Saudi Arabia is one of the most popular places to teach in the Middle East. Salaries here are high and tax free, whilst employers usually offer other incentives to international teachers including fight reimbursement and free accommodation.
Country Facts
• Capital: Riyadh
• Dialing code: +966
• Currency: Saudi riyal
• Population: 34.81 million
• Language: Arabic
Top Reasons to Teach in Saudi Arabia
Teaching English abroad offers opportunities for adventure, discovery, and new ways of experiencing the world. Depending on the location, it may also provide excellent opportunities to save money, gain international teaching experience, learn about distant cultures, and gain knowledge of other languages.
While many ESL positions are based in countries throughout the orient, most seeking a teaching job are unaware of the high demand for teachers in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabian schools are constantly seeking native speaking English teachers, and offer some of the most prestigious schools, and highest pay in the world. Pay may be as much as $4,500 depending on qualifications and experience.
This allows teachers to save substantial amounts of money once returning to their home countries. Not only is the pay higher than most countries, but the benefits packages are also excellent. Most packages allow teachers and their family to travel home once a year, with tickets paid for by the school.
Not only is the pay excellent, but teachers can expect a set schedule at most schools from 7:30 am to 4 pm. For teachers with families this an excellent schedule, which allows family time in the evening. Teaching time is also only 20-25 hours per week. Teachers can expect compound style living conditions, with amenities very similar to English speaking countries.
Such positions are open to native English speakers. Teaching English in Saudi Arabia also allows foreign teachers to learn about middle-eastern culture, customs, traditions and languages. Many foreign teachers choose to formally enter culture study programs while abroad. Saudi Arabia coastal beaches are also exquisite, with opportunities to see some of the most amazing villages, historical galleries, museums, and architecture in the world. Teaching in Saudi Arabia is a once in a lifetime experience that allows teachers to gain experience, save money, and learn about the world in a new way.
TEFL Courses in Saudi Arabia
If you don’t yet have a teaching certification you could take an online TEFL course and get qualified to teach in Saudi Arabia or abroad.
English Teaching Jobs in Saudi Arabia
You can find TEFL jobs in places like Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Medina, Sulţānah, Dammam, Ta’if, Tabuk, Al Kharj, Buraidah, Khamis Mushait and Al Hufūf. Employers can include private, international and language schools.
Licensed teachers can obtain work in private international schools teaching kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school. Most of these positions are subject specific and are taught in English. There are also many college and university jobs available which focus on ESL/EFL instruction. These positions will require a Masters degree, and a minimum of two years teaching experience is generally preferred. ESL teachers are eligible to teach ESL in language school.
Best Places to Live and Work
Riyadh is the capital and largest city in Saudi Arabia. It is a particularly youthful city, with half the population under 20 years of age. Your average outing would include going to the shopping malls, or eating out at a cafe or restaurants.
Jeddah is located on the coast of the Red Sea and is the major urban center of western Saudi Arabia. Places of interest include the Floating Mosque, which is right by the Red Sea; and Makkah Gate, which is one of the oldest.
What’s it Like Teaching in Saudi Arabia
Teaching jobs in Saudi Arabia provide round-trip airfare, free accommodations or an accommodation allowance, health insurance, and contract completion bonuses. The average contract length is 1-2 years. You can expect to work between 20-40 hours a week. With tax-free salaries, the ability to save is very high.
Teaching in Saudi Arabia is a full cultural immersion experience. You will be diving into one of the world’s wealthiest countries and living in an Islamic society. There are plenty of teaching opportunities available for those who have the required education, and the income tax-free salary means you will be able to save a large portion of your income.
That being said, though Saudi Arabia appears to be an advanced country in many ways, certain aspects of life are still dictated by Islam. You will not be allowed to openly practice your faith if it something other than Islam, nor will you be allowed to enter the cities of Mecca or Medina which are considered holy sites.
FAQ
What is the Salary for Teaching in Saudi Arabia
As a general guide teachers usually earn between 11,000-15,000 Saudi Arabian Riyal = 3,000-4,000 USD. This is tax free.
Do I need a degree to teach English in Saudi Arabia?
A Bachelor’s degree is required.
Other Requirements
Most employers will require you to be from a native English-speaking country and have an accredited TEFL certification.
Saudi Arabia TEFL Reviews & Testimonials
If you have been to teach in Saudi Arabia and would like to share your experience please contact us.
Recruiting?
Contact us to get your positions listed on our website.