Jordan

Brimming with dramatic landscapes, vibrant traditions, tantalizing gastronomy, and fascinating ancient history, Jordan is a land teeming with endless opportunities for adventure. Officially known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan — or Al Urdun by locals — this parliamentary constitutional monarchy is home to over 10.1 million people. With numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the famed Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Jordan is a treasure trove for explorers. A Little History Jordan’s rich history spans back to biblical times, having been home to ancient kingdoms like Moab and Gilead. The crown jewel of Jordan’s historical sites is Petra, known as the “Rose City” for its stunning sandstone cliffs. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Petra was once a thriving hub of trade and commerce. In more modern times, Jordan was ruled by the Ottoman Empire until 1918 and then governed by the British until its independence in 1946. Climate & Landscape As almost 90% of the country is covered in sand, much of Jordan has an arid desert climate, experiencing long warm summers and short, cooler winters. The coast of Jordan lies on the Mediterranean, which has a more humid, coastal climate. Average daily temperatures range between 70° F and 90° F (21°– 32° C) in the summers, occasionally spiking all the way up to 110° F (43° C). Jordan’s brief winters, on the other hand, are much milder, with an average daily temperature between 40° F …

Each country has its own requirements and qualifications when it comes to teaching. Some require a bachelor’s degree in any field. In others, you’ll qualify with only a high school diploma and your TEFL certificate. Some countries have strict visa requirements that may disqualify you based on your citizenship or criminal background. Let’s take a look at the qualifications needed for teaching English in Jordan. Education A bachelor’s degree is not required to teach in Jordan, but it is preferred by employers. Those who do not have a bachelor’s degree will still have options to teach in Jordan. Citizenship There are no specific citizenship requirements to teach English in Jordan, though some employers might prefer to hire citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa. English Fluency If you are not a citizen of one of the above countries, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching jobs. Fluent non-native English teachers qualify for and may have some opportunities in Jordan. Background Check A clean background check is not necessary to teach in Jordan. The exception to this rule? Some international schools in Jordan might require you to submit a clean criminal record check during the hiring process. Medical Check A medical check is required in order to obtain a work permit in Jordan. The exam includes testing for HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis C, and you won…

With a population of over 10 million people and extensive interaction with the English-speaking world, Jordan presents a strong market for foreign English teachers. English was introduced on a large scale in Jordan during British occupation in the early 20th century, and today, English remains one of the principal foreign languages taught in Jordanian public schools. English teaching jobs can be found throughout Jordan, though more densely-populated cities like Amman, Zarqa, and Irbid hold the most opportunity and biggest markets for prospective ESL teachers. The majority of foreign English instructors in Jordan teach at private language schools and/or work online or in person as private tutors. Qualified English instructors can apply to teach English with the government-run Fulbright program, and instructors bearing a teaching license or master’s degree will also be able to secure positions in international schools. Each of these job types comes with their own specific set of advantages, so you’ll want to understand the basic differences between them before you begin applying. Private Language Schools Private language schools are privately run and typically for-profit language training centers that can cater to students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Many school-aged students will attend private language schools to supplement their public or private school language education, and adults will often attend private language schools to develop their foreign language co…

Now that you’ve explored the job types available to you, it’s time to begin the application process! There are several steps to take to find a job teaching English in Jordan, and we have them all outlined here below. Heads up! The timelines for your job application process and for gathering documents for your visa may overlap. You’ll want to be working on both processes at roughly the same time. Be sure to check out our Jordan Timeline, as well as the Applying for the Visa section for more information and to make sure you are staying on top of your visa documents while applying for teaching positions. Step 1: Prepare Your Initial Application Materials Resume & Cover Letter Your resume and cover letter are the keys to connecting with schools and beginning the application process. International employers look for specific elements in a resume that may differ from what you’re used to seeing domestically. Photos As part of the application process, the school may request photos from you. A headshot photo is typical, which you can send with your application or attach to your resume. Don’t send any additional photos unless requested. Wear business casual clothing in your photos, in front of a neutral background. Do your best to take higher-quality photos, with a digital camera or a high-quality cell phone camera. Step 2: Determine Your Preferences A major part of the teaching abroad experience is enjoying where you’ll actually be living! Do you have a preference when it comes to y…

