile phones and driving by sajjadahmed_70
hi guys I would like to bring your attention to an important matter which has become a part of our daily life. A great revolution has been witnessed in recent years in mobile industry and prices of cell phones vary from highest to the lowest range. ...
I noticed my memory has been sketchier these past few years and I was chalking up to being in my 40s - I guess I can now just blame my cell phone :) Read More
Important tips for new comers by sajjadahmed_70
important message for new comers in Kuwait Hi all new birds who have migrated from their homeland to this oil rich state for improving their life style and earning a handsome amount of money. Kuwait is a country like a kind mother who holds not ...
Thanks so much for the information. I knew you all would come through! This forum should be required reading for newbies to Kuwait! Read More
Good salons by Griffiths92
Hi, Im In need of a good salon for women that specialise in cuts and coloring In Kuwait? I Don't mind paying more for good quality either! Thanks!
Hi, I read about salons on another blog that you might find interesting, Desert Girl. http://desertgirlkuwait.blogspot.com/2009/09/dg-index-salon-picks.html She does a nice job describing what she likes and doesn't like about specific salons. Read More
Important tips for new comers by sajjadahmed_70
important message for new comers in Kuwait Hi all new birds who have migrated from their homeland to this oil rich state for improving their life style and earning a handsome amount of money. Kuwait is a country like a kind mother who holds not ...
I will be arriving at night during Ramadan so the next day I will need to go out for groceries. Will the grocery stores be open during the day? Also, as I tend to drink A LOT, if I were thirsty, if I keep a water bottle in my bag and then go into ... Read More
1st week in Kuwait by Coach P
I'm from Ohio. I'm living in Maidan Hawalli and have been here for a week. I'm an Assistant Coach for the Kuwait National Football Team. (American football here)
Ally, Crittle is from down south where they take their college football quite seriously. Up north here we are more into the NFL. Crittle I guess I will have to also rely on your expertise in selecting a team to follow. Read More
TOEFL exam by Nayana
Does anyone know how to take the TOEFL exam here in Kuwait? I already searched internet many times but it's all crap! I want to know an exact place or institute and about payments and classes please...
You are very welcome. I wish you success with studying and testing. Read More
TOEFL exam by Nayana
Does anyone know how to take the TOEFL exam here in Kuwait? I already searched internet many times but it's all crap! I want to know an exact place or institute and about payments and classes please...
I found this for you. It is 90 kd for the test and has specific dates listed. http://www.amideast.org/kuwait/testing/ibt-toefl%C2%AE-test-dates Read More
Airport Trolley Mafias- Caution to all leaving for the Summer by legacy
Hello Expats, once more we have another cautionary tale courtesy of the Arab Times ([url=http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/184078/reftab/36/Default.aspx]link[/url]) regarding something all expats are familiar ...
Thanks Legacy, you are always the best source of information. Read More
Money Transfer to USA Bank account by AmeriLeb
Hey, guys I'm hoping some of you can give me some advice. I've been having trouble transferring KD to my checking account in the US. They are telling me that it needs to be a savings not a checking account. Also is there a limit I cannot exceed, ...
According to the information I found on line, the banks here in the United States don't have IBAN numbers. However, it says you do need your routing number and your SWIFT code. Your bank should be able to provide your SWIFT code for you. I don't ... Read More
Airport Trolley Mafias- Caution to all leaving for the Summer by legacy
Hello Expats, once more we have another cautionary tale courtesy of the Arab Times ([url=http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/184078/reftab/36/Default.aspx]link[/url]) regarding something all expats are familiar ...
When coming into the airport, I do not think I will be able to handle all my bags alone (without a trolley). Can you please make a suggestion as to where we should go to get the trolley to avoid these porters? Or can you suggest how to select a ... Read More
Police Clearance for Work Visa by ksfm12
Hello All, I live in the United States and am going to Kuwait to teach. I have been doing some research on my own about obtaining my work visa and getting all my documents in order. While on the Kuwaiti Consulate website under work visa ...
