SAUDI ARABIA

The world’s largest oil-producing economy offers a fascinating combination of old and new: from futuristic megalopolises to the strict Islamist laws which govern the country. The swathes of harsh desert are punctuated by oases of verdant mountains, Portuguese forts and intimate souks; and there’s the opportunity to dive in the red sea and explore the peaceful Farasan Islands.

Getting around the windswept landscape is easy: modern, air-conditioned buses create dust trails up and down the country, and the Saudi Rail Organization runs the only train line on the Arabian Peninsula. If you plan on hiring a car, a western driving license will be adequate, but remember that women aren’t permitted to drive here.

TEFL in Saudi Arabia (Contracts, Salary, Work)

Demand for teachers

High.

But the equally high salaries attract very well-qualified English teachers, so the market is competitive. It should also be noted that, because of cultural differences, it’s almost impossible for women to get teaching work here.

Main TEFL regions

Riyadh, Jeddah, Damman

Busiest TEFL periods

Year round

Contract lengths

12-24 months

Types of teaching

• Military and petrochemical Institutes: General English, English for Specific Purposes

• Saudi secondary schools: General English, English for Younger Learners

• Saudi universities: General English, English for Academic/Specific Purposes (EAP/ESP)

• In-house company language programs: General English, Business English, ESP

Accommodation

This is usually supplied by your employer

Flight reimbursement

This is common, along with other perks such as free healthcare and a bonus at the end of a long contract.

Currency

Saudi Arabia Riyals (SAR)

Symbol: ريال or SR

Salary

SR8,000-SR10,000 (€1,549 – €1,938) per month for a teacher with a comprehensive TEFL qualifications and a couple of years’ experience. If you have an MA in TEFL, you will earn much more.

Taxes

No income tax whatsoever!

Cost of living

The cost of living is relatively expensive in Saudi Arabia, and probably close to most western countries. However, as the culture is so different from the west, people don’t socialize in the usual way (i.e. having a drink!), so you probably won’t spend much money on going out.

Potential to save money

With a well-paid job, you should be able to save a substantial amount of money.

How much TEFL training is recommended?

You should get as much TEFL training as possible. Realistically, Saudi Arabia is not the best place for novice teachers: if you have extensive qualifications and lots of experience you will be very well paid; but by coming here as a fresh-faced recruit you leave yourself open to exploitation from unscrupulous private language institutes.

Common teaching conditions

The low-paid positions in private language institutes involve long hours and lots of red tape. In better schools and universities, you’ll still have the bureaucracy, but the hours will be shorter and you’ll have lots of vacation.

The students tend to be dedicated, but you’ll probably experience the odd bit of cultural conflict when teaching.

Finding Work

How do I find work?

It’s best to contact the schools and universities direct, sending off your CV and a covering letter. You will probably have to come to Saudi Arabia for an interview.

Can I find work while in-country?

This is possible, but considering the maturity of the market, it’s not the kind of place where you can turn up and expect to get a good job. If you do decide to look for work once you arrive, make sure you have enough money to cover your expenses while you get set up.

What is the usual hiring process?

Once you’ve applied, you’ll be asked a few questions over the phone and then invited to an interview in Saudi Arabia. You might be asked to teach a practice lesson.

Work Visas

Is a work visa required to find paid work in Saudi Arabia?

Yes - your work visa will be arranged by your employer.

Work Visa requirements:

• Job offer

• Copies of your degree certificates

• Medical certificate

• Authorization from Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs

• Visa fees

Why Choose Saudi Arabia?

• Fascinating, completely different culture

• Lots of interesting countries nearby to explore in your holidays

• High salaries and good benefits if you’re well-qualified

• Great weather!

Be Aware…

Many employers will keep your passport locked in a safe and give you an official copy to use as identification.

This is a strict Muslim country and culture shock can be a real problem: try to visit before you commit yourself to a long contract.

Before you go

Read this…

Princess: True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia by Jean Sasson – startling expose of the life of a Saudi Princess.

Watch this…

Cinema 500 km - quirky documentary about a boy who travels to Bahrain to watch a movie because there aren’t any cinemas in Saudi Arabia.

A Few Fun Facts

• The supposed tomb of the biblical figure Eve is located in Jeddah.

• Saudi Arabia produces more oil than any other country in the world: a staggering 9.5 million barrels per day.

• Saudi Arabia has the largest sand desert in the world, but no lakes or rivers