Saudi Arabia might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of teaching English abroad, but there are several reasons that you should put it on your list of destinations to consider. High salaries and comprehensive benefits make this center of culture and religion an appealing option for people looking to save some cash while teaching abroad.
However, contrary to some of the other well-paying ESL job markets, Saudi Arabia predominantly targets qualified and experienced ESL teachers. Teaching in Saudi Arabia is definitely not for new teachers without a TEFL to try and gain experience or make a quick buck.
Teachers in Saudi Arabia will often make anywhere between $2,600 - $4,000 USD per month. Salaries for ESL teachers at universities, however, will typically start at $4,000+ per month and increase based on experience and qualifications. Salaries are all typically tax-free.
Additionally, teachers often receive non-salary benefits, such as housing, airfare reimbursement, health insurance, and contract completion bonuses.
At a language school, expect to get paid between 12,000 - 15,000 SAR ($3,200 - $4,000 USD) per month
Largely thanks to government-sponsored initiatives encouraging the local population to learn English, ESL teachers are in great demand in Saudi Arabia. English language curriculum is common in both private language institutes and public institutions, preparing younger students to enter university.
Opportunities are available in both major metropolitan areas like Riyadh or Jeddah, and more rural areas too. Definitely investigate where your school is located before agreeing to anything though, as more rural areas in Saudi Arabia are often more culturally conservative.
