TEFL Course in Saudi Arabia

Are English teachers in demand in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has a steadily growing markets for ESL teachers in the world with a very prosperous economy and an increasing thirst amongst citizens to learn English language which would help them conduct international business.

There is a high population of expats including ESL teachers in the city of Jeddah and it has a reputation as one of the major centers for English teaching jobs in the country. There are also opportunities for female teachers since men are not allowed to teach women.

Meanwhile, the highest demand for TEFL teachers in Saudi Arabia are in companies, corporations, universities and even the military and teachers may work up to 25 hours a week. Teachers may get benefits including accommodation, airfare and even free education for dependents.

However, it is important that you check with your place of employment as a number of companies will hold onto your passport until the end of the teaching contract.

What are the requirements to teach English in Saudi Arabia?

An international recognized TEFL certificate in Saudi Arabia is important for English teachers to get ESL jobs in the country. There is also a need to have a Bachelor’s degree and some teaching experience especially for those teaching in a company or a school. 

For colleges and universities in Saudi Arabia, teachers may be required to have a Master’s degree and native English speakers are mostly preferred.

What type of jobs are available for English teachers in Saudi Arabia?

More recently, the education system of Saudi Arabia has been embracing the westernised system and secular reforms.

There is a wide variety of educational institutions and the most popular teaching jobs for ESL teachers are found in the private language school, international schools, universities and business English for companies.

There are opportunities in elementary and middle schools, kindergarten and secondary school levels.

Usually, as an ESL teacher in Saudi Arabia, you should expect to teach a wide variety of students from international business professionals to young adults as well as children and teenagers.

What is the salary for English teachers in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia is one of the highest paying countries in the world for ESL teachers and salaries are tax free.

English teachers with TEFL qualifications can earn between $3000 and $5,000 per month teaching English in Saudi Arabia and are expected to work between 20 and 25 hours per week.

Benefits for ESL teachers in Saudi Arabia include free housing, return airfares, healthcare and a bonus paid holiday after the end of the contract and so teachers are able to save a decent amount at the end of the year.

Can you save money while teaching English in Saudi Arabia?

Generally, the cost of living in Saudi Arabia is much lesser than in the United States. The absence of tax also has a significant effect and teachers in Saudi are able to live comfortably and save a lot from their income.

The most expensive cities are Al Mubarraz, Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam. The average cost of living for English teachers in Saudi Arabia is between $1,000 and $1,500 per month.

Accommodation Options: Accommodation costs are cheap in Saudi Arabia and you need not worry about spending all your salary on rent as you will most likely be offered free housing.

However, if you choose to, you can get an apartment between US$300 to $400 per month for a one bedroom apartment in with cost of housing much cheaper away from the city.

What type of visa do you need to teach English in Saudi Arabia?

You are required to obtain a work visa to teach English in Saudi Arabia and the process may be a bit cumbersome. However, most schools will help in obtaining the work visa.

Usually in order to get a work visa in Saudi Arabia, teachers are expected to provide a number of documents including an invitation from your employer therefore it becomes important for teachers to get a job before traveling to the country.

Usually, ESL teachers can apply for residence permit while in the country under the work visa which is usually valid for up to three months.

Hiring season and process for English teachers in Saudi Arabia

The major hiring periods for TEFL teachers in Saudi Arabia is just before the school year which runs from August till June. The peak hiring season is in the period before August when most schools recruit new teachers.

Most schools in Saudi Arabia recruit through third party agencies although teachers can also apply to schools directly. Usually, these agencies will interview ESL teachers before considering them for a job and this could be over the phone or via email.

Fun and travel activities while teaching in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a great place to live with lots of interesting places to visit and tourist destinations to explore.

One of the most interesting sites include the Madain Saleh which is known as the tombs of the ancient Nabatean people. There you can experience a mind blowing history and awesome nature. There are also museums, ancient tombs and old mud villages to explore.

For relaxation, teachers can visit the Farasan Islands with several white sand beaches to enjoy. There are also parks like the Asir National Park, the mountain city of Taif with amazingly beautiful roses and the Wahba crater with its striking oasis and lava fields.

Important cities in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah and Khobar are some of the most important places for ESL teachers in Saudi Arabia.