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Saudi Arabia has become an increasingly attractive destination for English teachers, offering competitive salaries, extensive benefits, and a unique mix of ancient culture and modern development. While life in the country follows Islamic law and upholds conservative traditions, teachers often highlight the country’s safety, hospitality, generous benefits, and strong demand for qualified educators.
From modern cities like Riyadh to historic sites such as Mecca and Medina, those who teach English in Saudi Arabia can expect both professional rewards and cultural discovery. Let’s explore important information about your next TEFL destination.
If you’re new to teaching, you’ll want to get initial training and qualification with a TEFL certificate. You can explore our online TEFL courses to get started!
Is there a demand for English teachers in Saudi Arabia?
There is a high demand for EFL professionals who want to teach English in Saudi Arabia, with a variety of opportunities for teaching adults and children. Saudi Arabia’s strong emphasis on education is one of the main reasons for the high demand for educational resources. Seen as an essential aspect of the country’s development, Saudi Arabia’s high value of education has increased the need for qualified English teachers, also driving generous pay rates.
Teachers should expect cultural norms to differ from other parts of the world, with segregated classrooms, modesty laws informing the type of dress expected of teachers, particularly women, and public laws prohibiting profanity and drinking alcohol.
Learn how to effectively teach ESL to adults with this free eBook
Teaching English to Adults
DownloadWhat do I need to teach English in Saudi Arabia?
TEFL certification
A 120-hour TEFL qualification will be required to teach English. Teachers must also have citizenship from a native English-speaking country, and a teaching license is required for jobs at universities and international schools.
If you aren’t TEFL certified yet, there are options for online certification. The Bridge 120-hour Master TEFL Certificate meets certification requirements to teach English and includes a job-advising module, resources, and support. The course, offered online and self-paced, covers EFL theory and applications. For those pursuing a TESOL master’s degree, the Bridge 150-hour International Diploma in English Language Teaching (IDELTOnline™) provides more than the minimum required TEFL qualification in addition to earning credit toward a pathway to an MA in TESOL degree.
You can also stand out among the competition with additional Specialized TEFL Certifications in subjects like Teaching Business English and Teaching English Online, and Micro-credentials in subjects like Teaching English Pronunciation and Teaching IELTS Exam Prep.
Degrees
A bachelor’s degree is required to teach English. Because Saudi Arabia places great emphasis on education, the expectation is that English teachers are highly educated as well. As teaching at universities is among the most in-demand work available, many students will have attained or be pursuing a higher education degree.
Prior teaching experience
Most employers will require previous experience. If you are new to TEFL, volunteering or a teaching practicum are great ways to gain experience. Consider the 20-hour Guided Teaching Practicum or 60-hour Practicum in Teaching English Online TEFL/TESOL Specialized Certifications, or the 20-hour Teaching English as a Volunteer Micro-credential.
Visas
English teachers in Saudi Arabia may receive different types of visas, depending on the employer’s requests. A temporary work visa may be given upon hiring, and some may receive a residence/work visa before arrival. A Muqeem residence permit (equivalent to an identity card) will be required.
There are also laws and customs in Saudi Arabia that must be considered. If you want to leave the country, you’ll need to apply for an exit visa. Women must wear an abaya (a cloak that only exposes the head, hands, and feet) whenever in public. Profane language should be avoided in public, and pork products and alcohol are forbidden.
Learn more about what employers look for in international English teachers.
How much can I earn teaching English in Saudi Arabia?
English teachers in Saudi Arabia typically earn about SAR 6,500-16,000 ($1,750 – $4,300) per month. Salaries vary according to experience and qualifications, ranging from initial online TEFL jobs to the highest for teachers with a master’s degree aiming for university jobs.
Additionally, income from teaching in Saudi Arabia is tax-free, and most jobs include benefits like housing, health, and dental insurance. Some employers provide a housing allowance, while others offer furnished or unfurnished accommodations.
What types of teaching jobs are available in Saudi Arabia?
Some popular locations for teaching in Saudi Arabia include Al Khobar, Riyadh, Al Baha, Dammam, Jubail, and Medina. Jobs teaching at private language centers are often found in larger cities and provide opportunities to teach younger and teenage students. Teaching jobs with international schools and universities will require a degree in education and experience, but are among the higher-paying positions. Those interested in teaching Business English will find opportunities at language centers or with specific companies.
Here are some examples of English teaching jobs you can find in Saudi Arabia:
- Private elementary and secondary schools
- International schools
- Public and private universities
- Technical and vocational training colleges
- Private language centers
- Teaching Business English
- Teaching English online
The school term in Saudi Arabia is from August to June. The peak hiring season is in August, but job opportunities are available year-round. The age limit for teaching English is 55 years old.
What are the pros and cons of teaching English abroad in a chain school or an independent school?
What do teachers say about teaching English in Saudi Arabia?
Bridge grad Joshua, from the U.S., teaches English to members of the military in Saudi Arabia. His advice for teachers considering Saudi Arabia is:
“The main thing is to be open-minded. Obviously, anybody who teaches abroad should be prepared to adjust their living style to the customs and cultures of that country.”
He builds rapport with students by learning about their culture and language, and by discovering what they like and their hobbies.
“That way, when you go over something like a grammar point or vocabulary, you can draw it back to a personal experience that they might be able to understand and draw a conclusion from.”