I have a list of each state's agency to contact to get your clearance if you need it. I live in New Jersey and had to go through the State Police and get fingerprinted. I did that on this past Friday and already got the clearance in the mail ... Read More
How to make friends in New Jersey by expat.com
We have been talking about [url=/forum/viewtopic.php?id=891]loneliness when you are abroad[/url], let's now talk about how to make friends (locals or expatriates) when you're living in New Jersey :top: [b]Which are your best ...
I have lived here my whole life and it can be difficult to meet friends, unless you have a specific hobby or enjoy the bar scene. Many people are friends with people they went to school with still or that they go to church with. VPuller you are ... Read More
Public transportation in New Jersey by Armand
Hi all, What do you think about the means of transportation in New Jersey ? Is the network of means of transportation well developed? What modes of transport are available? Do you use them? How much is a fare? Are they relatively ...
I live in Southern Jersey along the Delaware River and use the RiverLine frequently, it runs from Trenton to Camden and is only $1.50 per ride. Stations are conveniently located in each town along the route. Once you get to Camden you can either ... Read More
Kuwaiti studies in the US
I hope your travels were easy and you have made it home safely. Read More
Expats, be careful at ATMs - thieves on the loose by legacy
The following was in the paper last week, can't see how it skipped my attention: Arab Times ...
One of the problems we have here in the US is people copying your credit/debit card when you give it to them to pay for things. This happened to me when I went to purchase gas. Luckily, I am constantly checking my account on line and caught it ... Read More
Is there any British women in kuwait?!?!? Embassy parties by Scouse
Hi everyone, Just a question, is there any British women in Kuwait at all, iv been here 9 months an never met 1!! Lol :P Also how do you get An invite to the British embassy parties does anybody know?? Thanks
I have come across the following group in my research on Kuwait. I hope this helps. http://theblskuwait.com/ It is the British Ladies Society. Read More
Expats, be careful at ATMs - thieves on the loose by legacy
The following was in the paper last week, can't see how it skipped my attention: Arab Times ...
Haha, I can see me walking off the plain with my gas mask, they would think I was nuts. I knew what you meant. Sometimes I do suffer from asthma that is why I was asking. It is justrare to see anyone wearing any type of masks here. Thanks for the ... Read More
Expats, be careful at ATMs - thieves on the loose by legacy
The following was in the paper last week, can't see how it skipped my attention: Arab Times ...
Thanks for the info on the ATM awareness. I have a question about what you said at the end of your post. Is it common to see people wearing face masks? Should I buy one and bring it with me or just wait till I get to Kuwait? Read More
boring in kuwait...
I have seen others mention meetup.com as a way to find things to do with people. Best of luck to you. Read More
Bringing in food (limits) by Kayvictoria
Hi guys! Hope everyone is well. Finally the day is almost here...I fly over on Saturday!! I was wondering if anyone can help me with a little query. Basically I want to bring over some home comforts, such as: Teabags Marmite Protein powder Nandos ...
Best wishes for safe travels KayVictoria! When you get there give us a first impression update. Read More
Harrrrr! Hottt! by msjaydee
So, just a tip. Make sure you have a good jack in your trunk and the other tools necessary to change your tires. Oh, and a good spare tire. I was in a car when the tire busted. It was like 1pm on Gulf Rd and like 47 degrees Celsius. We stood outside ...
One of the big advantages of AAA is the insurance is on you, not your car. This way if I had AAA and I was in MSJAYDEE's car and we broke down, they would still come out and either give us a lift or fix the car. I love having it because I do not ... Read More
Harrrrr! Hottt! by msjaydee
So, just a tip. Make sure you have a good jack in your trunk and the other tools necessary to change your tires. Oh, and a good spare tire. I was in a car when the tire busted. It was like 1pm on Gulf Rd and like 47 degrees Celsius. We stood outside ...
Just curious is there a "Triple A" type of service in Kuwait? Read More
Should I bring my dog? by crittle73
Hello all! I have read conflicting viewpoints regarding pets in Kuwait. I have a dog, who is like my child. He is a small dog, about 20 lbs. I'm debating whether I should bring him. My mother has agreed to keep him, if I need to leave him in the US. ...
