Are you a South African teacher considering taking your career to new horizons in the Middle East? Embarking on an international teaching journey is not just about relocating—it’s an opportunity to transform your career, immerse yourself in a rich and diverse culture, and experience significant personal growth. With its highly competitive packages, the Middle East has become a prime destination for educators looking to enhance their professional and financial future. Whether it’s the bustling cities of the UAE, the cultural heart of Bahrain, or the evolving educational landscape of Oman, each country offers unique experiences and substantial benefits for teachers.
In this blog we provide an in-depth look at the typical packages offered to teachers and key aspects to keep in mind.
Free Flights
One of the major benefits of teaching in the Middle East is that schools cover the cost of your flights. This could mean an upfront flight ticket to your destination or reimbursement once you’ve purchased your own. Additionally, schools offer return flights home during annual leave or at the end of each your of your teaching contract. Therefore, it is actually four flights that the schools will pay for: your initial on-boarding flight (usually August) and then a flight back home the following June/July (the academic end of your first teaching year). The third flight will fly you back to the Middle East for the commencement of your second teaching year (usually August) and then the fourth and final ticket your flight back home at the end of that academic year i.e. June/July. (Should you renew your contract additional flights will then be covered for each extended year)
Free Accommodation
Housing is a significant part of the relocation package and the main reason that South African teachers are able to save money whilst teaching in the Middle East. Schools provide free accommodation, typically in the form of furnished apartments. These apartments are fully paid for by the school and no portion of a teacher's salary is taken towards the rent for this accommodation.
The level of furnishing can vary but often includes essentials ('hard furnishings') such as a bed, air-conditioning, seating, dining table, basic kitchen appliances (like a fridge, stove, microwave, pots and pans and some crockery and cutlery), and sometimes a washing machine. Some apartments might also provide some 'soft furnishing' such as linen, tablecloths, towels, pillows etc. but these soft furnishings will be up to the teacher to purchase, should it be needed or necessary.
Some schools will also pay for the costs incurred by the teacher whilst living in these apartments i.e. the utilities and bills (water, electricity, internet) but this is not always the case - it will be clearly stated in a teaching contract whether these additional expenses are covered by the school or for the teacher's account.
It’s also common for schools to offer assistance in resolving any maintenance issues, which can be a significant relief.
Tax free salaries
Salaries in the Middle East are paid on a monthly basis straight into the teachers bank account. There is no tax payable on South African teacher salaries, so the salary on offer in a job vacancy or in a teaching contract is the amount that the teacher will earn - down to the last dirham, dinar and riyal.
The salary offered to a South African teacher is influenced by several key factors. International teaching experience is highly valued and can lead to higher salary offers, as it demonstrates familiarity with diverse educational environments and adaptability to different curricula.
Additionally, the cost of living in the specific region plays a crucial role; for example, teaching in cities like Abu Dhabi or Doha may come with higher living expenses but is often offset by competitive compensation packages, whereas teaching in Oman (where the cost of living is significantly lower) will come with a reduced salary offer.
The teacher's overall teaching experience does also impact on a potential salary offer, although, as mentioned, any international teaching experience trumps teaching experience in one's home country.
Transport to and From School
The cost of transport to and from school is covered in many different ways and is often different from school to school or from one location to another.
Some schools provide dedicated buses or shared transportation services for teachers, ensuring a hassle-free journey to and from school. In other schools a transport allowance is paid to the teacher to be used for sourcing their own transport to and from school; from car pooling, to busses or taxi's to car hire - this additional amount is paid in addition to the teacher's salary. There are also cases where schools hire a car for the teacher for an initial period of time and then provide support for the teacher to hire/buy their own car; and then also cases where no transport is provided, but teachers are encouraged to car pool with a little bit extra added onto the salaries to help.
It is good advice for a South African teacher taking on a teaching contract in the Middle East to check this particular point in their contract as it will be detailed there to avoid any misunderstanding.
Free Healthcare
Healthcare in the Middle East is well known for its high quality and is very highly regarded around the world. Schools will (as standard practise) include health insurance as part of the employment package offered to South African teachers.
This standard cover typically does not include routine doctor visits, dental or vision services but does cover emergency care and hospital cover.
Having this coverage ensures that teachers can access necessary medical services in an emergency.
A South African teacher that needs additional health and medical cover is able to purchase this extra level of cover as a 'top-up' to the standard provided cover and can source this before beginning their teaching contract in the Middle East to ensure the continuity of care.
End of Service Bonus
A particularly appealing aspect of teaching in the Middle East is the end of service bonus. This bonus or gratuity payment is often calculated based on your final salary and the total length of service, typically amounting to a month’s basic salary.
The exact figure of this payment will be stipulated in a teaching contract. This lump sum can be a welcome financial boost and is an excellent reward for your dedication and hard work throughout your contract. The end-of-service bonus is typically paid with your final month's salary.
Visa
A South African teacher has to be sponsored by a school on a working visa issued by the relevant country/region's Ministry of Education. The school will apply for, and cover the cost for a sponsored working visa and provide the Ministry of Education with the necessary documentation as well as pay the costs involved.
A South African teacher will need to get various documents authenticated in South Africa which the school will then use to obtain the relevant working visa. The cost of getting these documents authenticated is for the teacher's account, whilst the school will cover the costs for the actual visa.
Important Considerations
While many living expenses are covered, teachers should note that food, entertainment and sometimes bills such as utilities, are typically at their own expense. Utility costs can vary depending on location and personal lifestyle, and it’s essential to budget for these accordingly. Additionally, food and entertainment expenses can add up, so planning a budget that accommodates these outlays is wise. Crucially, salaries are often paid a month after your arrival, meaning you should bring sufficient funds to cover initial expenses. This money should be allocated for essential items like groceries, personal necessities, and leisure activities until your first pay check arrives.
Final Thoughts
The Middle East offers a range of benefits that can make teaching abroad a lucrative and life-enriching experience for South African educators. With flights, housing, healthcare, and more often covered, it’s a unique opportunity to explore new cultures, broaden your teaching experience, and save a significant portion of your earnings. Be prepared for the initial transition, bring enough money to cover early expenses, and embrace the adventure that teaching in the Middle East can bring.
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