What is it like to teach English in Saudi Arabia?
I'm CELTA-certified (Cambridge University TEFL cert) and currently teaching English in Taiwan. I'll finish my first (official, not counting my under-the-table experience in Korea) year of teaching next August, and after that, I don't know what exactly I want to do. I've heard that in the Middle East, I can make large amounts of money per month (even higher than Korea) to teach English. Since I'm still reeling with student loans, the thought of making more than I'm making in Taiwan definitely appeals to me. Here are my questions: 1. I want to live on an expat compound, for obvious reasons (and if you don't know what these are, just check the US Embassy warnings on Saudi). How much does rent cost at one of these? 2. What is the average monthly salary for a CELTA-certified, BS-holding teacher with one year of experience, in terms of riyals? I can do the conversion myself. 3. What are the benefits beyond basic salary? 4. What are the hours like? 5. Is it possible to teach only adults with my credentials? Or would I need better credentials for that? 6. What are the expat compounds like? 7. What are some reasons to choose Saudi over, say, the UAR? 8. What are visas like? What happens if I want to change employers in-country, is that possible? I think those are all my questions for today. Thank you. @Nilehawk, thanks a million for not being helpful in any way. EVERYTHING in your post is non-specific and true of basically any country. I asked some very specific questions. Please read them before answering.
Saudi Arabia - 4 Answers
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1 :
I will try to answer generally.. Saudi Arabia is a leading country where expatriates can save money.. The salaries and benefits make you live comfortably and even save money.. Howevever visas and residence permits are given after satisfying certain conditions such as signing a contract with a copany or school etc.
2 :
dont be afraid of Saudi.. I am an american-saudi (dual) and I tutor english.. make great pocket money. I chose not to teach in a school.. personal choice, due to hours, etc.. This country is always looking for more english teachers.. And dont be scared off of what you read in the embassy warnings.. I get them all the time also and they seem to make you think its scary here. Its not.. Sure as in any country on earthk, there might be an isolated event.. But for the most part, its safe here, no wars going on, no terrorism inside. and the Western americans are really welcome here.. There is a huge amount of Americans, European, Australian, Canadian. english speakers here.. REally a HUGE amount.. I am friends with some who have been here for like 30years and loving every second of it.. as for your benefits.. Each employer offers different packages.. You just have to inquire and find out. jThe hours.. if you are in an elementary school.. the hours are from 7am-3pm.. If you are in university or private english institution. you might work evening hours. yes, you can teach adults, children, whomever you please.. Probably men or boys, cause our schools are segregated.. the expat compounds vary dramatically from place to place.. you'll find luxury 5star accomidations that are really expensive all the way to the low key boring drab ones.. Some have so many things inside the compounds, like small tiny groceries (like 7-11 in USA) swimming pools, bowling alleys, skating rinks, libraries, restaurants, etc.. and some nothing.. Im not sure what UAR is? do you mean UAE? United ARab Emirates? THat place is expensive to live there and geared mostly for tourists. I have no idea about work visas as ive never had to deal with that issue. SAudi is safe, but it might tend to be boring for some western people, simply cause we dont have discos, theaters, or clubs.. WE dont drink alcohol, we dont dance or go to movies. All our entertainment is family oriented. Men tend to go to sheeshaa bars, play cards, play pool, or go out to cafe's drink coffee and just socialize with other men. If you are in the eastern province the town of Khobar, you are only a few minutes drive from the country of Bahrain and many westerners go there for the weekend to get entertainment, since they (Bahrainis) are more open to such things, like bars, clubs, discos, alcohol, theaters, etc. anyways.. goodluck! welcome if you do decide to come here
3 :
you sound like an expert of something and you asked too many questions. dude,, you are only an English teacher !!!
4 :
Just go here: http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewforum.php?f=29 It should have everything you need, and you can post any further questions there.
