Teaching English in Saudi Arabia

Teach Away offers English teaching jobs in Jeddah, which is situated at the middle of the eastern coast of the Red Sea. Unlike other Saudi Arabian cities, Jeddah retains its warm temperature in winter, which can range from +15 °C (59 °F) at midnight to +25 °C (77 °F) in the afternoon. Summer temperatures are considered very hot and break the +40 °C (104 °F) mark in the afternoon dropping to +30 °C (86 °F) in the evening.

Jeddah, considered to be the Paris of Arabia, is also the wealthiest Saudi Arabian city. The history of Jeddah can be traced back 2500 years ago. The city boasts of a rich cultural heritage. It is a predominantly Islamic city and is being frequented by numerous pilgrims and tourists round the year. The city offers plethora of sightseeing, eating and shopping options to the tourists. 

Teaching Positions in Jeddah

Teach Away has partnered with one of the most prestigious private schools in Saudi Arabia. This private school chain is the first to be endorsed by Dr. Tareq Alsuwaidan and managed by Canadian and western staff.  The curriculum is ranked amongst the most advanced in the world (based on British Columbia curriculum), while emphasizing mastery of Arabic and the application of Islam to all aspects of life. The curriculum is designed according to international standards emphasizing inquiry, stimulating curiosity, and fostering comprehension and creativity rather than memorization.

In October 2008, this private school chain opened its doors to 264 Kindergarten children & Grade 1 female students in the city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Students and the community have access to excellent facilities for active learning, physical education, and advanced technology. 

Teacher Responsibilities in Saudi Arabia

Primary teachers at this private school are responsible for challenging and inspiring students to help them deepen their knowledge and understanding. The teacher’s goal is to link students' knowledge to earlier learning and develop ways to encourage it further. Teachers are responsible for:
1.    Teaching all areas of the kindergarten and primary curriculum
2.    Preparing weekly lesson plans in accordance to the BC’s ministry of education learning outcomes
3.    Preparing, administering, and correcting tests and other assessments

Working Hours

Teachers are responsible for working 6 hours per day, not including a 1 hour break. Total instructional hours for the week do not exceed 30 hours. The school day begins at 7:30AM and ends at 3:30PM.

The school year runs for 185-190 days. Jobs start in mid-August and last for 2 years. The teachers are required to be on site at the school at least two weeks prior to the opening of the school year to prepare for classes and for up to five days following the end of the school year to complete necessary administrative duties. 

Teaching Salary in Saudi Arabia

Teaching salaries in Saudi Arabia range between $32,000 and $40,000 CAD. The average salary is between $32,000 and $36,000 per year.

All salaries are fully tax free and transferable. Payment of salary takes effect from the actual date the teacher commences work. One month salary is paid in advance towards the summer month’s vacation at the end of June. 

Cost of living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

It is estimated that a teacher making $36,000 per year could easily save $30,000 per year. Of course, this depends on the spending habits of the individual teacher, but it is important to note that all salary is tax free. 

Teaching Benefits in Saudi Arabia

•    Free 3 bedroom fully furnished housing, including internet, TV
•    Computer provided for use upon arrival
•    One economy class air passage per year from agreed embarkation point to Saudi Arabia and back
•    Baggage Allowance of 750SR-1500SR
•    Interview Allowance of 750SR for overseas staff (paid upon arrival in Saudi Arabia)
•    Health Insurance
•    End of Service Bonus (upon completion of the contract)
•    A teaching parent/couple will receive a 50% reduction of the cost of the first child’s education.  Any subsequent children will remain at 25% deduction. 

Vacation for teachers in Saudi Arabia

•    Mid-term vacation: 7-10 days
•    Summer vacation: 4-6 weeks
•    Christmas Break: 2 days

Public Holidays (according to Saudi Arabia Labor Law):
•    Eid Al-Adha: 7-10 days
•    National Day: 1 day

Application and Interview Process

Teachers must submit an online application through Teach Away. Successful applicants will be invited for a 30 minute phone interview to assess suitability for an in-person interview which is to be held in Toronto or Vancouver in mid-April. Candidates will be requested to submit a sample lesson plan based on the requirements of the B.C. Ministry of Education. In-person interviews will take place in mid-late April. Those who are invited will need to bring the following to the interview:
•    Original certificate(s)
•    Original passport
•    12 passport size photographs
•    Health Check

Accommodation for teachers in Saudi Arabia

All school accommodation is air conditioned and furnished – furniture will typically include: sofa and easy chairs, TV, dining table and chairs, kitchen cabinet with fridge freezer, cooker and gas bottle, bed, wardrobe, dressing table, bookcase, curtains, bed linen, blanket and an automatic washing machine. Electricity and water charges are paid for by the school.

Teacher qualifications and requirements

All full time teachers must hold a degree from a recognized university in a related subject and/or teaching certification. Teachers must be eligible to be certified by the British Columbia Ministry of Education. Most teaching certifications across Canada are easily recognized in B.C. Candidates from the American system may also apply. Upon successful completion of the interview process, all teachers will receive assistance in obtaining the appropriate certification from the Ministry of Education in B.C.

Famous attractions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

One of the most important tourist attraction in Jeddah is Balad, which means 'town'. Balad in Jeddah is a 2500 year old town which blends the modern with the age old architecture of the city.  Sightseeing in Jeddah also includes the Floating Mosque at the coast of Red Sea.

Other important spots of sightseeing in Jeddah are:
- Makah Gate in Jeddah
- King Fahad Water Spring in Jeddah
- Jeddah Corniche
- Eve Cave in Jeddah
- Al-Handasa Square in Jeddah
- Red Sea in Jeddah
- Old City in Jeddah