Frequently Asked Questions

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Teaching Benefits and Salary in Kuwait


Requirements to teach in Kuwait


Living in Kuwait


Teaching in Kuwait at the American Creativity Academy


  • What are the hours/days of work when teaching in Kuwait?

    Sunday to Thursday and 6:45am-2:45pm or 7:00am-3:00pm, depending upon the campus.

  • How many campuses do you have?

    • Hawally Boys Campus (Co-Ed Kindergarten and Boys-only Grade 1-12), 
    • Hawally Girls Campus (Girls-only Grade 1-12), and
    • Salmiya Campus (Co-Ed Kindergarten, Boys-only Grade 1-12, and Girls-only Grade 1-12)
  • Can female teachers teach on the Boys' Campus?

    Yes - female teachers can teach all grades and both genders. Male teachers may only teach boys-only classes Grade 1-12.

  • What is the school calendar like?

    Generally staff return mid/late-August and leave early/mid-June and enjoy a typical western-style calendar that includes winter break and spring break, as well as all local holidays.

  • Are the classes mixed gender?

    No - you will either be teaching girls only or boys only, unless you teach KG which is co-ed.

  • How many students are there per class?

    Each class has up to a maximum of 25 students

  • Is there a formal dress code at school?

    Our teachers dress smart and professionally, but not formal. Similar to any other country's teachers dress code. We always respect the Islamic values, and we look professional.

  • Do I have to be fully covered in class?

    You can wear any professional attire you prefer; with minimal skin showing. We ask to keep your upper arms, chest, and knees covered.

  • Will I be given a school laptop?

    Yes - ACA provides all teachers with a school laptop, that will need to be returned at the end of your contract.

  • Do I need to wear a uniform?

    Students wear uniforms and staff dress according to a professional dress code.

  • Does ACA have music classes?

    No - ACA respects local values and traditions, therefore music classes are not offered. Educational rhymes or tunes are commonly used in younger grades to reinforce curricular topics. 

  • Are there are opportunities for advancement at ACA?

    ACA believes in supporting our staff and helping them grow in their professional aspirations. There are many leadership roles available at ACA: Lead Teacher, Head of Department, Head of Year, Committee Members, Assistant Principals, Coordinators, Principals, and Directors. ACA supports promoting from within.

  • Can I travel during the school breaks?

    Yes - once your residency is established and you receive your Kuwait Civil ID (usually 1-3 month process) you are free to travel on the weekends or holidays as you like.

  • Do I have to be Muslim to work in Kuwait or at ACA?

    No - but you should respect the local traditions and customs. 

  • Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to work at ACA?

    Yes. Kuwait requires individuals arriving in the country to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. ACA has implemented strong safety measures on campus to provide a safe in-person learning environment for staff and students.

  • Who attends the school?

    A vast majority of our students are local Kuwaitis and EAL learners. 

  • Do I need a teaching license or TEFL to teach in Kuwait at ACA?

    Teachers looking to apply for a job in Kuwait and at the American Creativity Academy should have a teaching license that was issued by the ministry of education. Applicants do not need a TEFL, TESOL or CELTA to apply.

  • Do I need a valid passport before I apply for a job?

    No you do not need a passport before you apply but we do recommend you start the application process for one so that's one thing of your checklist before relocating!

  • What is the application process like to teach in Kuwait?

    Applicants applying for a job to teach at the American Creativity Academy will:

    1. Apply through our career website
    2. Applicants will then be screened and notified if they are selected for an interview. 
    3. Interviews will be scheduled between a Principal and applicant.
    4. If the interview is sucessful, applicants will receive an offer letter and move forward into our onboarding platform.
  • What is a teaching certificate / teaching diploma?

    This is a certificate issued by an official educational institution, that certifies you as a teacher in your home country. CELTA, TEFL, TESOL certificates are not regarded as a teaching certification.

  • Do you provide onboarding support?

    You will be supported by ACA's New Hire Orientation Committee to be ready to join ACA. You will join an online onboarding platform (powered by SkoolSpot) to participate in prepatory PD sessions and guide you in preparing documents in your home country for your work visa. Once in Kuwait, you will have a weeklong in-person Orientation Week prior to beginning in your classes.

  • How is my salary determined?

    ACA has a standard compensation policy and pay scale grid. We make an offer based on your credentials & classroom teaching experience.

  • Why is some of my work experience not included in the offer?

