i-to-i TEFL COUNTRY GUIDES: BAHRAIN
Perhaps because of its position as a small Gulf state surrounded by much larger neighbors, Bahrain has had to be a diplomatic nation. As a result, visitors find it surprisingly liberal for a Middle Eastern country and an easy introduction to the area.
Despite its size, there’s a great deal to see. The Barbar Temple is a fascinating archaeological site, as are the Royal Tombs, but the jewel in the crown is the World Heritage-listed Qal'at al-Bahrain. This former harbor and capital of the ancient Dilmun civilization contains priceless remains and an impressive 12m-high Portuguese fort.
TEFL in Bahrain (Contracts, Salary, Work)
- Demand for Teachers
- Main TEFL Regions
- Busiest TEFL Periods
- Contract Lengths
- Types of Teaching
- Accommodation
- Flight Reimbursement
- Currency
- Salary
- Taxes
- Cost of Living
- Potential to Save Money
- How Much TEFL Training is Recommended?
- Common teaching conditions
Finding Work
Work Visas
Why choose Bahrain?
Be Aware
Before you go
A Few Fun Facts
TEFL in Bahrain (Contracts, Salary, Work)
Demand for teachers
Moderate.Main TEFL regions
Manama, Riffa.Busiest TEFL periods
Year-roundContract lengths
1-2 yearsTypes of teaching
- Government ministries & training academies: General English, Business English, IELTS
- In-company: General English, Business English
- Universities: General English, Business English, IELTS
- Primary & secondary schools: General English, English for Young Learners
Accommodation
Accommodation is usually provided by your employer, or they may give you an allowance that just about covers finding your own apartment.Flight reimbursement
Most schools offer free flights either on their own or together with other benefits such as free health insurance.Currency
Bahrain Dinar (BND)Symbol: .د.ب (BD)
Salary
You shouldn’t accept less than BD600 (US$1,600) per month, although it’s possible to make up to BD1,000 (US$2,700). If you can get them, private lessons will earn you BD15-20 per hour.Your qualifications make a big difference to your pay packet.
Taxes
Ahh! Tax-free earnings: music to a TEFL teacher’s ears!Cost of living
As is typical of the Middle East, the cost of living here is high – similar to most European countries and probably slightly higher than other countries in the region. Your monthly groceries should be about BD150 (US$400) per month, but utilities are subsidized by the government, so your bills should be low if you can avoid blasting the air-con when it’s 110 degrees outside!Alcohol is more freely available here than elsewhere in the Middle East (many westerners travel across the causeway from Saudi Arabia at the weekends), so going out could put a dent in your budget!
Potential to save money
If you live within your means you can definitely save money, although not quite as much as in nearby countries.How much TEFL training is recommended?
A TEFL certificate is the minimum requirement for teaching out here and because of the emphasis on well-qualified teachers, the more comprehensive the better. i-to-i’s 120-hour Combined Course will give you a much better chance of getting a job.Common teaching conditions
You may be expected to undergo training at your school to learn their “teaching system”, and the hours can be unsociable if you’re teaching people once they’ve finished work. Students tend to be focused, and you’ll even have some mixed-gender classes.Finding Work
How do I find work?
It’s pretty much essential to arrange your job before you go. Check out the major TEFL websites such as eslemployment.com, look in your newspaper’s education supplement or contact a specialist teacher recruitment agency. The British Council also has offices in the capital, Manama.Can I find work while in-country?
Not really: almost all teachers confirm their job before they arrive.What is the usual hiring process?
Once you’ve applied, you’ll usually be interviewed over the phone. Many of the bigger schools will send recruiters to do face-to-face interviews in western countries.Work Visas
Is a work visa required to find paid work in Bahrain?
Yes. Your permits will usually be arranged by your employer before you arrive, and are valid for one to two years.Work Visa requirements:
- Job offer
- Valid passport
- Medical certificate
- Fees
Why Choose Bahrain?
- Liberal attitudes
- Beautiful temples and tombs
- Central location – easy to get to other Arab countries
- High salaries
Be Aware…
While Bahrain is one of the Middle East’s most liberal countries, teaching here can still be quite a culture shock, especially for women.
Although public drinking and smoking is allowed most of the year, it is forbidden during Ramadan. Drug use is forbidden at any time of the year, and the penalties are severe.
Before you leave
Read this…
The Middle East for Dummies – good introduction to the complicated politics of the regionWatch this…
A Bahraini Tale – family drama set during the Arab-Israeli War of 1967A Few Fun Facts
- The temperature has been known to reach a sweltering 118°F – but that’s still 18° cooler than the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth!
- The locals only use their right hands to eat and shake hands, as the left hand is used for “personal hygiene”.
- Muslim men can have as many as 4 wives, although this practice is dying out.
- More than a third of the population is immigrant workers.
