How much can I earn teaching English in Jordan?
Jordan is known to have one of the most progressive school systems in the Middle East. The country has stated its aim is to become a fully bilingual country as soon as possible and that is probably not very far away. There is a particular demand for teachers who are experienced in working with young learners as nearly a third of the country?s population is under the age of 15.
What are TESOL salaries in Jordan?
Although you will not be offered the same level of pay that you would get in countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia, teachers in Jordan will benefit from a lower cost of living that means your income will go much further. Standard tutoring jobs typically pay between $800 and $1,500 a month, although teachers with the relevant qualifications can apply to international schools that pay up to $3,000 a month or even more. Most of the highest paid jobs are located in and around the capital, Amman. Elsewhere, areas such as Az-Zarqa and Irbid might also have some good opportunities worth exploring.
Who are the main employers of English language teachers in Jordan?
International schools that follow American, British, or Canadian curriculums generally offer the best salaries in Jordan. However, these schools are small in number and the requirements for potential teachers are high. Most schools of this type will expect you to be a native English speaker with a high level of teaching qualifications and previous classroom experience.
Private tutoring individual or small groups of students is a common option in Jordan. There are several different programs that can be found online that arrange clients for you to teach in a private environment. To be a private tutor you will need to have a TESOL certification. Volunteer teaching is another big attraction in Jordan. This is a popular route to take as it offers a good chance to gain teaching experience while helping out one of many great causes in need of help. In recent years, Jordan has seen an influx of around 1.5 million refugees from other countries in the region, which has prompted a huge need for teachers to help predominantly young people who have missed out on a normal education.
What is the recruitment process for English teachers in Jordan?
The best time of year to look for teaching jobs in Jordan is towards the end of August and early September. If possible you should arrive in the country ahead of time and shop around as many potential employers as you can to ensure you find that right match. Employers generally like to interview potential teachers face-to-face, which is good as it allows you to get a feel for the school and its location before signing a contract. A three month probationary period is standard practice in Jordan which allows either you or the employer to terminate the contract without penalty.
Once you have found a job you need to apply for a work permit that will last for a year. It is common for teachers to arrive on an initial 30-day tourist visa and then let the school sort out the work permit, which can take up to a month to complete. As competition is usually very strong for the best jobs, most will require at least two years previous experience, a degree and TESOL certification.
What is the cost of living for English teachers in Jordan?
Although salaries in Jordan are considerably less than you would get in many neighboring countries, so is the cost of living. Big savings can be made by avoiding expensive imported goods and shopping in local fresh food markets. Local restaurants are also great value as long as you stay clear of areas aimed at the tourist trade. Accommodation is often the biggest expense for most teachers, so if you can secure a job that includes free housing or a housing allowance you will be in good shape financially.