Congratulations on your job offer(s)! If you’ve been offered a position from a school in the UAE and you’ve followed our previous advice, you’re already off to a great start. But what’s next? Determining whether or not the offer is right for you. To help make this decision, follow the recommendations below by reviewing the basics. Whether you have one offer or several, the key elements you’ll want to take note of are: salary, working hours, vacation days, sick days, housing, airfare, insurance, and bonuses. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect with each of these elements. Review the Basics Salary The average starting salary for a first-year English teacher in Jordan is 450 to 850 Jordanian Dinar (JOD ) per month. Anything significantly lower or higher should make you ask a few questions. If the reason for the pay difference is obvious, like you’ll be in a rural location with a low cost of living or working longer than average hours, you may find that you’re okay with it. But don’t accept a contract that is paying you less for doing the same amount of work the average English teacher does, or one that doesn’t fit into your work-life-travel balance. Working Hours Teaching English in Jordan can be a part-time or full-time gig. However, there’s more than just the total number of working hours per week (typically 20 hours) to consider. Will you have to work in the morning for a few hours and then come back for more in the evening? Does your school require that you show up …

The word “visa” tends to provoke daunting images of endless red tape and paperwork but we’re here to ease your anxiety and hopefully have you zipping through this process like a pro. Below, we’ll outline two potential visa routes for foreign English teachers in Jordan, and then dive into a deeper look at the required documents for a work visa and work permit there. As is always the case with any of the visa advice we provide, please be sure to cross-check this information with your local Jordanian embassy or consulate to ensure you are getting the most up-to-date, accurate, and personalized instruction there is! Sounds straightforward enough, right? Let’s get started! Visa Types Tourist Visa What is it? This visa will allow you to travel to Jordan for tourism purposes, and some Jordanian schools and employers will hire teachers on this type of visa. You can apply to renew this visa in-person at a Jordanian police station before your visa is set to expire. How do you get one? Depending on your citizenship , you’ll apply for this visa upon arrival in Jordan or in advance at a Jordanian embassy or consulate . If you’re eligible to apply for your visa upon arrival in Jordan, you’ll be required to provide your passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in Jordan), a return ticket departing Jordan before your tourist visa expires, proof of accommodation, and payment of the visa fee, which is 40 JOD . If you apply for your tourist visa in advance, yo…

In the days, weeks, and months leading up to your move abroad, it’s more important than ever to stay organized and ask yourself: What are the logistics I have to consider and the loose ends I have to tie up in order to thrive in my new home? Do I have to worry about taxes? What about health insurance? And what the heck do I do about a cell phone? Fear not, TEFL teacher. In this section, you’ll find the tips, resources, and wisdom to tackle these questions and more! Review the Basics Health Insurance Although in a perfect world an apple a day would keep the doctor away, in reality, even teachers get sick. Cue health insurance. Regardless of the country you end up in, you should always inquire about health insurance before accepting a position . If health insurance is indeed provided by your employer, it’s imperative that the relevant details are outlined clearly in any contract you sign. Depending on your school in Jordan, you might or might not receive health insurance benefits. Typically, however, health insurance is not included with the job in Jordan, unless you are working with an international school or internationally-managed private language school. If your school does offer this benefit, the insurance costs will usually be deducted from your paycheck each month. If health insurance is not included in your contract or if you want to supplement your school’s health insurance plan with a more comprehensive private insurance option, you will need to do your own research i…

You have finally made it to the end of the Jordan section, no small feat! Here is all of that wonderful information from the previous section laid out step-by-step and month-by-month before your intended departure date for Jordan. This timeline is not only for the planners and checklist lovers (although you will love this too!). It is strongly encouraged for anyone planning a move to Jordan to help keep you on track and organized as you make your way through the process. English teaching jobs in Jordan can be found year round, though many schools tend to ramp up hiring in May through August so it’s a good idea to apply to jobs then if you can. On the other hand, avoid applying to positions during major Islamic holidays, as many schools and companies are closed. In order to use these timelines, take your desired start date and subtract from there. While it may be possible to move some parts of the process along quicker, follow these timelines as closely as possible . Finding a Job On the Ground 4 months before departure: Begin your research List out your preferences and priorities. Chat with ITA alumni and read about alumni experiences in Jordan . Read through ITA’s resources, attend a Student Affairs webinar . Read up on Jordan and Jordanian culture. Ensure your passport is valid for six months beyond the time you plan to be in Jordan or order a new passport. Contact your local Jordanian embassy or consulate to confirm whether you can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival in Jor…