Teaching English Saudi Arabia

I have been teaching English as a Foreign Language in Saudi Arabia for the past three years. During this time I have noticed a number of challenges for both the students and the teachers. In light of the material I have studied as part of an EFL certificate course and from letters and research from fellows in the field, I would like to highlight some of the difficulties in hopes of gaining some insight into problems and how we may best address them.To begin with, there is the challenge of the environment. Arabic is the main means of communication and has a different writing system as well as an extremely rich literary history. (Bello-'Teaching English in Saudi Arabia') This presents challenges in teaching the alphabet as well as practicing the language. Visuals are an ...  [Read more]

For some teachers, Saudi Arabia offers the ideal destination for teaching English abroad as salaries and benefit packages are as good as you will find anywhere in the world. Demand for qualified and experienced teachers is strong in cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah, where universities, colleges, international schools, and private language academies offer a variety of teaching positions. While Saudi Arabia is one of the most attractive teaching destinations in terms of income, it is important to be aware of the cultural situation before you decide to head there. The country's conservative laws and traditions mean it is not an ideal destination for some teachers. Alcohol is forbidden and interaction between unmarried couples is not permitted, including between foreigners. Female teachers...  [Read more]

The Middle East continues to be one of the most popular regions for English language teachers as there are plenty of jobs on offer and the potential salaries are among the highest you will find anywhere in the world. Extra benefits such as paid airfares and free accommodation are also the norm in most cases. However, as the rewards are so good, the requirements and competition for each job is generally very high. There are a wide variety of employment options throughout the country, all of which offer very competitive salaries. Monthly rates start in the region of 9,000 AED (currently $2,500), and rise to over 20,000 AED ($5,500) for those with high levels of qualifications and classroom experience. In addition, most teaching jobs will also include a benefit package that typically...  [Read more]

In recent years, Jordan has definitely joined the list of countries that are good places for teaching in the Middle East. It has one of the most progressive school systems in the region and is on target to become a fully bilingual country in the not so distant future. As almost one third of the population is under 15, there is a particularly strong demand for teachers who are qualified and experienced in teaching young learners. As well as plenty of jobs, Jordan offers stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and a warm welcome from the local population. Although it is not yet competing with top destinations in the region such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia in terms of salaries, Jordan’s lower cost of living means that your pay will stretch much further. Monthly salaries in a standard tutoring...  [Read more]

There is no simple answer to this question as the reasons for teaching English are different for different people. For some it is the chance to help people who need English to improve their job status and to provide for their families. For others it is the adventure of heading overseas that is the real draw. With a TEFL qualification you can realistically look for work in almost any country you can think of. Another major benefit of teaching English that is often overlooked is that it provides a huge boost to the confidence and future careers of thousands of people who see it as a major step on their work and study journey. Whatever your own reasons for wanting to teach English, you will get to travel, help other people, and gain valuable work and life experience, all while exploring your...  [Read more]

Yes. One of the many benefits of teaching English abroad is that it can provide a great environment for learning a foreign language. It is no secret that being fully immersed in a different culture, where you are constantly surrounded by a new language, is the most effective way to quickly develop your understanding. Throughout your time living and working as an English teacher abroad, you will inevitably have endless opportunities to practice your language skills. As well as using the language as you go about your daily life, there is also a good chance that you will have access to local language courses that are far cheaper than those available in your home country. Another possibility is the network of friends that you will likely make among the local citizens. Often people are more...  [Read more]

While teaching English as a foreign language it is very important that the teacher or instructor take on board the cultural differences and discrepancies that occur between different societies. As may appear obvious, teaching English in Asia will be significantly different to teaching English in the Middle East. This is due to the religious, social and all round societal differences between the regions i.e. the cultural differences. As pointed out by Kenneth Barre in his online article, cultural differences from a teacher's standpoint can affect a variety of key teaching planning, methodology and structure. Cultural Differences Affects: 'What students expect to hear in a conversation 'Vocabulary and set phrases students try to use 'Degrees of formality / informality 'Literal...  [Read more]

