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THE MID EAST

For political reasons, most TEFL jobs are currently in Saudi Arabia (mainly for men), Kuwait, the UAE, and Jordan. The highest paid jobs are in Saudi, Kuwait and the UAE, where schools and other employers provide airfare, housing, and many other benefits. Jordan is an extremely attractive country, but airfare is usually not paid and significant savings are not possible. It is very difficult to find TEFL jobs in Israel, even if you travel there to look for work.

"I'm working in Riyadh for a Boeing sub-contractor. Great salary - if not the best in the world, certainly one of the best. Incredible benefits: housing, medical coverage, 6 weeks' vacation, transportation to and from work, and many more benefits that I can't remember now. Living in Saudi isn't nearly as bad as it's often depicted. There's a large expat underground that you can hook into for entertainment."
Mike Lehner, Saudi Arabia

"I've been here in Amman for a month, and I really love/hate it. I'm working at the American Language Center, and I live in a nice apartment. I've made some friends, and we go to restaurants and archaeological sights together often. I'm going to Damascus, Aleppo and Palmyra next week. I'd love to see any EI graduates who are heading this way."
Sandra Zeigler, Jordan

TURKEY

Turkey is a popular destination because it is a really fascinating country - and it is near so many other fascinating countries!

There are jobs are in language schools (and some colleges/high schools) throughout the country. However, most people choose to teach in either Istanbul or Izmir. Jobs can be arranged in advance, but airfare is rarely paid. Most schools offer short hours (25 per week) and several weeks of paid vacation, and help teachers to find housing. Jobs allow a pretty comfortable lifestyle, but significant savings are usually not possible.

"I've been here in Izmir for 24 days and I really love it: the food, the mountains, the ruins nearby. I'm working at Practical English, with Trish Scarlett, an EI graduate who has been here for years. The pay is okay, and I can afford to eat and have fun. I travel with friends every weekend - next weekend we're going to Bursa."
Vicki Hakes, Turkey

TEFL Job Tip: Turkey

Although almost all Turks are Moslems, the country is not an Islamic state, and it offers an equally open job market for both men and women. Foreigners can live and travel freely and safely everywhere, except in remote areas in the south-eastern part of the country.

NORTH AFRICA

Most TEFL jobs are in Egypt and Morocco, although you sometimes also see jobs in available in Tunisia. (Jobs are not available in Algeria or Libya.) In both Morocco and Egypt, the only jobs worth considering are with American or British language schools. In Egypt, there are good schools in both Cairo and Alexandria. In Morocco, there are schools in most major cities. Some jobs can be arranged in advance, but teachersusually have to pay their own airfare. Most jobs allow a comfortable lifestyle but no real savings.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

It is extremely difficult to find TEFL jobs in sub-Saharan Africa. Very experienced and qualified EFL teachers may be able to find jobs in US language institutes. For other teachers, the only jobs worth considering are those arranged through aid organizations such as the Peace Corps.

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