Teaching English Abroad: Top Destinations in the Middle East for TEFL Teachers
3/08/24
The complete guide to teaching English in the Middle East – from requirements to most lucrative and popular destinations
5 Top Destinations in the Middle East for TEFL Teachers
The Middle East has emerged in recent times as one of the fastest-growing regions in the world for individuals looking to teach English overseas. One glance at Riyadh’s cityscape, Jordan’s mesmerising Petra, or Dubai’s Shopping Festival should be enough to showcase exactly how the Middle East appeals to so many different types of travellers. Yet, alongside the stunning blend of ancient civilizations with futuristic metropolises, teaching English in The Middle East has a raft of other benefits that have made it a popular go-to for TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teachers. Join us at Near+Far as we explore the best destinations for teaching English in The Middle East, covering topics ranging from the cost of living and average salaries to other benefits available.
Teaching English in The Middle East Requirements
Before we pack up your passport and send you on your way, it’s worth sparing a few lines to run through what you need to begin teaching in The Middle East. English teacher salaries in The Middle East are some of the most competitive in the world. With those lucrative salaries come more demands from employers over what they want their applicants to possess. For most TEFL jobs in the region, positions will ask for the following:
- A Bachelor’s degree;
- A work visa;
- A clean health and criminal background check;
- A TEFL/TESOL certificate
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates has become one of the world’s flashiest destinations, boasting not only the world’s tallest building but also the furthest-leaning artificial structure, the largest standing lantern, and, most outlandish of all, the highest suspended hotel suite on the planet. A central hub for globetrotters worldwide, these otherworldly attractions and an authentic Arabic culture make the UAE one of the TEFL world’s fastest-growing markets. Over 90% of the country, which is mostly settled in the likes of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, are foreign workers from across the globe, which means ample opportunities are teaching to both young and more mature learners.
But, without a doubt, the biggest pull of the UAE for English teachers is the jaw-dropping benefits on offer. The salaries, all of which are tax-free, are among the most competitive in the industry, with teachers earning AED 9,000 – AED 20,000 ($2,400 – $5,500) every month. Additional benefits also include housing, health insurance, visa assistance, and bonuses for completion of their contracts.
As mentioned above, a work visa is required for teaching English in the UAE, though employers at language schools and private institutions will likely provide some help with this. As well as that, applicants will require a Bachelor’s degree, be a native English speaker, and possess accredited TEFL certification from a reputable course provider such as The TEFL Academy. Salaries are generous in the UAE, but that’s because they expect the best.
Kuwait
Kuwait might not be the most famous destination for every traveller in The Middle East. However, with a population of just over four million occupying a relatively small region of 6,880 square miles, teaching in Kuwait grants you the opportunity to be immersed in everything this hidden gem off the beaten path has to offer.
Once known as the ‘Marseilles of the Gulf’, Kuwait has become renowned for its pristine white beaches, prehistoric archaeological sites, and year-long sunshine. Kuwaitis are amongst the most welcoming students in the world, eager to learn, and knowing Arabic isn’t as stiff a requirement as one might assume.
Kuwait City, the nation’s capital, Jahra, and the seaside shopping town of Salmiya are all among the most in-demand spots for TEFL teaching jobs in Kuwait. Salaries can range between KD 800 – KD 1,200 a month ($2,600 – $4,000), with the majority of job opportunities coming from language centres where applicants will be able to teach students of all ages with differing levels of proficiency.
Qatar
Qatar’s capital city, Doha, houses Education City, a bustling centre of universities and higher education institutions that have helped make the country one of the go-to’s for education in The Middle East. American and international universities are prevalent across the region, with English naturally being the lingua franca inside. If you’ve been following us so far, you’ll hopefully be with us when we say now is an exciting time to be teaching English in Qatar.
With its heavy focus on technology and education, Qatar is one of the most lucrative destinations for TEFL teachers abroad. Salaries typically range between QR 9,400 – QR 22,000 ($2,600 – $6,000) per month, with additional benefits including housing allowance, health insurance, and paid holidays.
92% of Qatar’s population live within Doha’s borders, and around 85% of this population are ex-pats, meaning this melting pot of cultures is the ideal destination for making new connections whilst sampling an entirely new way of life. Ever since the 2022 Fifa World Cup, Qatar has become one of the most talked-about nations in the world, but it is only by immersing yourself fully in its culture and its people that you truly begin to understand what it’s all about.
Saudi Arabia
When it comes to making and saving money teaching English abroad, Saudi Arabia has to be on your bucket list of destinations. Offering reimbursed flights, housing, and health insurance, plenty of schools are desperate to entice native English speakers to their classrooms, whether it be to increase their student’s proficiency in the subject or any other on their curriculum. Salaries are also extremely competitive for the industry, with most teachers earning SAR 9,000 – SAR 18,000 ($2,500 – $5,000) every month. While some may be mindful of Saudi Arabia’s more conservative approach if choosing to teach English here, the country continues to welcome new nationalities to its borders, expatriate compounds have started to spring up which offers a more relaxed environment.
Turnover rates for teachers can be higher in Saudi Arabia than in other countries on this list, but, with some of the most hefty wage packets available for native English speakers, you don’t need to be in the country for a long time for your wallet to start feeling heavier.
Bahrain
For something more westernised, you might want to consider teaching English in its northeastern neighbour, Bahrain. Compared to many other Gulf countries, Bahrain’s culture is relatively liberal and its ultra-rich economy built around investment, banking, pearls, and tourism means it offers some of the most competitive wages in the world for TEFL teachers.
Teaching in Bahrain usually brings in a salary of around 900 BHD and 1,800 BHD ($2,400 – $4,800) monthly, which only demonstrates the importance the kingdom has placed on increasing English proficiency across the country.
Because of its ever-expanding interactions with the wider world, whether it be through investing or tourism, teaching in Bahrain brings with it a wealth of different opportunities. Teaching in language schools and universities is a popular choice; however, there is also the possibility of private tutoring business professionals looking to improve their English skills.
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