My Adventures Abroad: The Life of a Black Millenial in Kuwait

Picture this: a fresh-out-of-college, wide-eyed, and eager millennial setting foot in Kuwait. That was me, embarking on a solo adventure to teach 2nd grade in a land where I knew no one. I arrived with my 2 suitcases, a head full of dreams, and a heart ready to embrace the unknown. My first night? Oh, it was something you can't even imagine. I decided to explore my new neighborhood, which led me to the local corner store. Not only did I make friends with the owner, but I also used his Wi-Fi to set up my phone. Talk about resourcefulness! I wasn’t scared or shy—I was ready to dive headfirst into this new chapter.

As I settled into life in Kuwait, I quickly learned a universal truth: at the core, we are all the same. Yes, it sounds cliché, but trust me, it's true. Whether you're in the States or the Middle East, people everywhere get angry, excited, and want the best for their loved ones. On a deeper level, we all crave love and community. This realization hit me hard as I navigated through my teaching days and interacted with my students and their families. We laughed, we learned, and we shared stories that bridged the gap between us.

Another lesson from my Kuwaiti adventure was the importance of having a solid community around you. Kuwait was where I first dipped my toes into therapy—a decision that changed my life. In the Black community, the stigma around therapy can be daunting, so sharing my journey with family back home felt impossible. But in Kuwait, I found my tribe. My friends abroad became my rock, encouraging and supporting me through thick and thin. Without their unwavering support, I doubt I would have thrived as I did. Therapy, combined with the love from my friends, gave me the strength to face challenges head-on.

Finally, working with students from diverse backgrounds was a highlight of my Kuwaiti experience. These kids and their parents opened my eyes to new perspectives and enriched my life in ways I never imagined. Their stories, traditions, and unwavering resilience left a lasting impact on me. So, if you're contemplating teaching abroad in Kuwait, let me be the first to say: go for it. It won't be perfect all the time—nowhere is—but the growth, the connections, and the broadened horizons you'll gain are unmatched. Embrace the adventure, and you'll come out the other side with a heart full of stories and a life forever changed.

I love talking about my time in Kuwait so let me know if you want to hear more stories. I am so passionate about sharing life abroad and teaching other teachers how to get there too. If you would like to take the leap and start your teaching career in Kuwait or Qatar, then look no further. My ebook + workbook will guide you and help you navigate each step. Snag it here.

I hope you will stay awhile at Teach Travel Thrive because I would love to be a part of your teach abroad journey!

Your Teach Abroad Guide,

Shanice