Teaching in the Middle East: A practical guide for South African teachers
- SA-Recruitment
- 9 minutes ago
- 10 min read
For many South African teachers, teaching in the Middle East begins long before boarding a flight. It starts with an application, an interview, an offer and, eventually, the moment you realise this opportunity is no longer just an idea – it's actually happening.
Over the next few weeks, teachers placed by SA-Recruitment will be boarding flights to Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Bahrain and Riyadh to begin the next chapter of their teaching careers. Some have travelled extensively before, while for others this will be the first time they've ever lived outside South Africa. Regardless of experience, almost everyone tells us the same thing during those final few days before departure – they're excited, but they're also filled with questions.
Have I packed enough? Will I settle in? What will my apartment be like? How much money will I need before payday?
If those thoughts sound familiar, you're certainly not alone.
Having placed South African teachers throughout the Middle East for more than twenty years, we've watched hundreds of teachers make this journey successfully. We've also learnt that the biggest worries before leaving are often the things that disappear the quickest once you arrive.
This guide brings together the practical advice we share with every teacher before they fly, together with reassurance from teachers who've already made the move. Whether you're heading to Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Bahrain or Riyadh, we hope it helps you feel informed, prepared and excited about everything that's waiting for you.
Teaching in the Middle East starts long before you board the plane
It's easy to feel like you're stepping into the unknown.
For you, this move is a major life event. You're leaving family, friends and everything that's familiar behind. Naturally, it can feel daunting, particularly if this is your first time living and working overseas.
The reassuring part is that, while this may be your first international move, it certainly isn't your school's first experience of welcoming overseas teachers.
International schools across Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Bahrain and Riyadh recruit teachers from around the world every year. They understand that you're arriving in a new country, adjusting to a different culture and learning your way around a new city. They don't expect you to know how everything works on day one, and they certainly don't expect you to figure it all out on your own.
Most schools have a carefully planned induction programme that begins almost as soon as you arrive. Depending on your school, this usually includes airport collection, moving into your accommodation, assistance with opening a bank account, completing local documentation, medical appointments where required and introducing you to your colleagues before the students return.
By the time your first day of teaching arrives, you'll already have spent several days settling in alongside other new teachers who are experiencing exactly the same emotions.
Remember, your school has done this many times before. They know exactly how to help you settle into your new life.
Settling into your new school
The first week can feel like information overload.
You'll be meeting dozens of new colleagues, learning names, finding your classroom, collecting paperwork, setting up your bank account, downloading new apps and trying to remember where everything is. It's busy, and it's completely normal to wonder whether you'll ever remember it all.
The good news is that those feelings rarely last for long.
One of the things we've noticed over the years is how quickly the tone of our conversations with teachers changes after they've arrived. The questions and nerves before departure soon become WhatsApp messages telling us how much better things are than they expected.
One teacher recently messaged us just a few days after arriving to say:
"So far, so good. I met other teachers from the school and they've given me brilliant insight into everything."
Another simply wrote:
"The school has been incredibly supportive. Everyone has been so welcoming."
Those are exactly the kinds of messages we receive every year. Teachers who were understandably anxious before leaving often tell us that their biggest worry turned out not to be a worry at all.
Within a surprisingly short space of time, unfamiliar places begin to feel familiar, colleagues become friends and everyday routines start falling into place.
Accommodation for teachers in the Middle East
One of the biggest financial advantages of teaching in the Middle East is that accommodation is usually provided by your employer. It also removes one of the biggest stresses associated with relocating overseas, as you won't need to spend weeks searching for somewhere to live before you arrive.
Every apartment is slightly different, but most schools provide comfortable, fully furnished accommodation with the essentials you'll need from your very first day.
Typically, you can expect:
A furnished bedroom with a bed and wardrobe
Living room furniture
Dining table and chairs
Refrigerator and cooker
Washing machine
Air conditioning
Basic kitchen utensils and equipment
Don't expect a luxury hotel, but equally don't expect an empty apartment.
Most teachers spend part of their first weekend buying groceries, extra kitchen items and a few personal touches to make the apartment feel like home. It's surprising how quickly framed photographs, a favourite coffee mug or a couple of plants can transform unfamiliar accommodation into somewhere that feels comfortable and familiar.
