Teaching, Travel

Top 7 Countries to Teach English in the Middle-East

There are many beautiful cities in the Middle-East that would be perfect to start your teaching career abroad. Although it may not be your first choice, I always recommend looking at all your options! It can be an amazing experience exploring a new part of the world.

The Middle-East has many teaching opportunities with great wages, fully paid housing and airfare. Safety can be an issue and that is why it is important to research thoroughly before making any important decisions, but remember to always keep an open mind!


#7 Turkey

Degree RequirementsBA/BS required, MA preferred
Contact length12 months
Interview ProcessPhone/Skype Interview in advance or
Face-to-Face in Turkey
Visa RequirementsWork Visa in advance
Monthly Salary$800-1600 USD
Average Monthly Costs$800-1250 USD
Housing?Sometimes Free or Subsidized
Airfare Included?No
Holidays?August
Safety? (Canadian Gov.)Exercise a high degree of caution
(with regional advisories)

Recommended Cities:

  • Istanbul
  • Bursa
  • Ankara
  • Antalya

#6 Oman

Degree Requirements BA/BS required, MA preferred
Contact length12 months
Interview ProcessPhone/Skype Interview in advance
Visa RequirementsWork Visa in advance
Monthly Salary$1600-3000 USD
Average Monthly Costs$800-1500 USD
Housing?Free or Subsidized
Airfare Included?Yes
Holidays?Islamic Holidays
Safety? (Canadian Gov.) Exercise a high degree of caution
(with regional advisories)

Recommended Cities:

  • Muscat
  • Mawaleh
  • Sohar
  • Salalah 

#5 Bahrain

Degree RequirementsBA/BS required, MA preferred
Contact length12 months
Interview ProcessPhone/Skype Interview in advance
Visa RequirementsWork Visa in advance
Monthly Salary$1500-3000 USD
Average Monthly Costs$700-1100 USD
Housing?Free or Subsidized
Airfare Included?Yes
Holidays?Islamic Holidays
Safety? (Canadian Gov.) Exercise a high degree of caution

Recommended Cities:

  • Manama

#4 Kuwait

Degree Requirements BA/BS required, MA preferred
Contact length12 months
Interview ProcessPhone/Skype Interview in advance
Visa RequirementsWork Visa in advance
Monthly Salary$1500-3300 USD
Average Monthly Costs$650-1000 USD
Housing?Free or Subsidized
Airfare Included?Yes
Holidays?Islamic Holidays
Safety? (Canadian Gov.)Exercise a high degree of caution

Recommended Cities:

  • Kuwait City

#3 Saudi-Arabia

Degree Requirements BA/BS required, MA preferred
Contact length12 months
Interview ProcessPhone/Skype Interview in advance
Visa RequirementsWork Visa in advance
Monthly Salary$1500-3000 USD
Average Monthly Costs$700-1000 USD
Housing?Free or Subsidized
Airfare Included?Yes
Holidays?Islamic Holiday
Safety? (Canadian Gov.) Exercise a high degree of caution
(with regional advisories)

Recommended Cities:

  • Jeddah
  • Riyadh
  • Dammam

#2 Qatar

Degree Requirements BA/BS required, MA preferred
Contact length12 months
Interview ProcessPhone/Skype Interview in advance
Visa RequirementsWork Visa in advance
Monthly Salary$1600-3000 USD
Average Monthly Costs$800-2000 USD
Housing?Free or Subsidized
Airfare Included?Yes
Holidays?Islamic Holidays
Safety? (Canadian Gov.) Exercise normal security precautions

Recommended Cities:

  • Doha

#1 UAE (United Arab Emirates)

Degree Requirements BA/BS required, MA preferred
Contact length12 months
Interview ProcessPhone/Skype Interview in advance
Visa RequirementsWork Visa in advance
Monthly Salary$1800-5000 USD
Average Monthly Costs$1000-1500 USD
Housing?Free or Subsidized
Airfare Included?Yes
Holidays?Islamic Holidays
Safety? (Canadian Gov.) Exercise a high degree of caution

Recommended Cities:

  • Dubai
  • Sharjah
  • Al Ain
  • Ras Al Khaimah 

Helpful Links: ESL Programs


I hope that this list was informative and gave you another perspective on working in the Middle-East. There are many amazing opportunities that I hope you will look further into! Good luck with your future teaching endeavours!

Safe Travels,

Carina

2 thoughts on “Top 7 Countries to Teach English in the Middle-East

  1. Wow. I love all the comparisons! Really helps me get a full grasp of what each country offers me as a potential English teacher. Thank you!

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