Hearing the personal journeys of South African teachers teaching in the Middle East can offer invaluable insights. These stories give aspiring teachers a real glimpse into the challenges and opportunities they might face if they choose to work in this region.
Our goal is to give you a clear picture of what teaching in the Middle East is really like.
In this blog, we’re staying true to Sara-Lee’ experiences by asking her a few simple questions and letting her tell her story in her own words. Saudi Arabia was not on the top of Sara-Lee's list of locations, but her trust in our consultants combined with her own research, an open mind and her desire to begin her international teaching career sees her settled and flourishing in The Land of Sand.
Why did you contact SA-Recruitment to assist you in securing you position abroad?
I have always wanted to teach abroad to gain knowledge of how the teaching industry works beyond the borders of South Africa. Before contacting SA-Recruitement I scrolled through their Facebook page and did a good background check and read about every comment people made on their Facebook post. Excellent feedback from the comments and I sent my CV right away.
What do you enjoy most about teaching abroad so far?
The different cultures blending together to form, as we call it in South Africa a “rainbow nation”. Learning more about the Saudi culture.
What has been the most challenging thing about living in a new country and teaching in a new school environment?
The most challenging things about living abroad would probably be having to navigate myself around town. Google isn’t always up to speed with what is happening and where places are located. Not being able to speak Arabic is also quite challenging.
In South Africa we teach about 40 learners in a class. Here in Saudi the classes are quite small (I have 7 students in my class), and Oh boy 😂 smaller classes definitely require more of your attention, because we get to work more one-on-one with the learners.
How does the cost of living compare to South Africa?
One piece of advice I would give any South African who decides to move to Saudi “STOP CONVERTING once you get paid in riyals”.
Once I started earning money in Saudi Riyals the cost of living is quite cheaper than in South Africa.
How do you feel about safety?
I’ve never felt more safe! It is still weird to see people leaving their cars running when they go into shops. But knowing that it is so safe in Saudi puts my mind at ease.
What is the best advice you can give to teachers considering the move?
Take the leap of faith. You will never know until you experience it yourself! It’s worth the risk.
Any apps etc. you could recommend to new teachers coming over?
Apps for transportation- Careem, Uber and Kaiian.
Apps for food: HungerStation
App for the explorers (Specifically in Al Ula)- Experience Al Ula
Sara-Lee is a great example of a teacher who was ready to take the plunge, but also open to locations that might not be 'the obvious choice'. She embraced the opportunity and, in her own words, is not sorry that she did.
If you wish to register with us, please either send us your cv on info@sa-recruitment.com or press the button to enter your contact details.
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