Is the Modern Knowledge School in Bahrain a nice place?

Question

I've been offered a job at MKS in Bahrain. I would like some information about it and how life would be for an American woman. Also, the school contacted me via email. Is that common practice?

Answer 1

Well Amber,

You never got back to me I talked to our director of personal and you signed your contract- This will be my third year teaching I started teaching 8th grade English Lit- and last year moved to high school teaching Speech Theater and English Lit.  Advancement is here if you want it.

The school is a good place to work, if this is your first teaching assignment it is an awesome experience (like it was for me). The administration will do what ever they can if you ask.  The other teachers will also help you out what ever your concerns are. We Western teachers are all one family. You will be provided transportation (bus) to and from school or catch a ride with others teachers who have cars. There is a bit of a language barrier but they should be accepted considering where we are. But for the most part all the students speak English (That is one reason the parents send them to MKS to learn the American education system).

All teachers are to start to arrive starting the 18th so be ready for the heat day times is about 100-105 nights it drops to about 90-95. This is the hottest time of the year- just drink lots of water. I would bring about $200.00 -$300.00 (about 75.000 to 112.000 BD - BD= Bahrain Dinar) with you to survive until you get paid at the end of the month. Or have some exchanged if you can before you leave. The cost of living here is really good Example a small bottle of water or pepsi here is 27 cents While a liter of milk is about $2.26, and a loaf of bread is about .80 cents. There a lot of food outlets here, you name it it's here.  There are two really big malls- you will get the chance to go there prior to the first day of school. Depending on where you find a flat (apartment) will depend on the type of TV you get- most of all the satilitte companies carry American stations- but reruns or a few weeks old- and yes we can watch the NFL / NBA if you like those sports. So thats about it not sure if that is what you are looking for but I really love this place I decided to stay here over the summer and do my masters course on line, can't wait to see you at the staff meetings - Nice to have you aboard- Jim Lattrelle Via New York State (The North Country).  

Answer 2

Hmmmmm, I don't exactly know how working for MKS in Bahrain would be like.

I've heard it's a fine school, but more than that - I do not know much.

However, lots of Americans and other foreigners live here... I feel they manage just fine… they sort of have their own community you know, their own lifestyle here… and click with the locals who can share them that form of lifestyle.

If the offers good, check it out.

I would have advised you to come visit first before accepting the offer, but if you are living in the US, Bahrain would be far for you... and I guess it might cost you…

and Yes, recently communicating via email has been considered widely acceptable. But of course when you decide on finalizing things you’d want official documents.

Answer 3

Contacting by email is an accepted practise though they should give you the offer letter. There are many Americans here due to the presence of Fifth fleet and there are no restrictions on women here though initially till you get comfortable its better to dress conservatively.