~ United Arab Emirates ~ Saudi Arabia ~ Egypt ~ Kuwait ~ Oman ~ Qatar ~ Israel ~
Egypt
In the fifth century BCE, Herodotus wrote, 'Nowhere are there so many marvelous things'. The Sphinx, Nile, pyramids at Giza, Karnak Temple, and Valley of the Kings are just a few of the wonders from one of the world's oldest cultures. For over 70 centuries, Egypt has contributed to the history of the world. From an ESL teaching perspective, this region represents some of the best-paid positions in North Africa, and with over 17 million residents in Cairo alone there are sufficient opportunities. The students will be friendly, energetic, and eager to learn.
| Requirements | Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate |
| Typical Contract | Six months to one year |
| Peak Hiring Season | September |
| Teaching Hours/Week | 30-40 |
| Monthly Salary* | 2,500 - 7,500 EGP |
| Private Tutoring | 90-180 EGP/hr |
| Exchange Rates** | As of 07-29-2010 1.00 CAD = 5.50 EGP 1.00 EGP = 0.18 CAD |
| Cost of Living † | Cost of a Big Mac = 13 EGP |
| Income Tax †† | 5-20 % |
| Accommodations | Included |
| Airfare | Usually included |
| Health Care | Included |
| Holidays | Paid |
| Visa | Usually assisted |
| Important Notes |
|
Kuwait
Kuwait's oil industry makes it one of the wealthiest nations per capita in the world. The culture in Kuwait is rooted in Islamic and Arab traditions, but is typically more North American than its Middle East neighbours. There are more women in the labour force in Kuwait than anywhere else in the Persian Gulf. Like other Arabs, Kuwaitis are very friendly and enthusiastic. This extends to the classroom with lively debate and exceptional oral communication skills.
| Requirements | Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate |
| Typical Contract | One to three years |
| Peak Hiring Season | September, January |
| Teaching Hours/Week | 20-30 |
| Monthly Salary* | 700-900 KWD |
| Private Tutoring | 10-20 KWD/hr |
| Exchange Rates** | As of 07-29-2010 1.00 CAD = 0.277 KWD 1.00 KWD = 3.60 CAD |
| Cost of Living † | Cost of a Big Mac = 0.65 KWD |
| Income Tax †† | 0% |
| Accommodations | Usually included |
| Airfare | Included |
| Health Care | Usually included |
| Holidays | Usually paid |
| Visa | Employer assisted |
| Important Notes |
|
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was not officially established as a country until 1932, but with the discovery of its oil, the country has experienced exceptional growth. Positions in Saudi Arabia are the most lucrative positions in the world. Women are cautioned to dress and behave discreetly in keeping with Muslim tradition.
| Requirements | Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate |
| Typical Contract | One to two years |
| Peak Hiring Season | September, January |
| Teaching Hours/Week | 20-30 |
| Monthly Salary* | 8,000-13,000 SAR |
| Private Tutoring | 100-215 SAR/hr |
| Exchange Rates** | As of 07-29-2010 1.00 CAD = 3 SAR 1.00 SAR = 0.27 CAD |
| Cost of Living † | Cost of a Big Mac = 11 SAR |
| Income Tax †† | 0-20% |
| Accommodations | Included |
| Airfare | Included |
| Health Care | Usually included |
| Holidays | Paid |
| Visa | Employer assisted |
| Important Notes |
|
Oman
Oman is known as being a peaceful nation. The landscape of Oman is extremely diverse, featuring mountains, deserts, seashores and lush lowlands. The citizens of Oman are proud of their recent advancement from underdeveloped nation to one where education and tourism are important industries. They are known for being friendly and very accommodating.
