Oil wealth has meant that many of the countries of the Middle
East have been able to pay high salaries to attract the 'best'
and most qualified teachers. As a result there are not many opportunities
for the recently qualified teacher. Turkey is the exception where
thousands of newly qualified teachers find employment. The lifestyle
and strict conditions found in some of the oil rich nations may
not appeal to all.
Recent political events in the region may ultimately create more
demand or reduce it. Time will tell.
|
Bahrain |
|
Capital city |
Manama |
|
|
Language |
Arabic |
|
Currency and exchange rate |
Dinar |
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary |
$1,500 tax free |
|
Major TEFL locations |
Nationwide |
|
TEFL job prospects
Bahrain is among the more liberal of the oil states, and
one which attracts foreigners, including women, because of
its tolerance to women in the workplace. Opportunities mainly
exist in companies, colleges or private language schools. |
|
Israel |
|
Capital city |
Tel Aviv |
|
|
Language |
Hebrew |
|
Currency and exchange rate |
Shekel |
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary |
- |
|
Major TEFL locations |
- |
|
TEFL job prospects
Due to the large number of native speaking Jews who have
settled in Israel, almost all positions are filled from the
local population and there is no active recruitment of foreign
teachers. |
|
Kuwait |
|
Capital city |
Kuwait City |
|
|
Language |
Arabic |
|
Currency and exchange rate |
Dinar |
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary |
US$30,000 per year |
|
Major TEFL locations |
Nationwide |
|
TEFL job prospects
The general consensus seems to be that the glory years
of extremely high, tax-free salaries are over in Kuwait.
While that may be true the salaries offered are still higher
than most other countries. Opportunities usually only exist
for the highly qualified and experienced. |
|
Lebanon |
|
Capital city |
Beirut |
|
|
Language |
Arabic |
|
Currency and exchange rate |
Lebanese pound |
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary |
- |
|
Major TEFL locations |
Beirut |
|
TEFL job prospects
Lebanon is only just emerging from its turbulent past,
and job opportunities are presently limited to placements
through voluntary agencies. A teacher 'on the spot' may well
be able to arrange work for a local salary. Hopefully the
future will bring with it a greater variety of possibilities
in this tiny but fascinating country. |
|
Oman |
|
Capital city |
Muscat |
|
|
Language |
Arabic |
|
Currency and exchange rate |
Rial |
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary |
$20,000 per annum tax-free |
|
Major TEFL locations |
Muscat |
|
TEFL job prospects
Despite a fast-expanding EFL market there is no room here
for the 'casual traveling teacher' as a tight control of
tourist visas is maintained. It is essential to have an MA
in a related subject plus three years of experience to even
be considered. Jobs are well-paid and not to difficult to
find if you meet the above criteria. |
|
Saudi Arabia |
|
Capital city |
Riyadh |
|
|
Language |
Arabic |
|
Currency and exchange rate |
Riyal |
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary |
$3,000 per month tax-free + other perks |
|
Major TEFL locations |
Various |
|
TEFL job prospects
Like Kuwait the days of wonderfully high salaries are probably
over. However, the salary package usually compares favorably
with almost every other country. Teachers are usually required
to have the highest qualifications and substantial experience.
Not many women are employed and some teachers find the rules
and regulations of life in Saudi Arabia rather too restrictive. |
|
Syria |
|
Capital city |
Damascus |
|
|
Language |
Arabic |
|
Currency and exchange rate |
Syrian pound |
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary |
US$400 per month |
|
Major TEFL locations |
Damascus |
|
TEFL job prospects
Syria is not a wealthy country and salaries are considerably
lower than those offered in oil rich countries. There are
a limited number of opportunities in the private language
schools in Damascus. Teachers should arrange teaching positions
and contracts before arrival. |
|
Turkey |
|
Capital city |
Ankara |
|
|
Language |
Turkish |
|
Currency and exchange rate |
Lira |
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary |
US$1,000 per month |
|
Major TEFL locations |
Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir +++ |
|
TEFL job prospects
There is an enormous demand for English teachers in Turkey,
particularly in the larger cities. Salaries are reasonable
and most teachers are able to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
Opportunities primarily exist within the private educational
sector. Most teachers seem to find teaching and living in
Turkey an enjoyable experience. A university degree is essential
for working in Turkey. |
|
United Arab Emirates |
|
Capital city |
Abu Dhabi |
|
|
Language |
Arabic |
|
Currency and exchange rate |
Dirham |
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary |
US$18,000 per annum tax-free |
|
Major TEFL locations |
Dubai, Abu Dhabi |
|
TEFL job prospects
As in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, reasonably well-paid jobs
exist for those with prior teaching experience. Salaries
are a bit lower but so are the educational requirements.
Many teachers find the UAE less restrictive than some of
the other gulf states. |
|
Others |
|
Capital city |
Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Jordan etc |
|
|
Language |
Arabic |
|
Currency and exchange rate |
Various |
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary |
- |
|
Major TEFL locations |
- |
|
TEFL job prospects
At present there are no real teaching opportunities in
other Middle Eastern nations. However, in the light of recent
events it is possible that some voluntary positions may arise
in the future. |
|
