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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.
Teaching English in Saudi Arabia
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.
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 TEFL Facts:
Your English Students K-12 University Adults
Best Time to Get Hired January
September
Length of Commitment 12-24 month contracts
Typical Teaching Schedules Full and part-time schedules available
Average Pay and Benefits $1700 - $3000 USD per month Bonuses on completion of contract Reimbursed airfare upon completion of contract Free housing
Average Cost of Living $1000 - $1300 per month depending on lifestyle
Requirements Bachelor’s degree CELTA certification Native speaker of English 2–5 years of EFL teaching experience
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.
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The TEFL Life Shangai, China
Capital: Riyadh
Population: 24,573,000
Language(s): Arabic
Currency: Saudi riyal
Literacy Rate: 79%
Life Expectancy: 72 years
Saudi Arabia exports more oil than any other nation in the world.
The Rub Al-Khali is the largest sand desert in the world and comprises over 25% of Saudi Arabia.
The kingdom is one of the world’s largest producers of desalinated water (salt water turned into drinkable water).
The longest intra-continental flight in the world is from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to Manila, Philippines.
The holiest Muslim cities in the world, Mecca and Medina, are located in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia is one of the driest countries in the world, with a typical desert climate of hot days and cool nights. The capital of Riyadh, located in the eastern-central region, averages 93°F (34°C) in July and 57°F (14°C) in January. In Jeddah, on the western coast, the climate is more temperate, averaging 88°F (31°C) in July and 73°F (23°C) in January.
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