Dressing for school
One of the questions we receive most frequently is what teachers should pack for work.
The answer is actually quite straightforward. Schools throughout the Middle East expect staff to dress professionally and modestly, although the exact dress code varies slightly from one school to another.
For women, dresses, skirts or tailored trousers with sleeves are generally appropriate, while knee-length skirts or longer are usually recommended. For men, long trousers with collared shirts are the norm, with some schools requesting ties for formal occasions.
One thing that often surprises new arrivals is that, although temperatures outside can be extremely high, classrooms are heavily air-conditioned. Many teachers end up keeping a cardigan or lightweight jacket at school because the indoor temperatures can feel considerably cooler than expected.
If you're ever unsure about what's appropriate, simply ask. We'd always rather answer a quick question before you travel than have you worrying unnecessarily.
Budgeting for your first month
If there's one piece of practical advice we always give teachers, it's this: budget a little more generously than you think you'll need.
Although your accommodation is provided, you'll usually receive your first salary at the end of your first month of employment. That means you'll need enough money to comfortably cover your day-to-day expenses while you're settling into your new surroundings.
Your first month's spending will typically include groceries, transport, a local SIM card, household essentials and perhaps the occasional coffee or meal while you're getting to know your new city. None of these costs are particularly alarming on their own, but they soon add up, which is why having a financial buffer makes those first few weeks far less stressful.
Below is a realistic guide to some everyday costs across the cities where we're currently placing teachers.
Item | Abu Dhabi | Muscat | Bahrain | Riyadh |
Coffee | AED 18–25 | OMR 1.5–2 | BHD 2–3 | SAR 15–22 |
Casual restaurant meal | AED 40–60 | OMR 3–5 | BHD 3–6 | SAR 30–45 |
Taxi (short journey) | AED 20–40 | OMR 2–4 | BHD 2–4 | SAR 20–40 |
Monthly mobile package | AED 100–150 | OMR 8–12 | BHD 10–15 | SAR 100–150 |
These figures are intended as a guide rather than a strict budget, as your spending will naturally depend on your lifestyle and where you choose to shop. The important thing is arriving with enough money to feel comfortable until your first salary is paid.
One of the nicest moments for many teachers is reaching the end of that first month. Once you're earning in the local currency, everyday expenses suddenly feel far more manageable than they did when you were mentally converting everything back into Rands.
Getting connected quickly
One of the first practical jobs you'll want to tick off after arriving is getting your phone connected. It sounds like a small thing, but being able to message family back home, order a taxi, navigate your way around a new city or simply look up the nearest supermarket makes those first few days feel much less overwhelming.
Fortunately, organising a local SIM card is straightforward and your school will usually guide you through the process during your induction.
The main mobile providers are:
Abu Dhabi (UAE)
Etisalat
du
Muscat (Oman)
Omantel
Ooredoo
Bahrain
Batelco
Zain
STC Bahrain
Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)
STC
Mobily
Zain
Most providers offer tourist SIM cards immediately after arrival before helping you move onto a standard monthly package once your residency documentation has been completed. It's a quick job that immediately helps you feel more independent.
Another simple thing to remember before leaving South Africa is your plug adaptors. All four destinations use the Type G (UK-style three-pin) plug, so buying one or two adaptors before you fly is much easier than searching for them after a long international journey. It sounds obvious, but being able to charge your phone and laptop as soon as you arrive is one less thing to think about.
Everyday life when teaching in the Middle East
One of the nicest surprises for many teachers is just how quickly everyday life starts to feel... normal.
Before leaving South Africa, it's easy to imagine that every aspect of daily life will be completely different. In reality, you'll soon develop routines that feel remarkably familiar. You'll discover your favourite supermarket, find a coffee shop you'll visit every weekend and work out the quickest route to school. Before long, you'll stop feeling like a visitor and start feeling like a resident.
Modern life across Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Bahrain and Riyadh is incredibly convenient. Grocery deliveries, pharmacies, restaurants and household shopping can all be organised through apps, making everyday life surprisingly easy once you've settled in. Public transport is excellent in many areas, while taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available if you're still finding your feet.
