COUNTRY GUIDES: BAHRAIN

Perhaps because of its position as a small Gulf state surrounded by much larger neighbors, Bahrain has had to be a diplomatic nation. As a result, visitors find it surprisingly liberal for a Middle Eastern country and an easy introduction to the area.

Despite its size, there’s a great deal to see. The Barbar Temple is a fascinating archaeological site, as are the Royal Tombs, but the jewel in the crown is the World Heritage-listed Qal'at al-Bahrain. This former harbor and capital of the ancient Dilmun civilization contains priceless remains and an impressive 12m-high Portuguese fort.

TEFL in Bahrain (Contracts, Salary, Work)

Why choose Bahrain?

Before you go

• Read this

• Watch this

Demand for teachers

Moderate.

Main TEFL regions

Manama, Riffa.

Busiest TEFL periods

Year-round

Contract lengths

1-2 years

Types of teaching

• Government ministries & training academies: General English, Business English, IELTS

• In-company: General English, Business English

• Universities: General English, Business English, IELTS

• Primary & secondary schools: General English, English for Young Learners

Accommodation

Accommodation is usually provided by your employer, or they may give you an allowance that just about covers finding your own apartment.

Flight reimbursement

Most schools offer free flights either on their own or together with other benefits such as free health insurance.

Currency

Bahrain Dinar (BND)

Symbol: .د.ب (BD)

Salary

You shouldn’t accept less than BD600 (€1,160) per month, although it’s possible to make up to BD1,000 (€1,930). If you can get them, private lessons will earn you BD15-20 per hour.

Your qualifications make a big difference to your pay packet.

Taxes

Ahh! Tax-free earnings: music to a TEFL teacher’s ears!

Cost of living

As is typical of the Middle East, the cost of living here is high – similar to most European countries and probably slightly higher than other countries in the region. Your monthly groceries should be about BD150 (€290) per month, but utilities are subsidized by the government, so your bills should be low if you can avoid blasting the air-con when it’s 43 degrees outside!

Alcohol is more freely available here than elsewhere in the Middle East (many westerners travel across the causeway from Saudi Arabia at the weekends), so going out could put a dent in your budget!

Potential to save money

If you live within your means you can definitely save money, although not quite as much as in nearby countries.

How much TEFL training is recommended?

A TEFL certificate is the minimum requirement for teaching out here and because of the emphasis on well-qualified teachers, the more comprehensive the better. The 120-hour Combined Course will give you a much better chance of getting a job.

Common teaching conditions

You may be expected to undergo training at your school to learn their “teaching system”, and the hours can be unsociable if you’re teaching people once they’ve finished work. Students tend to be focused, and you’ll even have some mixed-gender classes.

How do I find work?

It’s pretty much essential to arrange your job before you go. Check out the major TEFL websites such as eslemployment.com, look in your newspaper’s education supplement or contact a specialist teacher recruitment agency. The British Council also has offices in the capital, Manama.

Can I find work while in-country?

Not really: almost all teachers confirm their job before they arrive.

What is the usual hiring process?

Once you’ve applied, you’ll usually be interviewed over the phone. Many of the bigger schools will send recruiters to do face-to-face interviews in western countries.

Is a work visa required to find paid work in Bahrain?

Yes. Your permits will usually be arranged by your employer before you arrive, and are valid for one to two years.

Work Visa requirements:

• Job offer

• Valid passport

• Medical certificate

• Fees

Why Choose Bahrain?

• Liberal attitudes

• Beautiful temples and tombs

• Central location – easy to get to other Arab countries

• High salaries

Be Aware…

While Bahrain is one of the Middle East’s most liberal countries, teaching here can still be quite a culture shock, especially for women.

Although public drinking and smoking is allowed most of the year, it is forbidden during Ramadan. Drug use is forbidden at any time of the year, and the penalties are severe.

Before you leave

Read this…

The Middle East for Dummies – good introduction to the complicated politics of the region

Watch this…

A Bahraini Tale – family drama set during the Arab-Israeli War of 1967

A Few Fun Facts

• The temperature has been known to reach a sweltering 47°C – but that’s still 7° cooler than the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth!

• The locals only use their right hands to eat and shake hands, as the left hand is used for “personal hygiene”.

• Muslim men can have as many as 4 wives, although this practice is dying out.

• More than a third of the population is immigrant workers.