Discover a rich culture by trying to teach English in the Middle East. The Middle East will help you have a great adventure and work experience.
Most customs and practices in the Middle East are related to Islam as the culture is based on the Qur’an. Islamic etiquette is collectively called Adab. The culture requires men and women to cover their heads, though, in orthodox Christian sites, it may be removed. As a worker here, you need to remember and follow their etiquette in order to have a smooth working experience.
Learn more about teaching English abroad, read our article about the Introduction to teaching English.
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Cost of Living for English Teachers in the Middle East
The overall cost of living is high, especially in places such as the UAE, Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
Accommodation is usually provided by your employer. You can live on an average of $2000 a month overall, but it actually depends on you on how much to save.
Salary for Teaching English in the Middle East
You can make an average of $2,400 to $4,000 USD per month, all tax-free. On top of this, teachers receive non-salary benefits like housing, airfare reimbursement, bonuses, and health insurance.
Pros of Teaching English in the Middle East
- High salaries and comprehensive benefits like free housing, fare reimbursements, bonuses, and health insurance
- Salaries are tax-free
Cons of Teaching English in the Middle East
- If you’re a woman, you may find life in Saudi Arabia stifling. You are bound to wear covered clothing according to Muslim customs. You are not permitted to drive or engage in conversations with men in public.
- For those who love an occasional party, alcohol is not permitted in this country.
How to Find English Teacher Jobs in the Middle East
There are numerous websites in which teaching jobs are posted, as well as agencies that can connect you to a good school. In fact, applying online is the easiest way, and you can just search the internet for good job sources.
Where to Teach English in the Middle East
You can teach in private language schools, colleges, and universities, especially to freshmen students to prepare them for English proficiency examinations.
Saudi Arabia – the top choice for English teachers due to very competitive salaries, benefits, and perks. However, it strictly follows Islamic law and requires foreign teachers to adapt. Job opportunities also abound in major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia as English teachers are very much in demand in Saudi Arabia.
United Arab Emirates – world-renowned for luxurious living, UAE undergoes rapid modernization and is a great choice for English teachers. Furthermore, this country can offer one of the highest salaries for English teachers, around $2,400- $4000 with benefits, bonuses, and allowances.
Qatar – a good destination for its historical landmarks and cultural diversity. Qatar is following the footsteps of the UAE in terms of economic growth. Teacher’s salary can also range from $2,400 to $3,700 USD with benefits,tax-free.
Israel – Teachers will enjoy Israel’s rich cultural heritage and ancient landmarks, with lots of opportunities for entertainment. They also place high importance on education. Salaries may be quite low ($500 – $700), but you can still break even while living and working in Israel.
Requirements for English Teachers in the Middle East
- Bachelor’s degree and in some schools, a master’s degree is needed
- 2 to 3 years minimum teaching experience
- TEFL certificate is usually required as well
How to Process Your Visa for the Middle East
In most cases, your employer will sponsor your work visa as you can only get a visa through an employer.
Middle East: Lifestyles, Customs, Do’s and Don’ts
Public displays of affection are frowned upon, though those that hold hands that are of the same sex are considered as an ordinary display of friendship. Give a more modest amount of personal space to others, and pay respect to elders.
The strictest dress code for women in all other Middle Eastern countries is required in Saudi Arabia. All in all, be sure not to show your arms or legs and dress professionally and conservatively.
Start a new adventure and teach English in the Middle East! But first, get a TEFL certification online to prove your relevance in teaching. We have partnered with Let’s TEFL to offer accredited 120-hour TEFL courses with a 60% discount. Just use our exclusive promo code – TWOMONKEYS. Let’s TEFL courses include free certificate shipping!
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World TESOL Academy Accreditation
World TESOL Academy courses are now accredited by not just one but two internationally recognized accreditation bodies. Once you complete your course, you will have an education certificate that’s accredited by both Accreditat and CPD.
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