Backpacking in Bahrain?

• Lots of beautiful cultural heritage, modern cities, but also relatively expensive compared to other destinations in the region. 
• Features: relatively safe (provided you respect local laws and norms), hot, rich history and beautiful cultural heritage, good infrastrcuture, but limited budget options. 

Traveling in Bahrain?

• Via bridges, you travel past more than 30 islands with a fairly interesting underwater world including sea turtles, dugongs (manatees) and coral reefs.
• City spotting: Manama, muharraq and Riffa. 
• Activity spotting: combine ancient forts and museums with modern shopping malls, markets and historic souks.  
• Nature spotting: Al Areen Wildlife Park and the beautiful coasts and dunes. Also visit the "Tree of Life" and the Hawar Islands. 
• Animal spotting: red ibis, flamingo, Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, desert hedgehog, Indian gray mongoose. 

Studying in Bahrain

• Education in Bahrain: education at international institutions in Bahrain (e.g. University of London campus) is generally good, local universities do not score high in world rankings but the education system is growing. 
• Language: most in English, some programs in Arabic. 
• Studies: many options with management, economics, finance and social sciences being particularly popular. 
• Study cities: Manama, Riffa, Muharraq.
• Study culture: men and women are generally segregated, there is great respect for traditional values, sometimes reflected in academic and social interactions, and there is a growing international influence. 
• Language learning: English is basically enough, but at the universities you can also learn Arabic. 

Internship in Bahrain?

• Internships: there are not a huge number of internship opportunities in Bahrain. You are most likely to be with international companies and in the tech, oil/gas and financial sectors. 
• Internship cities: Manama, Riffa, Muharraq. 
• Characteristics: international environment and client network (at an international company), professional networking, formal and hierarchical, basic knowledge of Arabic can take you just a little further. 
• Competencies: professional English, Arabic language skills, learning to deal with hierarchy, open attitude towards other cultures and religious influences.  

Volunteer in Bahrain?

• There are few to no options for volunteering for board and lodging in Bahrain. However, you can find part-time volunteering for local non profits in areas such as health care, community support, education and animal welfare. 
• Animal/nature projects: sheltering stray animals.
• Characteristics: mostly part-time volunteering and few options. 

Working in Bahrain?

• Jobs: mainly work for international companies, in the financial, IT, oil/gas and healthcare sectors. A true expat paradise.  
• Work culture: Bahrainis are incredibly friendly people and always greet you, direct eye contact and a smile are important. In traditional companies, the work culture is formal with a strong emphasis on respect and hierarchy. Be prepared that you cannot easily make your own decisions unless you are in the upper management layers. Work-life balance is relatively good, but the work week can be long. In international companies, the work culture can be more relaxed and informal. There are also plenty of opportunities for women and they are represented in a variety of roles. 
• Characteristics: using English as the main business language will get you by, there are many networking events, respect for local traditions and religious practices is important. 

Working as a digital nomad in Bahrain?

• Bahrain is not very popular for digital nomads. 
• Favorite location: Manama.
• Characteristics: hot, large expat community, pricey, rich cultural experience and beautiful resorts. 

Living in Bahrain?

• Bahrain is a fairly stable country, the smallest nation in the Middle East, and always ranking very high in lists of favorite expat countries.
• Language: English and Arabic. 
• Quality of life: a high standard of living with modern amenities, well-developed infrastructure and many nice stores and restaurants. There is also a large expat community and the country is quite safe with a stable political situation. However, costs are quite high. 
• Culture: Islam plays a central role in daily life in Bahrain. So showing respect for religious practices and traditions is also essential! For example, avoid inappropriate clothing and respect the prayer times and rules of Ramadan. In addition to Islam, family and community also play a very large role. Social structures are family-oriented and there is a strong emphasis on family ties and social responsibilities. 
• Characteristics: modern housing options, good infrastructure, many cultural and leisure opportunities, English is adequate, safe, women also enjoy some form of freedom compared to many surrounding countries. 
• Health care: Health care in Bahrain is generally of high quality, with well-equipped hospitals and medical facilities. Do arrange your own (international) health insurance well.

Stories, tips and experiences from Bahrain