For+Teachers+New+to+Bahrain+School

(feel free to organize, change and update this page however you want...it's just a start)

// “Welcome to Bahrain, the smallest Arab country in the Middle East" //

1- If you happen to arrive in the period of (July 19th, 2012- August 18th, 2012) then you will be here during the holy month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the month of fasting, when Muslims refrain from eating, drinking or smoking from sunrise to sunset. Fasting teaching Muslims how to feel with the poor, resistance and endurance. Muslims increase their prayers during this holly month, especially after sunset. Therefore you will hear loud prayers called Taraweeh coming from the mosques minarets ( towers ).

To experience the great spirit of Ramadan remember the following :
 * You can have a full seminar on Islam at the Al Fateh Mosque and Islamic centre.
 * Remember ladies, you need to be modestly dressed before you enter a mosque, and you will be given a head scarf to cover your hair with.
 * All restaurants will be closed during this month from sunrise to sunset ( except those on base ). Some restaurants continue to deliver meals home during the day.
 * Locals will feel very insulted if you eat/drink/smoke in public during Ramadan fasting hours, so be careful. You might also be given a ticket by the local police.
 * The “Iftar” is the meal with which Muslims break their fast. It’s exactly at sunset time( around 18.15 probably or a bit later ). Restaurants and hotels have great meals for Iftar. So plan to attend an Iftar buffet with your friends. It’s a very special get together event.
 * You are expected to dress modestly in Ramadan.
 * Muslims celebrate the end of the Ramadan with a festival called” Eid”, a 3 day festival with a 3 day local official holiday to all governmental offices and departments.

= 2-Places to visit : =

Most likely you have been surfing into Google the minute you heard you were coming to Bahrain J However here are some tips from an expert :
 * First step, if you need any phone number, make sure you dial the Batelco directory: 181 and they will give you any phone number you are looking for.
 * Try to get a copy of a magazine called FAB, Nishi our receptionist always has copies of this magazine on her desk for teachers and parents to use. This magazine has lists of restaurants, gyms, schools, doctors, clinics…etc around the kingdom. You will also need to read the daily local newspapers to stay enlightened with what’s going on. You will find them in any cold store and in our school library.
 * Taxis are available everywhere, make sure you get a meter’s receipt at your last stop. You can order a taxi ahead of time by calling Radio Taxi, ask 181 for the number.
 * Try to visit the following places as a start:
 * Al Fateh Mosque.
 * Bab Al Bahrain ( The local traditional souk/market )( Where you get to see the local shops of gold, spices, fabrics and many more ), PS- Check with your security office ahead of time to make sure there are no demonstrations at this area on the time of your visit.
 * Al Jasra Craft Centre.
 * Manama Craft Centre.
 * Al Bandar resort ( perfect for a weekend on the beach )
 * The Yacht Club.
 * The palms stables, Sar ( if you wish to ride Arabian horses )
 * The National Museum
 * Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve.
 * The City Centre Mall
 * Discover Islam ( get tips on Islam and learn Arabic during their evening classes )

For more info, feel free to come and see me, or email me @ rasha.bilbessi@eu.dodea.edu. Again, Welcome to Bahrain.” Ahlan Wa Sahlan “ //-Rasha//
 * Before you arrive**
 * ideas?
 * 1) something about the weather, especially arriving in August.
 * 2) The word HYDRATION should be key over and over.
 * 3) Clothing to bring for work. What women wear to work here, what men wear to work here. That sandals for women is almost uniform, that clothing is expensive here, that going on a shopping spree to and buying light cotton clothing is a good idea. Bring enough culturally sensitive, comfortable clothing to get through the first two months of work.
 * 4) Toronco car rental across from the school rents cars for approx 400 US $ per month (monthly rate ) until their car arrives (thankfully Lynn took me over to take care of that). AND, knowing that it really is too hot to walk around here shoping etc. for food or things in the heat.
 * 5) Send them a base map. I gave Lynn an electronic version earlier this SY. It’s good.
 * 6) Having some sound bites from other new teachers as a group (maybe a video of 5 or 6 new folks from this and last year) with an interviewer asking questions would be helpful – they could see what we wear and what we are like
 * 7) What space available means and how these kids are different. I had no clue this was even a concept. It would have been helpful to know that we had tuition (high) paying students.
 * links to information
 * pdf forms


 * When you arrive**
 * ideas?
 * links to information
 * pdf forms

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