Teaching English in Saudi Arabia

•   One of the most difficult places on the earth to teach English. Before coming here, you are told so many fancy stories by your employer that you would definitely ask why on earth I did not work here before. The day you land here in this country, you will feel that the honeymoon is over. For a 2-minute work, you have to wait for one to two months. On the top of that everyone lies. You will never get salary in time. Your employer will say "God willing (inshallah), you'll get your salary tomorrow". But this tomorrow comes not before two months."
  Anonymous, 06/05/09
•   Before you decide to go and teach English in Saudi Arabia, you need to be aware that because most Saudis are wealthy and they have a lazy attitude towards studying, they don't care about learning English, they just want a certificate so they can get a job. Most of the students are lazy and never do homework or even turn up for class if there is a football game on. Sometimes they are friendly and it is part of their culture to invite you for a meal if they like you.
  
  Your employer may make a lot of false promises just to keep you interested in working for him. Most Saudis have an attitude that foreign workers are their 'servants' and if you can't speak Arabic, usually they won't be interested in talking with you, unless you find someone who really wants to learn English. If you want to change your job you will have to get an exit visa from your employer and leave the country and then wait for a new one from your new employer. The only things you can do in your free time here is go to a restaurant or coffee shop or play biliards. Also you can play football anywhere as football is the most important thing here after their religion. Single men are not allowed in shopping malls. Don't expect 'professionalism' in any workplace. There are rules but no one cares about them. The most important thing is you pray 5 times a day and don't talk to any women who are covered totally in black. If you are lucky, you will get a nice boss and a good salary."
  Anonymous, 11/02/10

Other links for Saudi Arabia

TEFL jobs in the Middle East
Travel information for Saudi Arabia
Teaching in the Middle East Forum
English language schools in Saudi Arabia
Learn Arabic

Saudi Arabia Culture Shock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

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