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.
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 in £ GBP & Local Currency | Average Monthly Salary in £ GBP & Local Currency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bahrain  |
BA/BS Required | 1 year renewable | All Year Round/ May – Aug. preferred | Work visa in advance | Business Professionals, Children | £450-650 GBP (265 – 375 BHD) Plus housing | £950-3000 GBP (565 – 1,100 BHD) Can save up to £500-1,250 GBP/Mo |
Egypt  |
BA/BS Not Required | 6 & 12 months | All Year Round/ May – Aug. preferred | Tourist visa convert to work visa | Business Professionals, Children | £320-£650 GBP (3,000 –6,000 EGP) | £585-770 GBP (3,500 –7,000 EGP) |
Israel  |
BA/BS Required | 6 -12 months | All Year Round | Tourist visa convert to work visa | Business Professionals, Children | £385-770 GBP (2,200 – 4,400 ILS) | £750-1200 GBP (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 | £320-650 GBP (350 - 700 JOD) | £585-870 GBP (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 | £450-650 GBP (200 – 300 KWD) Plus housing | £950-2,900 GBP (415 – 830 KWD) Can save up to £515-1,300 GBP/Mo |
Lebanon  |
BA/BS Not Required | 6 -12 months | All Year Round | Tourist visa convert to work visa | Business Professionals, Children | £320-650 GBP (750,000–1,500,000 LBP) | £520-750 GBP (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 | £320-650 GBP (4,000 – 8,000 MAD) | £520-850 GBP (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 | £450-650 GBP (270 – 385 OMR) Plus housing | £950-1900 GBP (575 – 1150 OMR) Can save up to £500-1250 GBP/Mo |
Saudi Arabia  |
BA/BS Required/ MA Preferred | 1 year renewable | All Year Round/ May – Aug. preferred | Work visa in advance | Business Professionals, Children | £450-650 GBP (2,500- 3,700 SAR) Plus housing | £950-2900 GBP (5,600- 11,200 SAR) Can save up to £500-1250 GBP/Mo |
Syria  |
BA/BS Not Required | N/A | All Year Round | Tourist visa convert to work visa | Business Professionals, Children | £320-650 GBP (22.700 – 45,000 SYP) | £520-750 GBP (22.700 – 45,000 SYP) |
Turkey  |
BA Required | 6 & 12 months | All Year Round | Work visa | Business Professionals | £400-600 GBP (1,700-3,500 TRY) | £700-1,000 GBP (1,700-3,500 TRY) |
| UAE (including Dubai & Abu Dhabi)  |
BA/BS Required/ MA Preferred | 1 year renewable | All Year Round | Work visa in advance | Business Professionals, Children | £450-650 GBP (2,500- 3,700 AED) Plus housing | £950-2900 GBP (5,500- 11,000 AED) Can save up to £500-1300 GBP/Mo |