While teaching English as a foreign language it is very important that the teacher or instructor take on board the cultural differences and discrepancies that occur between different societies. As may appear obvious, teaching English in Asia will be significantly different to teaching English in the Middle East. This is due to the religious, social and all round societal differences between the regions i.e. the cultural differences. As pointed out by Kenneth Barre in his online article, cultural differences from a teacher?s standpoint can affect a variety of key teaching planning, methodology and structure. Cultural Differences Affects: ?What students expect to hear in a conversation ?Vocabulary and set phrases students try to use ?Degrees of formality / informality ...  [Read more]

Check out Tesolcourse.com about Best Online TEFL Diploma and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad. You could also be interested in: This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned: C.O. - Saudi Arabia said: I needed this course especially because of the grammar part, not so much the teaching methodology itself, as I already have a degree in teaching languages. The detailed explanation of the various fields of grammar was very helpful to me and I will use the notes I took for my personal lesson planning. Also the variety of additional teaching resources given in the units will be very useful in the future, especially recommended grammar books and ideas for games and...  [Read more]

It is important to appreciate that higher salaries are made available to attract the best teaching candidates. What each country considers best does depend on the country, but there are some common factors regarding qualifications and experience when it comes to securing the top paying jobs. In general you need to be a native English speaker, have a degree, usually in education or a related field, and a minimum of a TEFL certificate (though often higher, such as a Diploma in TESOL). You will often see that a minimum of two years teaching experience is also needed. If you have all the above, you have a good chance of gaining employment in the first five of our top ten below. With some of them, you may be able to gain employment in the other five. Figures taken from a range of teaching...  [Read more]

Many TEFL qualified teachers head overseas to look for excitement, adventure, new experiences, and to simply get away from the daily grind, but not all are aware of the potential to earn a very good living whilst doing so. In some parts of the world teachers can earn more than enough to live a high quality of life and also afford to put aside a considerable sum each month to pay off student debts or to save for future travel etc. As demand for qualified teachers continues to grow in many areas, so do the potential salaries on offer. When looking for a teaching job, it is always advisable to weigh up the salary on offer in comparison with the local cost of living as this can vary considerably from one country to the next. A monthly salary of $1000 in Bolivia would allow you to live a...  [Read more]

If you have decided to pursue a career in teaching English abroad, it is now time to figure out what the requirements are to get you started! While there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to teaching abroad, the most commonly required qualifications to become a TEFL teacher are: Although it may seem self-evident, fluency in English is a prerequisite for TEFL instructors. If you don't speak English well, we recommend looking for another job. Non-native English speakers with fluency in the language can find work in many areas, including South and Central America, Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. In some regions of the world, though, being a native English speaker is almost a necessity. If English is not your first language, countries like China, Japan, and Saudi Arabia are probably no...  [Read more]

The majority of people who complete a TEFL certification course will head overseas to live and work in schools and language centers across the world. However, the job hunting process and securing work permits etc can require a range of different documents that varies from one job to the next. To ensure the whole process runs smoothly, you should make sure you have everything you might need as far in advance as possible. Typically, anyone traveling to a foreign country requires a passport that is valid for at least six months. In some situations your passport must be valid for a full year, so the best advice is to ensure your passport has two years or more remaining to allow for an extended teaching contract or further travel once your initial contract is complete. In many cases you...  [Read more]

With a huge number of countries to choose from worldwide, English language teachers will inevitably come across a range of pay and benefits that vary from one region to the next. Over 250,000 native English speakers teach English abroad every year, of which a large percentage will receive an hourly pay rate with little in the way of other benefits. Although most will still have a great deal of fun and be able to live a comfortable lifestyle, teachers who find themselves in certain countries might also find that they receive free accommodation during their stay. Two of the world's biggest markets for teaching English abroad are China and South Korea, both of which routinely provide free housing for foreign teachers. The lucrative markets of the Middle East are another area where housing...  [Read more]

The worldwide market for English language teaching is huge, with over 250,000 teachers employed every year. The level of pay and other benefits varies considerably from job to job, however, there are some countries where employers routinely pay for your flight up-front or reimburse the fare once you arrive. In some cases you might be expected to complete a probationary period before receiving any cash, but if you see out your contract you should also have your return flight taken care of or at least a large portion of it. This vast and diverse country is home to the largest and fastest growing English teaching job market in the world, with over 50,000 positions taken by foreigners every year. A large percentage of these positions are likely to come with a benefit package that includes...  [Read more]

