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MIDDLE EAST |
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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.
To view a map of the Middle East as well as current job listings for this region
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 Bahrain |
Area: 665 sq km
Pop: 667,238 |
| Capital city |
Manama |
| Languages |
Arabic, English |
| Currency |
Dinar |
| Climate |
Arid; mild winters, hot humid summers |
| Typical teacher salary |
$1,500 tax free |
| Major teaching locations |
Nationwide |
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 |
Area: 20,770 sq km
Pop: 6,116,533 |
| Capital city |
Tel Aviv |
| Languages |
Hebrew, Arabic, Yiddish |
| Currency |
Shekel |
| Climate |
Temperate, hot/dry in SE desert areas |
| Typical teacher salary |
Local salary |
| Major teaching locations |
Tel Aviv, Haifa, Holon |
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 |
Area: 17,820 sq km
Pop: 2,183,161 |
| Capital city |
Kuwait City |
| Languages |
Arabic, English |
| Currency |
Dinar |
| Climate |
Dry desert; hot summer, short cool winter |
| Typical teacher salary |
US$30,000 per year |
| Major teaching locations |
Nationwide |
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 |
Area: 10,400 sq km
Pop: 3,727,703 |
| Capital city |
Beirut |
| Languages |
Arabic, French, English |
| Currency |
Lebanese pound |
| Climate |
Mediterr; mild/wet winter, hot/dry summer |
| Typical teacher salary |
Volunteer/local salary |
| Major teaching locations |
Beirut |
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 |
Area: 212,460 sq km
Pop: 2,807,125 |
| Capital city |
Muscat |
| Languages |
Arabic, Baluchi, English |
| Currency |
Rial |
| Climate |
Dry desert; humid coast, dry Interior |
| Typical teacher salary |
$20,000 per annum tax-free |
| Major teaching locations |
Muscat |
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 |
Area:1,960,582 sq km
Pop: 24,293,844 |
| Capital city |
Riyadh |
| Languages |
Arabic, English |
| Currency |
Riyal |
| Climate |
Harsh, dry desert; temperate extremes |
| Typical teacher salary |
$3,000 per month tax-free + other perks |
| Major teaching locations |
Various |
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 |
Area: 185,180 sq km
Pop: 17,585,540 |
| Capital city |
Damascus |
| Languages |
Arabic, Kurdish, Armenian |
| Currency |
Syrian pound |
| Climate |
Desert; hot summers, coast: snow/winter |
| Typical teacher salary |
US$400 per month |
| Major teaching locations |
Damascus |
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 |
Area: 780,580 sq km
Pop: 68,109,469 |
| Capital city |
Ankara |
| Languages |
Turkish, Arabic, Kurdish |
| Currency |
Lira |
| Climate |
Temper; hot/dry summer; mild/wet winter |
| Typical teacher salary |
US$1,000 per month |
| Major teaching locations |
Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir |
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 |
Area: 82,880 sq km
Pop: 2,484,818 |
| Capital city |
Abu Dhabi |
| Languages |
Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, Farsi, English |
| Currency |
Dirham |
| Climate |
Desert; cooler in Eastern mountains |
| Typical teacher salary |
US$18,000 per annum tax-free |
| Major teaching locations |
Dubai, Abu Dhabi |
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. |
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