Middle East

Oxford Seminars Teach English Overseas Country Profiles Middle East

~ Egypt ~ Kuwait ~ Oman ~ Qatar ~ Saudi Arabia ~ United Arab Emirates ~

EGYPT

In the fifth century BCE, Herodotus wrote, “Nowhere are there so many marvellous things”. The Sphinx, the Nile, the pyramids at Giza, Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings are just a few of the wonders from one of the world's oldest cultures. For over 70 centuries, Egypt has contributed to the history of the world. From an ESL teaching perspective, this region represents some of the best-paid positions in North Africa, and with over 17 million residents in Cairo alone there are sufficient opportunities. The students will be friendly, energetic, and eager to learn.

Requirements:	College Degree and a TESOL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract:	Varies
Peak Hiring Season:	January, September
Teaching Hours/week	25
Monthly Salary*:	7,000-17,000 EGP
Exchange Rate*:	$1 USD=5.3 EGP
Income Tax*:	0-20%
Cost of Living/month**:	2,600-3,900 EGP
Accommodations:	Not provided
Airfare:	Usually not provided
Health Care:	Usually not provided
Holidays:	Not paid
Visa	Tourist visa to start
Important Notes:	Preference given to males. Postgraduate degree and previous ESL teaching experience may be required.

KUWAIT, SAUDI ARABIA

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was not officially established as a country until 1932, but with the discovery of its oil, the country has experienced exceptional growth. The most lucrative TEFL jobs are in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, where employers provide airfare, housing, living allowance and many other benefits for those with professional credentials and experience. Women are cautioned to dress and behave discreetly in keeping with Muslim tradition. However, more women are in the labor force in Kuwait than anywhere else in the Persian Gulf. Like other Arabs, Kuwaitis are very friendly and enthusiastic. This extends to the classroom with lively debate and exceptional oral communication skills.

Kuwait

Requirements:	College Degree and a TESOL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract:	1-2 years
Peak Hiring Season:	January, September
Teaching Hours/week:	25-30
Monthly Salary*:	600-900 KWD
Exchange Rate*:	$1 USD=0.26 KWD
Income Tax*:	0-5%
Cost of Living/month**:	320-440 KWD
Accommodations:	Usually provided
Airfare:	Usually provided
Health Care:	Usually provided
Holidays:	Usually paid
Visa:	Employer assisted
Important Notes:	Preference given to males. Postgraduate degree and previous ESL teaching experience may be required.

Saudi Arabia

Requirements:	College Degree and a TESOL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract:	1-2 years
Peak Hiring Season:	January, September
Teaching Hours/week:	25-30
Monthly Salary*:	10,000-13,000 SAR
Exchange Rate*:	$1 USD=3.75 SAR
Income Tax*:	0-20%
Cost of Living/month**:	2,200-3,800 SAR
Accommodations:	Usually provided
Airfare:	Usually provided
Health Care:	Usually provided
Holidays:	Paid
Visa:	Employer assisted
Important Notes:	Preference given to males. Postgraduate degree and previous ESL teaching experience may be required.

OMAN, QATAR, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Remote deserts, coastal beaches, rugged mountain ranges, and fresh water oases comprise the intriguing landscapes of these ancient dynastic countries. Nearly 50% of the population of Oman lives in its capital of Muscat, and its wadis, deserts, beaches, and mountains make it unique when compared to its more lucrative neighbors. Qatar, the wealthiest nation in the Middle East besides the UAE, is working to stimulate a "knowledge economy", with an entire city devoted to international colleges. The UAE's Dubai, the “Los Angeles” of the Middle East, is aggressively pursuing businesses that can generate interest and investment outside of oil-based industries. The ambience of this region creates a unique teaching experience and the students are lively, talkative, and friendly. Opportunities at post-secondary institutions and in businesses are plentiful, however it is often preferred that teachers have previous ESL experience as well as a degree.

Oman

Requirements:	College Degree and a TESOL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract:	1-2 years
Peak Hiring Season:	January, September
Teaching Hours/week	25-30
Monthly Salary*:	900-1,100 OMR
Exchange Rate*:	$1 USD=0.39 OMR
Income Tax*:	0%
Cost of Living/month**:	220-500 OMR
Accommodations:	Usually provided
Airfare:	Usually provided
Health Care:	Usually provided
Holidays:	Paid
Visa	Employer assisted
Important Notes:	Preference given to males. Postgraduate degree and previous ESL teaching experience may be required.

Qatar

Requirements:	College Degree and a TESOL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract:	Varies
Peak Hiring Season:	January, September
Teaching Hours/week	25-30
Monthly Salary*:	6,700-11,000 QAR
Exchange Rate*:	$1 USD=3.6 QAR
Income Tax*:	0%
Cost of Living/month**:	3,000-5,000 QAR
Accommodations:	Usually provided
Airfare:	Sometimes provided
Health Care:	Usually provided
Holidays:	Paid
Visa:	Employer assisted
Important Notes:	Preference given to males. Postgraduate degree and previous ESL teaching experience may be required.

United Arab Emirates

Requirements:	College Degree and a TESOL/TEFL Certificate
Typical Contract:	1-2 years
Peak Hiring Season:	January, September
Teaching Hours/week	25-30
Monthly Salary*:	7,000-12,000 AED
Exchange Rate*:	$1 USD=3.6 AUD
Income Tax*:	0%
Cost of Living/month**:	6,000-7,000 AED
Accommodations:	Usually provided
Airfare:	Usually provided
Health Care:	Usually provided
Holidays:	Paid
Visa:	Employer assisted
Important Notes:	Preference given to males. Postgraduate degree and previous ESL teaching experience may be required.

Learn more about Dubai
Read about a day in the life of a Dubai ESL teacher

*Wages vary depending on the economy of the country.
*Exchange rates subject to change. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
*Income tax rate is based on the amount of yearly income. Most TEFL instructors will be charged no more than the minimum percentage.
**Cost of Living = Middle-class standards for the country