If possible I would love to take my cat with me when I go in August. However, it is not possible because I will have shared housing. I haven't been to Kuwait yet, but I can just speak from my heart - if you can take your "baby," take him. It will ... Read More
Word of Caution for the Expats - Govt Crackdown by legacy
Hello all! yes, the Summer season is once again upon us, and as we all toil at the gyms in search of the perfect "beach-bod", something is happening. some expats are travelling for the Summer, others are staying put, for the ones that are staying ...
I don't understand why people even go to Kuwait if they know they are going to need to drink alcohol to have a nice time. It is clear that Kuwait is a dry country and if someone chooses to break the law, they have to deal with the consequences. Read More
Coming to Kuwait from US by crittle73
Hello all! I wanted to introduce myself, as I just joined this little community. I'm a single woman from Atlanta, Georgia, and I've just accepted a job offer to teach at a school in Kuwait. I'm so very excited about this opportunity, although a ...
I have tried to do all kinds of cover-ups for my tats (wrist, foot, calf, and back) and it just seems like the easiest will be jewelry and long clothes. I am glad to hear it won't be as big a deal as I thought it would be. I thought if worse came ... Read More
Coming to Kuwait from US by crittle73
Hello all! I wanted to introduce myself, as I just joined this little community. I'm a single woman from Atlanta, Georgia, and I've just accepted a job offer to teach at a school in Kuwait. I'm so very excited about this opportunity, although a ...
Hi, I live in NJ currently and will be going to teach in Kuwait in August. I agree with you, sometimes it is best to just form your own opinions. Often complainers will go out of their way to write a negative review, but not enough happy people ... Read More
Life in Kuwait is what you choose to make it by legacy
Hark Denizens and expats, as I weave a tale of glory and splendor for your reading pleasure. several expats upon landing on the sands of Kuwait are struck with a sense of alien indifference. the initial shock sometimes takes a while to get over, ...
That was a great article. It really gave me insight into who you are and why you are so actively involved in this forum. Keep up the great contribution! Read More
Health Insurance by lme
I will be arriving in August (hopefully) and I am quite concerned because the school I will be teaching for does not offer health insurance. I tried to find information about how much it would cost to purchase a plan on my own (and what the plans ...
Thank you all so much for your replies. I think if it is only 300-400 KD per year, it would definitely be worth the peace of mind. I don't usually visit the hospital - but if I should need it, I want the best experience possible. I love this ... Read More
Health Insurance
I will be arriving in August (hopefully) and I am quite concerned because the school I will be teaching for does not offer health insurance. I tried to find information about how much it would cost to purchase a plan on my own (and what the plans ... Read More
Moving over in April!!! by Kayvictoria
Hello everyone!! Hoping you are all very well!! Will be moving over to Kuwait sometime in April...so excited!! My partner and I will be working in retail operations with Alshaya. Taking into account we will likely join the Al Corniche beach club ...
Good luck on your move. I am not due to arrive until August, but wish it was in April. Thank you to everyone for all your great advice to KayVictoria - I found it so informative. This is a wonderful group of people always willing to give practical ... Read More
I'm looking to have a French classes by <<WeSsOo007>>
HI I'm looking to have a French classes anyone knows where i can take the classes? and for how much?
Until you find an actual french class, there is a great website (that is free) that I have been using. livemocha.com It lets you practice speaking and writing the language. People that speak the language review your work for you. Give it a try. Read More
IBS (Al Rayan Holdings School), Fahaheel by chris_uel
Hi all. I may be given an offer to work at IBS and was wondering if anyone had any pictures/info/anything at all about the school that they could tell me. Also, any idea on teaching salaries in Kuwait...I have read that more reputable schools pay ...
As far as salary, I can just give you my experience. I was offered a position teaching at 850kd, however, I just found the exact position, at the same school, advertising the position paying 1000kd. Unfortunately, I did not try to negotiate on my ... Read More
..... by sweetjo87
its hard to hold on to something that you know would never be yours in any way you think of....,,, you just have to learn to let go and face that fact that while some good things never last...dont they???
Marquis you are absolutely correct. You must be good to yourself. Sometimes we are trying to hold onto things that we really need to let go of in order to really make ourselves happy. Read More