Although countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar often hog the limelight when it comes to teaching English in the Middle East, Oman is another that you should certainly consider. With thousands of kilometers of pristine coastline, a wide expanse of desert and mountain ranges to explore, and a more laid-back atmosphere than many of its neighbors, there is much to recommend about Oman. The people are warm and friendly and there are plenty of well paid jobs waiting to be filled. If you are a fully qualified teacher working in a local school you can expect to earn around $2,000 to $3,000 USD per month, tax-free. TEFL qualified teachers generally start on around $1,000 to $2,000 per month depending on the employer and your level of experience. Many jobs in Oman also include free...  [Read more]

Globalization and the increasing demand for English speaking professionals all over the world, especially in emerging regions, has brought about a new, steadily growing sector: English as a Second Language (ESL). An ESL teacher is, therefore, an educator who works with English Language Learners (ELLs) whose native language is not English. The goal of the ESL teacher is to help the students reach a certain level of fluency in English, on both a spoken and written level. ESL educators are not to be confused with foreign language teachers. ESL teachers do not share the same native language and are specifically trained to offer explanations and directed teaching methods to non-English speakers. This teaching style is mainly focused on repetition, drills, demonstrations, and visuals. ...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad has become a popular and lucrative job for many English speakers around the world in recent years. This is mainly due to the increase in demand for the English language in many countries, which has resulted in increasing competition for teaching salaries. When looking for a teaching job abroad it is always a good idea to compare the salary on offer with the local cost of living, which can vary greatly from one country to the next. A monthly salary of US $1,000 would allow you to live a very comfortable lifestyle in Costa Rica, whereas the same salary in a city like Paris would most likely not be enough to provide all of the comforts you desire. Other contract benefits such as free housing, health insurance, paid vacations, and airfare reimbursement can all add up to...  [Read more]

In some countries there is a clear process for foreigners to obtain a work visa that provides full legal status to live and work. In others, the process can be expensive and time consuming or simply nonexistent. However, as the demand for English language teachers is so high in many parts of the world, the necessity of a work visa is sometimes ignored. The fact is many thousands of people work as English language teachers in countries all over the world without a work visa. In countries such as Spain and Italy, both extremely popular destinations, it is common for Americans and other nationalities to enter the country on a tourist visa and immediately start working as an English language teacher. A tourist visa in these countries is typically valid for 90 days and cannot be renewed so...  [Read more]

As knowledge of the English language has become increasingly important in the country and it is one of the richest nations in the Middle East, Kuwait is full of opportunities for TEFL certified teachers. There are plenty of jobs on offer, from kindergarten level all the way through to university and beyond. Kuwait City is the main hub of the country where you will find all the comforts you would expect from a modern capital. However, you will also find rich Arab culture, fascinating archaeological sites, white sandy beaches, and a vast desert terrain that is waiting to be explored. As you might expect from an oil rich country, teaching jobs in Kuwait typically offer very competitive salaries. The average monthly salary for the majority of teachers is between $2,500 and $4,000 USD. Most...  [Read more]

As teaching English abroad involves applying for jobs and traveling overseas, you will require a variety of documentation at different times. Although there maybe some things that you cannot arrange until you have arrived in your country of choice, it is best to organize the required documents as far in advance as possible so they are on hand in case you need them during a job interview or when applying for a visa. Typically, anyone traveling to a foreign country requires a passport that is valid for at least six months. In some situations your passport must be valid for a full year, so the best advice is to ensure your passport has two years or more remaining to allow for an extended teaching contract or further travel once your initial contract is complete. In many cases you will...  [Read more]

Anyone who is thinking about teaching English abroad has most likely received a response along the lines of "Oh, how fun, but what will you do when you get back?" Some people believe that teaching English as a foreign language is not a "real job" but rather something that people do to pay off student debt or simply for fun before settling down into a "normal" job and lifestyle. Many people decide to teach English abroad for these reasons, but there are also many who have made a successful and lucrative career out of it. Yes, you can pursue a long-term career as an EFL teacher. For the vast majority of people who travel abroad to teach English, it all begins with a simple desire to see some of the world while earning some money. After a while, many people realize that they enjoy and are...  [Read more]

