|
Middle
East
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.
|
Bahrain
|
|
Capital city
|
Manama
|
|
|
Language
|
Arabic
|
|
Currency and exchange rate
|
Dinar
|
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary
|
$1,500 tax free
|
|
Major TEFL locations
|
Nationwide
|
|
TEFL 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
|
|
Capital city
|
Tel Aviv
|
|
|
Language
|
Hebrew
|
|
Currency and exchange rate
|
Shekel
|
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary
|
-
|
|
Major TEFL locations
|
-
|
|
TEFL 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
|
|
Capital city
|
Kuwait City
|
|
|
Language
|
Arabic
|
|
Currency and exchange rate
|
Dinar
|
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary
|
US$30,000 per year
|
|
Major TEFL locations
|
Nationwide
|
|
TEFL 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
|
|
Capital city
|
Beirut
|
|
|
Language
|
Arabic
|
|
Currency and exchange rate
|
Lebanese pound
|
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary
|
-
|
|
Major TEFL locations
|
Beirut
|
|
TEFL 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
|
|
Capital city
|
Muscat
|
|
|
Language
|
Arabic
|
|
Currency and exchange rate
|
Rial
|
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary
|
$20,000 per annum tax-free
|
|
Major TEFL locations
|
Muscat
|
|
TEFL 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
|
|
Capital city
|
Riyadh
|
|
|
Language
|
Arabic
|
|
Currency and exchange rate
|
Riyal
|
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary
|
$3,000 per month tax-free + other perks
|
|
Major TEFL locations
|
Various
|
|
TEFL 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
|
|
Capital city
|
Damascus
|
|
|
Language
|
Arabic
|
|
Currency and exchange rate
|
Syrian pound
|
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary
|
US$400 per month
|
|
Major TEFL locations
|
Damascus
|
|
TEFL 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
|
|
Capital city
|
Ankara
|
|
|
Language
|
Turkish
|
|
Currency and exchange rate
|
Lira
|
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary
|
US$1,000 per month
|
|
Major TEFL locations
|
Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir +++
|
|
TEFL 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
|
|
Capital city
|
Abu Dhabi
|
|
|
Language
|
Arabic
|
|
Currency and exchange rate
|
Dirham
|
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary
|
US$18,000 per annum tax-free
|
|
Major TEFL locations
|
Dubai, Abu Dhabi
|
|
TEFL 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.
|
|
Others
|
|
Capital city
|
Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Jordan etc
|
|
|
Language
|
Arabic
|
|
Currency and exchange rate
|
Various
|
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary
|
-
|
|
Major TEFL locations
|
-
|
|
TEFL job prospects
At present there are no real teaching opportunities in other Middle
Eastern nations. However, in the light of recent events it is possible
that some voluntary positions may arise in the future.
|
|
What
is TEFL/TESOL ?
