Being a teacher in Saudi Arabia can bring many financial awards, but the struggle of settling in is something to consider.
28 September 2013
| Last updated on 27 June 2017Many women move to Saudi Arabia in order to work as teachers. The job is financially rewarding however it is a difficult adjustment to make, particularly if you are non-Muslim or a westerner, to live in Saudi Arabia. However there are many women who have successfully moved to work and live in Saudi Arabia in order to make and save some money, gain work experience and experience a completely different culture.
See also: Guidebook for expatriates recruited for work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The schools in Saudi Arabia are segregated by gender, this includes the teaching staff. Therefore there are always positions available for women in schools. Because it is a sought after job, you can really choose what kind of teacher you want to be:
- Kindergarten/Nursery
- Primary School
- High School
- University
- ESL to adults
The requirements to teach from most employers are:
• Candidates must be native English speakers, especially if they are teaching ESL
• Minimum of two years full time ESL or teaching experience.
• MA in ESL, EFL, TESOL, Applied Linguistics Master of Arts in Teaching, Linguistics is preferred
• BA in TESOL, Language Education, English,
OR
• BA in any field plus teaching certification such as TESOL, TEFL, CELTA, DELTA or similar from an accredited university or institute. Online courses are not accepted. Teaching positions will not accept anything less than a BA.
Women who choose to take up teaching positions in Saudi Arabia will be compensated, their compensation package includes:
• Competitive annual tax free salary. Teachers can earn between $3000 and $4000 per month depending on the terms of their employment and their experience.
• Airfare from city/country of origin to and from Saudi Arabia
• Furnished accommodations or allowance (must decide on either from the onset, however it is easier to accept the accommodation as it is difficult for a single woman to find accommodation in Saudi Arabia.)
• Transportation provided to and from work. Many schools also provide teachers group transport to shopping malls, parks and other places of interest and leisure.
• Comprehensive health insurance (may or may not include dental, depending on the employer)
• Visa expenses (including medical and visa fees) covered/reimbursed upon arrival
• Employment visa processed (toward Iqama)
• Year-end bonus paid at the end of the academic year (depending on employer)
• Annual Vacation time of 30 days in addition to all Saudi holidays (exit/re-entry visas provided).