What to expect as a teacher in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a vast country with an ever changing educational landscape. Saudi Arabia has a strong cultural identity and teachers wishing to teach in Saudi should take advantage of the wealth of information available about it before travelling. Western teachers in Saudi typically live in expatriate gated communities in which they have access to many typically western amenities - from restaurants to movie theatres, pools and even bowling alleys. Salaries are tax free in Saudi, and housing is provided as part of the employment package, as is medical insurance and flights yearly. Contracts can be 1 or 2 years, depending on the school, and end of contract bonuses are provided for teachers as part of their employment package.
As Saudi is continuing to invest in its education system, we anticipate even more opportunities to work in international schools, privately run state schools and further/higher education sectors. Salaries in Saudi can often be higher than other Middle Eastern countries when comparing similar types of schools, and the cost of living is low - so the savings potential is very high. If you want to save money for a downpayment on a house, you can’t do much better than working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
About Saudi Arabia
Capital: Riyadh
Language: Arabic
Population: 25.7 million
We think Saudi Arabia is slightly misunderstood. It has for a long time been a place that has never registered on anyone's minds to travel to, or live, but that perception is slowly changing. Saudi has a very rich history and it is located very well for weekends away.
Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer. It is for people who are looking for a slower pace of life and it isn't for everyone, so it is recommended that you do some decent research into whether life in Saudi would be suitable to your lifestyle.
Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam, with the holy Muslim cities of Medina and Mecca. The lives of the locals are dictated by five daily prayers, in which almost all of Saudi, apart from hospitals, taxis and public transport shut down.
Saudi Arabia borders Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE and Yemen.
Climate
Saudi Arabia has two quite extreme seasons. From May through to September, Saudi Arabia experiences temperatures well into 40 degrees C. However in the height of winter, temperatures drop into single digits and can quite easily drop below zero in the night.
Activities
Shopping is a favourite past time, but to really explore Saudi there is so much more to do. A big one is desert bashing, diving, amusement parks, wildlife watching, or join the thousands of people joining together to watch the annual Kings Cup, a camel race involving 2000 camels and riders!
Eating and Drinking
The schwarma or doner kebab is a staple for local cuisine, as well as bean stew and falafel. You will find all of the usual western fast food joints such as McDonalds, Burger King and Pizza Hut as well.
Alcohol is strictly banned in Saudi Arabia, and there is zero tolerance if you are found with alcohol. As a result, there are also no nightclubs, so it is fair to say that you don't come to Saudi Arabia for its nightlife, however it makes for a perfect excuse for a weekend away to somewhere with great nightlife close by.
Transport
Travel by bus and plane are the most common forms of transport in between cities in Saudi Arabia. Buses are well maintained with air conditioning and comfortable seats but are of course much slower than flying by plane. Driving is also possible, and with petrol being at some of the cheapest rates in the world, which do make it appealing, however Saudi drivers are erratic, with their accident rates being some of the highest in the world.
Saudi is also very well located for travel to East Africa, Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Also, if you are looking for a weekend away with nightlife, Bahrain is very close by.
Clothing
Saudi Arabia has quite a strict dress code. You are not allowed to wear short shorts, skirts or dresses or wear singlet tops. Women normally wear an abaya which is a black dress that covers the body from the neck down to the ankles. You will see tourists wearing shorts, or singlet tops but it is highly frowned upon and you will be stared at.
Currency
The currency in Saudi Arabia is the Riyal (SAR)