    We can only recognize actual classroom teaching experience. Volunteer work, freelance work, and part time work, or work at a language center, is not recognized as classroom teaching experience. 

  • How & when will I be getting paid?

    ACA deposits salaries by the last day of each calendar month,  into the bank account specified, by you, with our HR & Payroll department. It is an electronic payment.

  • If I get my teaching certificate during my time of employment at ACA, will my salary be increased?

    Once proof of certification is submitted to HR, your salary will be increased accordingly.

  • If I get my masters during my time of employment at ACA - will my salary be increased?

    Once proof of credentials are submitted to HR, your salary will be increased accordingly.

  • Do I have to pay any tax on my salary in Kuwait?

    No - the salary in Kuwait is tax free. 

  • Will my school housing be deducted from my salary?

     No - teacher housing is paid for by ACA.

  • Will I be able to get a local bank account?

    Yes. ACA will arrange for a representative from a bank to help you with setting up a bank account in Kuwait. This usually takes 1-3weeks to be set up and processed. 

  • Are my summer months of vacation paid?

    Yes - you get paid for 12 months a year.

  • Who will pay for my first flight to Kuwait?

    ACA books and pays for the flight. ACA pays for annual return flights for up to 2 dependents.

  • Will ACA pay for my flight home at the end of the year?

    ACA pays for an annual return flight. If you choose not to fly home, ACA will give you the option to request the "cash option" for your flights. You will then be given the cash amount similar to a flight to your recorded home country/city. This processing is usually done in March every year.

  • What if I did not have excess baggage? Will I still get that allowance?

    Yes - ACA will give you an excess baggage allowance, regardless of whether you had excess baggage or not.

  • Can I sponsor my family's visa?

    Kuwait law allows only for a man to sponsor his wife on a spousal visa. A female cannot sponsor a male. A female can only sponsor children. 


    Once you have arrived in Kuwait and your residency has been approved, ACA will assist in getting your children onto a family visa for you. This takes time, and can take up to 3 months.

  • Do I need a visa to work in Kuwait?

    Yes you need a work visa to teach in Kuwait. The HR team will assist and guide you through this process. Once your offer is signed with the Recruitment Team, you are referred to HR for further assistance.

  • How long are employment contracts?

    First employment contacts are two-years, renewable for additional one- or two-year extensions. 

  • Can my child attend ACA?

    Yes - ACA welcomes staff's children! 

    Overseas teachers receive free tuition for up to two children at ACA; local teachers receive 50% tuition discount for up to three children. 

  • How many bedrooms does my apartment have?

    Single accommodation - 1 bedroom; 

    Family accommodation - 2 bedrooms (Married teaching couples or with Children)

  • Where will I live in Kuwait?

    We have housing complexes in Salmiya & Hawally (areas in Kuwait). You will be placed in an apartment that is in the same area as your campus. Where you will be placed is determined by our housing manager, and this will be confirmed upon your arrival to Kuwait.

  • Can I bring my pet?

    No - ACA's housing does not allow pets.

  • Do I need to share accommodation with anyone?

    No - you will have your own apartment. 


    I anticipate family coming to visit regularly - can I request a bigger apartment? ACA will only allow a bigger apartment should your dependents be minors, and they live with you permanently.


    However, there are excellent hotels located not too far from the school where your family could stay (at their cost).


    Is the school or housing on a compound? No - the school and apartment buildings are within the regular community. 


    Is there security at the housing provided? Yes - the school and apartment buildings have 24-hour security.


    Is there WIFI included in our housing?

    Some of our buildings have WiFi; while others still use ethernet cables.


    Are the apartments furnished? The apartments are furnished with essential furniture, appliances, and linens.


    Can I opt to stay in my own housing of choice? Is there an allowance? You can request a housing allowance from HR, this needs to be approved. The housing stipend is 150KWD for single accommodation, and 250KWD for a married teaching couple.


    How will I get to school while teaching in Kuwait? ACA provides daily buses that will transport you to work and back to your apartment.


    If you do not use the provided bus, there are local buses or taxis. Note: this cost is at the teacher's own expense.

  • I anticipate family coming to visit regularly - can I request a bigger apartment? A

    CA will only allow a bigger apartment should your dependents be minors, and they live with you permanently.


    However, there are excellent hotels located not too far from the school where your family could stay (at their cost).

  • Is the school or housing on a compound?

     No - the school and apartment buildings are within the regular community. 


    Is there security at the housing provided? Yes - the school and apartment buildings have 24-hour security.