Although financial gain is not the biggest driving force for most people heading overseas to work as an ESL teacher, being able to live comfortably and to enjoy as many new experiences as possible without money worries is usually a high priority. To give yourself the best opportunity to earn a good salary and the chance to save enough to pay off debts or to fund further travel and adventure, there are a few things you can do prior to departure and once you arrive in your country of choice. When it comes to salaries and earning potential, one of the most important things you can do prior to departure is to complete an internationally recognized TEFL certification course. TEFL certification is increasingly expected by employers in many of the most popular countries, particularly those...  [Read more]

For many English speakers worldwide, teaching English abroad has recently grown to be a lucrative career path. This is largely because teaching salaries are getting more and more competitive as a result of the swiftly rising demand for the English language in many countries around the world. Additionally, online teaching opportunities have been booming, and many teachers have moved their workplace entirely to the virtual classroom. Due to a combination of high salaries, low cost of living, and a wide range of fascinating cultures to discover, Asia has long been one of the most popular regions for teachers. Traditional hotspots like South Korea and Taiwan are still well-liked since new teachers can earn between $2,000 and $2,500 per month on average, while experienced teachers can earn up...  [Read more]

Throughout the world a significant percentage of ESL teaching positions are filled locally via face-to-face interviews. However, there are many countries where recruitment is typically undertaken in advance from within the teacher's home country. This method of securing a position is particularly convenient for newly qualified teachers and those with little or no experience of international travel. The application process is usually conducted via email, while interviews take place via Skype or phone. Securing a job in advance usually means you will receive assistance with obtaining the necessary visas and work permits. Employers may also provide financial assistance with airfares, health insurance and accommodation on arrival. One drawback is the time needed to complete the recruitment...  [Read more]

If you are thinking about teaching English abroad, you may well have wondered whether you should take a TEFL certification course at home or wait until you head overseas. There are pros and cons relating to either choice, but here we look at the main arguments in favour of completing your TEFL training before leaving your home country. Yes, in many of the most popular countries for teaching English abroad jobs are routinely organized from within your own country. In this scenario you will have an interview via phone or webcam from home. If you are then offered the job you will often have to send off a range of documents that are required for the employer to organise your visa, or you may organise this on arrival in some cases. This method of recruitment is most popular in Asia, where it is...  [Read more]

While no teaching job is ever likely to be seen as easy, teaching English as a foreign language promises a rich life full of travel, excitement, and job satisfaction. However, if you want everything to go as smoothly as possible, there are a few things you need to think about before jumping on a plane to distant shores. If you want to start your teaching career in a positive fashion it is important to understand the TEFL job market and to head to where the demand is especially high. As a newly-qualified teacher you are unlikely to have the luxury of picking and choosing exactly where you want to live and work as many of the most sought after jobs in the most popular teaching locations will often be taken by teachers with previous classroom experience. Many first-time teachers look...  [Read more]

If you don’t possess a university degree, it is still possible to teach English in a foreign country. Regardless of your academic background, there are countless language schools out there that will happily hire you. Even though a degree opens more doors and opportunities, there really is no reason to give up on your dream of teaching English abroad if you do not have one. We at ITTT believe that having a degree is not the most important thing when considering a career in language teaching. Instead, certain qualities, like passion, dedication, and the ability to establish a connection with your students, may be argued to be far more important in this career than a university degree. However, you should still possess the right skills and know-how for leading a successful classroom. This...  [Read more]

Many of the world's biggest and most lucrative markets for English language teachers are typically restricted to native English speakers only. Destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, are all great options for native speakers but not for thousands of other qualified teachers whose first language is not English. But don't despair; there are still plenty of exciting destinations all over the world where non-native English speakers can confidently apply for teaching positions. In countries where restrictions on nationalities are in place, the term 'native English speaker' generally refers to teachers from the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Other countries where English may be the first language, such as India or the...  [Read more]

In recent years teaching English abroad has become a popular and profitable job for many native English speakers around the world. This is largely due to the rapid increase in demand for the English language in many countries, leading to teaching salaries becoming more and more competitive. When looking for a teaching job it is always advisable to weigh up the salary on offer in comparison with the local cost of living as this can vary considerably from one country to the next. A monthly salary of US $1000 in Bolivia would allow you to live a very comfortable lifestyle, while the same salary in a city such as Barcelona would probably not be enough to provide all the comforts you had hoped for. Other benefits included in the contract are also worth noting as free housing, health...  [Read more]