Many teachers also find themselves pleasantly surprised by the range of international products available in supermarkets. Alongside local brands, you'll often find familiar favourites from South Africa, the UK and Europe, making it much easier to settle into your new home than many people expect.
Of course, there are adjustments too.
The heat is often the first thing teachers mention. Walking outside during the warmer months can take a little getting used to, particularly if you've arrived from a South African winter. Fortunately, schools, shopping centres, apartments and most public buildings are fully air-conditioned, so the transition is usually easier than anticipated.
One of our teachers summed it up perfectly during her first week when she messaged us:
"The heat... that's definitely something I'll need to get used to!" 😊
A few months later, she was already laughing about it.
Sending money home and managing your finances
Another question we're frequently asked is how easy it is to send money back to South Africa.
The good news is that international banking is straightforward once your local bank account has been opened. Most teachers use international bank transfers or trusted money transfer services to send funds home, depending on their personal preference and exchange rates at the time.
If you're planning to transfer money regularly, it's worth spending a little time comparing transfer providers, as fees and exchange rates can vary. Your South African bank will also be able to explain the information you'll need, including your bank's SWIFT code, before you leave.
For most teachers, however, this isn't something that needs to be organised during the first few days. Focus first on settling into your school, opening your local bank account and getting comfortable in your new surroundings. The financial side soon falls into place once you're settled.
You're joining a community, not just a school
One concern we hear time and time again is:
"What if I don't know anyone?"
Sometimes you'll already have another South African teacher travelling to the same school.
Sometimes you'll be arriving on your own.
Either way, you'll quickly discover that international schools are incredibly welcoming communities. Many schools recruit teachers from all over the world every year, so everyone remembers exactly what those first few weeks felt like. New colleagues naturally take new arrivals under their wing because, not so long ago, they were the new teacher asking exactly the same questions.
We've seen countless friendships begin during airport collections, induction weeks and staff room conversations. Many of the teachers we've placed still keep in touch years later, despite moving to different countries or returning to South Africa.
One teacher recently sent us a message saying:
"I'm really enjoying the experience. The staff and students are lovely, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity."
Messages like these remind us that the move isn't simply about changing jobs.
It's about becoming part of a completely new community.
Our support doesn't stop once you've boarded the plane
At SA-Recruitment, we've never believed that recruitment ends when a contract is signed.
In many ways, that's where the most exciting part begins.
Over the years we've celebrated teachers receiving promotions, welcoming children overseas, travelling to countries they'd only ever dreamed of visiting and building careers they never imagined possible. We've also answered countless WhatsApp messages about everything from opening bank accounts to where to buy the best coffee.
That's simply part of what we do.
We genuinely enjoy hearing from our teachers after they've settled because every message reminds us that behind every placement is a person who took a leap of faith and embraced a completely new chapter in their life.
One message, in particular, has always stayed with us.
After almost five years living and teaching in Oman, one of our teachers reflected on her experience and wrote:
"When I first arrived, Oman felt foreign and unfamiliar, but over time I discovered its many beauties. The Omani people are humble, welcoming and kind-hearted. Despite the uncertainties often associated with the Middle East, I have always found Oman to be a peaceful, safe and remarkable place to live and work."
Reading words like those perfectly captures what so many teachers tell us after making the move.
Your adventure is only just beginning
If you're reading this because your flights are booked and your suitcase is slowly filling up, take a moment to enjoy the excitement of what's ahead.
Right now, you're probably thinking about practical things like packing, paperwork and whether you've remembered everything. That's completely understandable. Every teacher we've worked with has felt exactly the same.
In a few months' time, however, those worries will almost certainly have been replaced by entirely different conversations. You'll be sharing photographs of your classroom, discovering your favourite weekend coffee spot, exploring a new city and making memories that simply wouldn't have been possible had you stayed where you were.
Teaching in the Middle East is about so much more than accepting a new job. It's an opportunity to grow professionally, experience a different culture, build lifelong friendships and create opportunities that often shape the rest of your career.
If you're one of the teachers preparing to leave in the coming weeks, we wish you every success. Enjoy every moment, embrace every opportunity and remember that what feels unfamiliar today will soon become part of your everyday life.
We can't wait to see where your journey takes you.
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