Teaching English in the Middle East

Schools in Egypt, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern nations all seek certified English teachers. In many Arab nations, university classes are taught in English and the region’s location at the crossroads of East and West has made cities like Dubai major hubs of commerce and leisure where English is the norm. In the wealthy Gulf states, in particular, most positions are offered to experienced teachers with bachelors’ or masters’ degrees in education, in addition to a TEFL certification.

Those who qualify for such positions will enjoy some of the highest salaries in the field as pay can range from $2,500 - $6,000 a month, plus free housing and flights to and from the teacher’s home country. Jobs are somewhat easier to come by for those with just a four-year degree (or even less) and a TEFL/TESOL Certification in Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, and Turkey, where the pay is considerably lower, but the cost of living is low and the opportunities for immersion in one the world’s great regions for culture and history are innumerable.

Some points about teaching English abroad in the Middle East:

• The vast majority of positions in the Gulf Countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman) are obtained through interviews in advance.

• Teachers should expect to adhere to local cultural norms, which can vary dramatically from what you may be used to in the West. Within the region, restrictions on personal freedoms like style of dress and the right to consume alcohol can vary widely from country to country, or even from region to region within a particular country.

• The presence of large expatriate communities, where teachers can socialize with other westerners makes the transition for newcomers to the region much easier.

• Looking for more insights into teaching English in the Middle East?  Check out our Alumni Stories - Teaching English in the Middle East & our Middle East Articles & FAQs.

Middle East Country Profiles