Why Teach in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia

Teaching in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is one of the richest countries in the world both in terms of wealth and culture, located in the Middle East. The capital of the country is Riyadh, the official language Arabic and the main religion is Islam. Interestingly many English words are derived from Arabic as in: Alchemy/ Chemistry, Alkaline, Candy, Elixir, Coffee, Mattress, Jasmine, Lemon, Lime, Safari, Silk, Zero, and more!

It has a dry desert climate with a population of 30 million. Saudi Arabia also has the distinction of being the largest country in the world without a river! The Arabian Peninsula is the world’s largest peninsula.

The government has been making efforts for the population to learn English and preparing students for university.

Living and working in cities or desert towns gives teachers a chance to absorb and understand Islamic societies and an experience like no other. Teaching jobs from Kindergarten, Elementary and Middle to secondary positions in Saudi Arabia offer approved teachers the opportunity to work in Private International Schools.

Salary and Benefits for Teaching Jobs in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia offers certified teachers high salary and a range of benefits. Salaries for teaching jobs in Saudi Arabia range between $3000-$4000 USD tax free per month with amazing benefits such as; a contract completion bonus, healthcare, free housing and airfare reimbursement to and from your home country. As the country is tax free, teachers save a large portion of their salary. Though cost of living is slightly higher than a few other countries the salary and benefits take that into account and factor that in.

Qualifications required to Teach in Saudi Arabia

Teachers need to be licensed/certified to teach in Saudi Arabia. They must have a Bachelor’s Degree in their relevant subject. In order to teach in Saudi Arabia, they should have a minimum of two years of experience in their relevant subject. Please read our blog for more: http://www.intelligentpartners.com/5-teaching-certifications-you-must-have/

Lifestyle and Food in Saudi Arabia

The school week is from Saturday to Wednesday with weekends on Thursday and Fridays. School hours are from 7 am to 3.30 pm. School year starts from August and finish end June.

Saudi men wear a traditional dress called ‘Thobes’ mostly in white and ‘Gutras’ the head scarf. They carry a set of prayer beads or worry beads which were originally used to count the number of prayers. The women wear a black ‘Abaya’ which is a Judaic tradition.

It is a country made up of ancient cities, desert landscapes and coastal retreats with dry weather all year round. The Riyadh camel market is one of the largest in the world with over 100 camels sold every day.

Teachers do need to be aware of the local customs and rules of the country and do some research before venturing out to remote areas as they tend to be more conservative. Expat teachers will be living in compounds for foreigners making their lives very comfortable. Unmarried couples are not allowed to live together.

Trying to learn basic Arabic helps to gain respect amongst the locals.

Arabic cuisine consists mainly of: wheat, rice, chicken, lamb, dates, yoghurt and potato. The most common dishes is Shawarma and Falafels which is originated from Egypt. The main beverages include Gahwah (Coffee) and Black Tea. ‘Gahwah’ (coffee) in Arabic means ‘that which prevents sleep’!


*Teachers with minimum 2 years of experience may only apply