Lebanon

Though small in size, Lebanon is brimming with breathtaking landscapes, captivating cities, and no shortage of vibrant traditions. Nestled between Israel, Syria, and the Mediterranean Sea, the Lebanese Republic is dynamic, representing a fusion of distinct identities and beliefs: roughly 95 percent of the country’s 6.9 million people identify as either Muslim or Christian, and while Arabic is Lebanon’s official language, English and French are also widely spoken throughout the region. Climate & Landscape Lebanon’s geography is equally diverse as its inhabitants. Along with the country’s miles upon miles of picturesque coastline, you’ll also find stunning mountain ranges, extensive cedar groves, and fertile valleys. A mild Mediterranean climate complete with warm summers and temperate winters provides the ultimate backdrop from which to enjoy Lebanon’s natural splendor. Thanks to its prime coastal location at the crossroads of the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, Lebanon has played host to some of the most ancient civilizations in the world. The Phoenicians, Assyrians, Byzantines, and Ottomans all swept through the region of modern-day Lebanon, imparting their own unique traditions and beliefs that today constitute the backbone of Lebanese identity. History Lebanon was officially declared a state in 1920 via a League of Nations mandate, and gained its independence from France in 1943. Some thirty years following, however, and the country was embroiled in conflict — civil war…

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 Lebanon. Education A bachelor’s degree is not required to teach in Lebanon, but it is preferred by employers. Those who do not have a bachelor’s degree will still have options to teach in Lebanon. Citizenship There are no specific citizenship requirements to teach English in Lebanon. Lebanon is also a potential teaching market for teachers whose first language is not English. English Fluency If you do not speak English as a first language, you will need to have a high fluency in English, and you might need to be more flexible about your school and location preferences to compete with native English-speaking candidates. Nevertheless, non-native speakers of English qualify for teaching positions in Lebanon. Background Check A clean background check is not necessary to teach in Lebanon. The exception to this rule? Some international schools in Lebanon might require teaching candidates to submit a clean criminal record check. Medical Check A medical check is required to obtain your temporary residence visa in Lebanon, and you’ll be tested for drugs, malaria, tuberculosis and sexu…

While Lebanon has a smaller English teaching market than some of its Middle Eastern neighbors, English instructors will still be able to find positions instructing learners of all ages, from children to teens and adults. Many Lebanese seek out English language learning opportunities for academic purposes, to advance their career goals, and to communicate with English-speaking business partners and tourists. English teaching jobs can be found throughout Lebanon, though more densely-populated cities like Beirut, Tripoli, Sidon, Byblos, and Tyre hold the most opportunity and biggest markets for prospective ESL teachers. The majority of foreign English instructors in Lebanon teach at private language schools and/or work as private tutors, and qualified English teachers will be able to secure positions in international schools as well. Each of these job types comes with its 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 competency and thereby advance their professional and career options. Unlike public schools …

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 Lebanon, 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 Lebanon 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. To take a deeper dive into international resumes and cover letters, visit the Resume and Cover Letter section ! Once you’ve updated your resume and cover letter to meet the recommended international standards, submit your draft to your Student Affairs Advisor for review. 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 your daily routines and surroundings? Do you want to live in the bustling capital city of Beirut? Or do you crave a picturesque, seaside ex…

Congratulations on your job offer(s)! If you’ve been offered a position from a school in Lebanon 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. Most teaching contracts in Lebanon are for between 6 and 12 months. Review the Basics Salary The average starting salary for a first-year English teacher in Lebanon is between $300.00 to $1000.00 USD 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 Lebanon can be a part-time or full-time gig. However, there’s more than just the total number of working hours per week (typically 25-35 hours) to consider. Will you have to work in the morning for a few hours and then come b…

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 visa process like a pro. First step? Understanding what visas are available for foreign English teachers relocating to Lebanon. Let’s get started! Visa Types Work Visa/Work Permit What is it? A work visa and work permit are issued to foreigners who have accepted an offer and signed a contract with a Lebanese school or company. You’ll use your work visa to enter Lebanon, and once you’re there, you’ll connect with your employer to secure your work permit, or ““ijazet amal” from the Ministry of Labor which will allow you to legally work in Lebanon. Per Lebanese law, employees who enter Lebanon on a tourist visa will be asked to leave the country and re-enter with a work visa. How do you get one? The process for obtaining a work permit and work visa can be complex, but your employer will be there to assist you through it. Your employer will first have to get approval to hire a foreigner from Lebanon’s Ministry of Labor. Once that request has been approved, you’ll be able to enter Lebanon on a work visa, and then collaborate with your employer to secure your work permit once in the country. Your employer should begin applying for your work permit within ten days of your arrival to Lebanon. How long is it valid? Your work permit is valid for one year, but can be renewed prior to its expiration date. Temporary Residence V…

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 residency status in Lebanon, you might or might not receive health insurance benefits. If you are formally employed by a school or company on a temporary residence visa, any medical expenses should come at no cost to you. If you aren’t formally employed by a school or company on a temporary residence visa, on the other hand, you won’t likely receive health insurance benefits (check out the “Accepting the Right Offer” section to learn more!). That being the case, you will want to do your own research in order to determine which health insurance plan abroad might be the best fit…

You have finally made it to the end of the Lebanon 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 Lebanon. 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 Lebanon to help keep you on track and organized as you make your way through the process. Finding a Job In-Advance English teaching jobs in Lebanon can be found year round, except for during major Islamic holidays when many schools and businesses are closed. In order to use this timeline, take your desired start date and subtract from there. While it may be possible to move some parts of the process along quicker, follow this timeline as closely as possible. 6 months before departure: Begin your research ___List out your preferences and priorities. ___ Chat with ITA alumni and read about alumni experiences in Lebanon. ___Watch a Student Affairs webinar . ___Read about Lebanese culture. ___Ensure your passport will be valid 18 months past your anticipated return date or order a new passport. ___Start saving up so you have enough money in your bank for start-up costs. It’s recommended to have between $1800-$3000 USD saved by the time you arrive. 4-6 months before departure: Begin compiling your application and work visa/work permit documents ___Finalize your international resume and cover letter.…

There are not a ton of teacher jobs. Many Lebanese speak fluent English, and grew up speaking it alongside Arabic. It’s also fairly hard to get a foreign work permit. There are, however, many volunteering teaching opportunities, especially in the Palestinian and Syrian refugee communities. If you can make it work financially for a short time (some will provide accommodation), this is a great way to learn Arabic, and also get to live in Lebanon and help people learn English. Lebanon is an amazing country that I recommend everyone visit. It’s safe, despite what people think. In Beirut, you can be on a street that is quite literally a big party one minute, next to a beautiful mosque or church the next minute, and staring at the Mediterranean sea the third minute. The rest of the country offers amazing beaches, mountains, food, and history. Adam L. ITA Alum When you teach abroad, you will have and need friends from your own country and similar places. However, it’s crucial to make friends with locals and people from the region you’re teaching in, too. Yusuf and Mahmoud made my time in Beirut, and having local friends like them will give you unparalleled insights into where you’re teaching. Adam L. ITA Alum