    Is there WIFI included in our housing?

    Some of our buildings have WiFi; while others still use ethernet cables.


    Are the apartments furnished? The apartments are furnished with essential furniture, appliances, and linens.


    Can I opt to stay in my own housing of choice? Is there an allowance? You can request a housing allowance from HR, this needs to be approved. The housing stipend is 150KWD for single accommodation, and 250KWD for a married teaching couple.


    How will I get to school while teaching in Kuwait? ACA provides daily buses that will transport you to work and back to your apartment.


    If you do not use the provided bus, there are local buses or taxis. Note: this cost is at the teacher's own expense.

  • Is there security at the housing provided?

    Yes - the school and apartment buildings have 24-hour security.

  • Is there WIFI included in our housing?

    Some of our buildings have WiFi; while others still use ethernet cables.

  • Are the apartments furnished?

    The apartments are furnished with essential furniture, appliances, and linens.

  • Can I opt to stay in my own housing of choice? Is there an allowance?

    You can request a housing allowance from HR, this needs to be approved. The housing stipend is 150KWD for single accommodation, and 250KWD for a married teaching couple.

  • How will I get to school while teaching in Kuwait?

    ACA provides daily buses that will transport you to work and back to your apartment.


    If you do not use the provided bus, there are local buses or taxis. Note: this cost is at the teacher's own expense.

  • What forms of transport are there to use in Kuwait?

    There are reliable bus and taxi services in Kuwait.


    Can I get a drivers license in Kuwait?

    Yes. You will need to get your residency first, before applying for a local license. This may take some time after your arrival. ACA provides you with the needed documentation for you to apply. You can also ask for assistance from a messenger (at your own expense) to help you to get your testing date scheduled.


    International drivers permits are only accepted while on a visitor's visa to Kuwait. Once you are a resident, you will need to get a local driver's license.


    Can I rent a car in Kuwait? Yes, if you have a valid license.


    What kind of familiar stores are in Kuwait? There are many familiar North American and UK stores, brands, and restaurants - IKEA, Gap, American Eagle, Foot Locker, Bath and Body Works, Pottery Barn, Debanhams, MAC Cosmetics, Starbucks, Costa Cafe, Caribou Coffee, McDonalds, Shake Shack, PF Chang's, Applebee's.


    Is Kuwait safe? Yes - Kuwait is a very safe country, but you should still practice regular awareness and vigilance when out and about.


    Do I have to cover fully when going out in Kuwait? By law you are not required to cover fully. You can wear T-Shirts and knee length bottoms should you wish to. Discretion is advised. Always respect the local culture and values.

  • Can I get a drivers license in Kuwait?

    Yes. You will need to get your residency first, before applying for a local license. This may take some time after your arrival. ACA provides you with the needed documentation for you to apply. You can also ask for assistance from a messenger (at your own expense) to help you to get your testing date scheduled.


    International drivers permits are only accepted while on a visitor's visa to Kuwait. Once you are a resident, you will need to get a local driver's license.

  • Can I rent a car in Kuwait?

    Yes, if you have a valid license.


    What kind of familiar stores are in Kuwait? There are many familiar North American and UK stores, brands, and restaurants - IKEA, Gap, American Eagle, Foot Locker, Bath and Body Works, Pottery Barn, Debanhams, MAC Cosmetics, Starbucks, Costa Cafe, Caribou Coffee, McDonalds, Shake Shack, PF Chang's, Applebee's.


    Is Kuwait safe? Yes - Kuwait is a very safe country, but you should still practice regular awareness and vigilance when out and about.


    Do I have to cover fully when going out in Kuwait? By law you are not required to cover fully. You can wear T-Shirts and knee length bottoms should you wish to. Discretion is advised. Always respect the local culture and values.

  • What kind of familiar stores are in Kuwait?

    There are many familiar North American and UK stores, brands, and restaurants - IKEA, Gap, American Eagle, Foot Locker, Bath and Body Works, Pottery Barn, Debanhams, MAC Cosmetics, Starbucks, Costa Cafe, Caribou Coffee, McDonalds, Shake Shack, PF Chang's, Applebee's.


  • Is Kuwait safe?

    Yes - Kuwait is a very safe country, but you should still practice regular awareness and vigilance when out and about.

  • Do I have to cover fully when going out in Kuwait?

    By law you are not required to cover fully. You can wear T-Shirts and knee length bottoms should you wish to. Discretion is advised. Always respect the local culture and values.

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