TEACHING IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Schools and universities in the Gulf Arab States (Saudi Arabia, UEA, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain) offer the highest tax-free salaries (from £2,000 - £3,000 a month) in the TEFL world as well as fantastic living standards in private compounds. There is, however, fierce competition for these lucrative positions, and most employers demand an MA and/or professional teaching experience. Interviews for jobs are conducted in advance from teachers’ home countries, and most hiring takes place in the months leading to the school year in late August/September. Novice teachers may encounter more opportunities in countries like Turkey, Egypt and Morocco, where salaries and benefits are more modest, but the cost of living is correspondingly lower.
Living and working in the Middle East undoubtedly represents a challenge to most westerners, but at the same time, the experience of living in one of the world’s most historic and culturally rich regions is not to be missed.
| Country | Degree requirement | Typical contract length | Peak hiring seasons | Visa info | Typical Students | Average monthly cost of living | Average Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | BA/BS Required | 1 year renewable | All Year Round/ May – Aug. preferred | Work visa in advance | Business Professionals, Childrens | 265 – 375 BHD | 565 – 1,100 BHD |
| Egypt | BA/BS Not Required | 6 & 12 months | All Year Round/ May – Aug. preferred | Tourist visa convert to work visa | Business Professionals, Children | 3,000 –6,000 EGP | 3,500 –7,000 EGP |
| Israel | BA/BS Required | 6 & 12 months | All Year Round | Tourist visa convert to work visa | Business Professionals, Children | 2,200 – 4,400 ILS | 3,600 – 5,500 ILS |
| Jordan | BA/BS Not Required | 6 & 12 months | All Year Round/ May – Aug. preferred | Tourist visa convert to work visa | Business Professionals, Children | 350 - 700 JOD | 350 - 700 JOD |
| Kuwait | BA/BS Required/ MA Preferred | 1 year renewable | All Year Round/ May – Aug. preferred | Work visa in advance | Business Professionals, Children | 200 – 300 KWD | 415 – 830 KWD |
| Lebanon | BA/BS Not Required | 6 & 12 months | All Year Round | Tourist visa convert to work visa | Business Professionals, Children | 750,000–1,500,000 LBP | 750,000–1,500,000 LBP |
| Morocco | BA/BS Not Required | 6 & 12 months | All Year Round | Tourist visa convert to work visa | Business Professionals, Children | 4,000 – 8,000 MAD | 4,000 – 8,000 MAD |
| Oman | BA/BS Required/ MA Preferred | 1 year renewable | All Year Round/ May – Aug. preferred | Work visa in advance | Business Professionals, Children | 270 – 385 OMR | 575 – 1150 OMR |
| Saudi Arabia | BA/BS Required/ MA Preferred | 1 year renewable | All Year Round/ May – Aug. preferred | Work visa in advance | Business Professionals, Children | 2,500- 3,700 SAR | 5,600- 11,200 SAR |
| Syria | BA/BS Not Required | N/A | All Year Round | Tourist visa convert to work visa | Business Professionals, Children | 22.700 – 45,000 SYP | 22.700 – 45,000 SYP |
| Turkey | BA Required | 6 & 12 months | All Year Round | Work visa | Business Professionals | 1,700-3,500 TRY | 1,700-3,500 TRY |
| UAE (including Dubai & Abu Dhabi) | uired/ MA Preferred | 1 year renewable | All Year Round | Work visa in advance | Business Professionals, Children | 2,500- 3,700 AED | 5,500- 11,000 AED |
