Should I teach in Saudi Arabia?
Hello Folks

Let me explain my situation before you answer, because my question isn't as much culture oriented as technical and financial. My ultimate plan is to move to Ecuador permanently and pursue dual citizenship. I JUST got accepted to a Master's program in TESOL (MATESL). I'll be volunteering to teach English at the free ESL classes put on by my college, so I assume I'll be able to put said experience on my resume. I think it would be an amazing opportunity and quite frankly I really want to teach in Saudi Arabia for the experience, BUT... I need to pay off my student loans as soon as possible. So I need to find the highest paying job right off the bat and am willing to consider other countries if they pay higher. I also have no Arabic experience, although I have an intermediate level in French. If I choose yes now, I'll be using my electives in my program to learn Arabic. Should I teach in Saudi Arabia? ANY advice is welcome (as long as it's constructive).

Thanks.

Question

Should I teach in Saudi Arabia?
Hello Folks

Let me explain my situation before you answer, because my question isn't as much culture oriented as technical and financial.  My ultimate plan is to move to Ecuador permanently and pursue dual citizenship.  I JUST got accepted to a Master's program in TESOL (MATESL).  I'll be volunteering to teach English at the free ESL classes put on by my college, so I assume I'll be able to put said experience on my resume.  I think it would be an amazing opportunity and quite frankly I really want to teach in Saudi Arabia for the experience, BUT... I need to pay off my student loans as soon as possible.  So I need to find the highest paying job right off the bat and am willing to consider other countries if they pay higher.  I also have no Arabic experience, although I have an intermediate level in French.  If I choose yes now, I'll be using my electives in my program to learn Arabic.  Should I teach in Saudi Arabia?  ANY advice is welcome (as long as it's constructive).

Thanks.

Answer

Hi Amanada,
just make sure if labor laws in Saudia allow you to work there as a foreigner young lady.

Good luck!

Answer

Well according to a relative of mine who worked in Saudi Arabia for a year, the cost of living in Saudi Arabia is relatively low (I am not factoring accommodation as his company took care of that), food and groceries and whatnot are relatively cheap, not to mention that there are fewer spending opportunities compared to other gulf countries like the UAE or Qatar for example, so you  won't be tempted to spend a lot. Also if the hiring patterns in Saudi Arabia is similar to that of the rest of the gulf countries, your salary would very good (Europeans and US citizens are usually given higher salaries than other nationalities). So if you can handle the cultural difference and strict laws, I recommend you go for it.