Teaching English in Saudi Arabia

Comprising most of the Arabian Peninsula, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is home to one-quarter of the world’s oil reserves, and attracts visitors with its holy cities, breathtaking desert, and world-renowned scuba diving along the Red Sea.

Saudi Arabia TEFL Facts:
Your English Students	K-12 University Adults
Best Time to Get Hired	January – August
Typical Start Dates	September
Length of Commitment	12- to 24-month contracts
Typical Teaching Schedules	Full-time and part-time schedules available
Average Pay	$1700 – $3000 USD per month Bonuses on completion of contract Reimbursed airfare Free housing
Average Cost of Living	$1000 – $1300 USD per month depending on lifestyle
Requirements	Benefits may include
Bachelor’s Degree 2-5 years of EFL teaching experience TEFL certification (see recommended courses below) Native speaker or fluent in English	Free housing Visa assistance In-country orientation Travel stipend for off-site classes Reimbursement of Emergency Travel Insurance Reimbursement of airport pick up

Demand for English Teachers

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has traditionally been one of the highest paying locations in the world for EFL teachers—and it also has some of the highest standards. Previous teaching experience is a must, and many schools prefer EFL teachers with master’s degrees. Teaching opportunities exist in various areas: public schools and universities employ native English-speaking teachers in their language departments, while some families hire teachers to instruct their children at home.

Typical English Students / Popular Teaching Destinations

Saudi Arabia has experienced a significant shortage of teachers in recent years as turbulent relations with the Middle East have deterred many Western visitors. But the pay in the country is outstanding, and the benefits are hard to beat. Most English teachers receive bonuses at the completion of their contracts, along with reimbursed airfare and free housing—making this kingdom ideal for those who want to earn enough money to return to their home country with savings.

Saudi Arabia Overview

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia comprises around 80 percent of the Arabian Peninsula, and is home to about one-quarter of the world’s oil reserves. For centuries, the Arabian Peninsula has enticed travelers with an intriguing culture, and Islam’s two holiest cities (Mecca and Medina). The country’s terrain varies from the spectacular Rub al-Khali desert in the south, to a vast and serene plateau in the center, to mountains emerging from an arid coastal plain along the Red Sea, to the oil-rich, crystal blue Persian Gulf.

The commercial capital of Saudi Arabia, Jeddah is a 3,000-year-old city situated along the Red Sea. It is renowned for its exquisite scuba diving amid colorful coral reefs and is home to more than 2 million people—3 million during Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to nearby Mecca. The national capital of Riyadh was built on an oasis in the middle of the desert, and is the traditional homeland of the ruling Saud family. Saudi culture is strongly centered on the religion of Islam, and values dignity, respect, modesty, and self-control.

Recommended TEFL Courses

In Saudi Arabia, you’ll find that classroom based courses are highly preferred; in some cases, schools may accept an online graduate level TEFL certification (IDELT Online – 150 Hours) with some teaching experience.
We recommend a course of at least 100 hours to increase your chances of getting hired!

Learn more about TEFL Certification