| Requirements | Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate |
| Typical Contract | One to two years |
| Peak Hiring Season | September, January |
| Teaching Hours/Week | 25-30 |
| Monthly Salary* | 750 -1,100 OMR |
| Private Tutoring | 8-15 OMR/hr |
| Exchange Rates** | As of 07-29-2010 1.00 CAD = 0.370 OMR 1.00 OMR = 2.69 CAD |
| Cost of Living † | Cost of a Big Mac = 10 OMR |
| Income Tax †† | 0% |
| Accommodations | Usually included |
| Airfare | Usually included |
| Health Care | Usually included |
| Holidays | Paid |
| Visa | Employer assisted |
| Important Notes |
|
Qatar
Human presence in Qatar can be traced back to pre-historic times. Today, Qatar's economy is soaring due the oil industry and its GDP is one of the best in the world. Tourism also plays a very large role in this small nation's economy. Almost entirely surrounded by the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Bahrain, ESL teachers should be sure to experience the seemingly endless beaches.
| Requirements | Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate |
| Typical Contract | One year, 18 months, and two years |
| Peak Hiring Season | September, January |
| Teaching Hours/Week | 20-30 |
| Monthly Salary* | 8,000-15,000 QAR |
| Private Tutoring | 100-200 QAR/hr |
| Exchange Rates** | As of 07-29-2010 1.00 CAD = 3 QAR 1.00 QAR = 0.28 CAD |
| Cost of Living † | Cost of a Big Mac = 9 QAR |
| Income Tax †† | 0% |
| Accommodations | Usually included |
| Airfare | Usually included |
| Health Care | Usually included |
| Holidays | Paid |
| Visa | Employer assisted |
| Important Notes |
|
United Arab Emirates
The UAE has established itself as a cosmopolitan group of territories with a culture that appeals to many ESL teachers. The knowledge of English is an important skill for many Emirati due its prominence in the modern international business world. The public school system in the UAE incorporates ESL education into its curricula; therefore, it is not uncommon for ESL teachers to find positions in public schools or in compounds throughout the emirates.
| Requirements | Bachelor Degree and Oxford Seminars' TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate |
| Typical Contract | One to two years |
| Peak Hiring Season | September, January |
| Teaching Hours/Week | 25-30 |
| Monthly Salary* | 5,000-12,000 AED |
| Private Tutoring | 150-350 AED/hr |
| Exchange Rates** | As of 07-29-2010 1.00 AED = 0.28 CAD 1.00 CAD = 3.50 AED |
| Cost of Living † | Cost of a Big Mac = 10 AED |
| Income Tax †† | 0% |
| Accommodations | Usually provided |
| Airfare | Usually provided |
| Health Care | Sometimes included |
| Holidays | Paid |
| Visa | Employer assisted |
| Important Notes |
|
Learn more about Dubai
Read about a day in the life of a Dubai ESL teacher
Israel
Israel is well-known throughout the world for its Biblical landmarks and religious history. Modern Israeli culture is a blend between ancient Hebrew beliefs and the current influences of business, art, dance, and music. Many Israelis are fairly well versed in the English language due to its inclusion in the public education system and the popularity of American media. While there is a very small ESL market, ESL teachers may find the job search easier once in country.
| Requirements | College Degree *** and Oxford Seminars TESOL/TESL/TEFL Certificate |
| Typical Contract | Six months to one year |
| Peak Hiring Season | September, January |
| Teaching Hours/Week | 20-30 |
| Monthly Salary* | 2,000 ILS |
| Private Tutoring | 80-180 ILS/hr |
| Exchange Rates** | As of 07-29-2010 1.00 CAD = 3.67 ILS 1.00 ILS = 0.27 CAD |
| Cost of Living † | Cost of a Big Mac = 31 ILS |
| Income Tax †† | 10%-46% |
| Accommodations | Usually included |
| Airfare | Usually not included |
| Health Care | Usually not included |
| Holidays | Paid |
| Visa | Employer assisted; automatic for persons of Jewish lineage |
* Wages vary depending on the economy of the country.
** Exchange rates are subject to change. Check www.xe.com for current rates.
† The Big Mac Index is a credible, reliable, third-party cost-of-living index created by The Economist. For comparison purposes, it lists the cost of a Canadian Big Mac at $4.16.
†† Income tax rate is based on the amount of yearly income. Most TESOL/TESL instructors will be charged no more than the minimum percentage.
