Saudi Arabia

Discover the Kingdom Those looking for captivating history, unspoiled landmarks, and breathtaking natural views will find it all in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. As the largest country in the Middle East and the 13th largest in the world, Saudi Arabia boasts a booming economy fueled by extensive oil reserves. Recently, the Kingdom has worked to diversify its economy beyond petroleum, with “Vision 2030”—a dynamic tourism plan that aims to boost leisure tourism and restore historic cities while developing sustainable entertainment hubs. From the unmatched historic cities of Mecca and Medina to the vast expanses of shimmering deserts and rich pre-Islamic sites, Saudi Arabia offers an experience like none other. Cultural Notes Understanding and respecting Saudi laws and etiquette is key to enjoying a successful experience in the Kingdom. Saudis are known for their generosity and hospitality, and in order to return the respect, you’ll want to dress modestly, learn some polite Arabic words and phrases, and refrain from loud behavior and overstepping boundaries. Alcohol and drugs are illegal in Saudi Arabia, as are a number of other practices and actions that might otherwise be legal and acceptable in your home country (think wearing shorts, gambling, and spitting in the street). Review the country’s list of public decency laws to ensure your behavior is appropriate and legal in the Kingdom and to avoid facing hefty fines, or, in severe circumstances, imprisonment. Women and LGBTQ+ i…

Popular Job Types

TEFL-certified instructors will find a booming English teaching market in Saudi Arabia. The country boasts one of the largest economies in the world, a feat made possible thanks to its extensive reserves of oil. However, oil is finite, and as supplies have dwindled in recent years, Saudi Arabia has focused on expanding and globalizing its economy and developing opportunities to increase foreign investment. This focus on internationalization has trickled down to Saudi schools. In an effort to ensure that students are prepared for a rapidly globalizing economy, the Saudi government has instituted a number of reforms to recruit qualified teachers, create new schools, and modernize curriculum. English plays a central role in these initiatives, and as a result, TEFL-certified teachers will have their fair share of school types to choose between — from private language schools to international schools and even universities, the educational world is your oyster in Saudi Arabia! 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 or international sc…

Now that you’ve acquainted yourself with some of the most popular job types in Saudi Arabia, it’s time to start the application process! There are several steps to take to start the application process for Saudi Arabia, and we have them all outlined here below. Heads up! The timelines for your job application process and for gathering documents for your visa will overlap. You’ll want to be working on both processes at roughly the same time. Be sure to check out our Teaching in Saudi Arabia Timeline , as well as the Applying for the Visa section for more information and to make sure you are staying on track with your 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 recruiters 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 in the Alumni Corner! Once you’ve updated your resume and cover letter to meet the recommended international standards, submit your drafts to your Student Affairs Advisor for review. 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 reques…

Congratulations on your job offer(s)! If you’ve been offered a position from a school in Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia is approximately 6500 – 13,000 SAR per month which is a relatively sizable range that is largely dependent on a teacher’s experience and the location of the school. Anything significantly lower or higher than this salary range 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 Saudi Arabia is a full-time gig. However, there’s more than just the total number of working hours per week (typically 35 to 40 per week) to c…

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 the most common visa routes for foreign English teachers in Saudi Arabia, and then dive into a deeper look at the required documents for a 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 Saudi embassy or consulate to ensure you are getting the most up-to-date, accurate, and personalized instruction there is! While the visa process in Saudi Arabia can be lengthy and involved at times, the good news is that you’ll receive assistance from your employer throughout the entire process. In general, you’ll enter Saudi Arabia on an employment visa and then convert that to a residence permit, or Iqama, once you are in the country. Sounds straightforward enough, right? Let’s get started! Visa Types Employment Visa What is it? This visa is issued to foreigners over the age of 22 and under the age of 60 who have accepted a position with a Saudi employer. You will need to have a signed contract with a registered Saudi school or company in order to obtain this type of visa. How do you get one? You’ll typically have to apply for this visa from your home country by submitting an application to your local Saudi Arabian consulate or embassy . As part of the application, you’ll need to provide a back…

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. More often than not in Saudi Arabia, health insurance is provided by the employer as part of your compensation package. Check out the Accepting the Right Offer section to learn more! If health insurance is not included in your contract or if you want to supplement your public health insurance with a more comprehensive private insurance option, you will want to do your own research in order to determine which plan might be the best fit for you, your health needs, and any dependents you might be bringing along. With so many insurance options to choose from, picking out a good provider can be dau…

You have finally made it to the end of the Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia. This timeline is not only for the planners and check-list lovers (although you will love this too). It is strongly encouraged for anyone planning a move to Saudi Arabia to help keep you on track and organized as you make your way through the process. While jobs in Saudi Arabia can be found year-round, many schools and universities begin their terms in September, so May through August tends to be an excellent time to look for jobs in Saudi Arabia. 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 . Finding a Job in Advance 6 months before departure: Begin your research ___ Decide to work with recruiters, apply directly, or both! ___ List out your preferences and priorities. ___ Read through ITA’s resources, attend Student Affairs webinar ___ Reach out to Student Affairs Advisor ___ Read about Saudi culture, etc. ___ Network with ITA alumni , read alumni stories ,and watch alumni videos , etc. ___ Ensure your passport will be valid six months past your anticipated return date or order a new passport. 4-6 months before departure: Begin compiling your documents ___ Finalize your international resume and cover letter. ___ …

Regarding TEFL certification: “A lot of employers wouldn’t even look at my resume without that qualification, and I was also very happy that I did it, because it refreshed my memory on matters like grammar rules, and how to put together effective lesson plans,” Christina recalls. Christina L. Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia