TEACH ENGLISH IN BAHRAIN

About Teaching English in Bahrain

To find a TEFL job and teach English in Bahrain, you will need a TEFL certificate and a 4-year college degree in any field. You must be a native English speaker as well. The average salary for an English teacher in Bahrain is about $1550 - $3,000 USD per month.

An amalgamation of 33 islands off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain represents a small but thriving job market for teaching English in the Persian Gulf. Because Bahrain is a small island state and a coveted destination for foreign teachers offering lucrative contracts, the job market is extremely competitive. Beginning TEFL teachers may find it difficult to be hired here, as most jobs will go to experienced native English speaking teachers with advanced credentials.

Qualified English teachers in Bahrain can realistically expect to make $1,500 - $3,000 tax-free a month with benefits, including airfare to and from the assignment, health insurance, and even furnished housing. 

Most teachers are hired in advance from their own country and have their visa processed prior to their departure for their teaching destination. To receive their visa, teachers should expect to pass a physical and an HIV test, and in many cases, academic transcripts and a criminal background check may also be necessary. Expect the process of interviewing and procuring a visa to take at least 1-3 months.

Jobs for English teachers are highly concentrated in and around Bahrain's capital of Manama.

How to Become an English Teacher in Bahrain: Requirements

TEFL Certification for Bahrain

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Bahrain. Your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you need to get hired. Because schools interview prospective teachers in advance from their home country, most Americans and Canadians take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

You will need to be a native-English speaker to teach English in Bahrain. This means you must be a citizen from a recognized English-speaking nation: U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa.

Degree Requirements for Bahrain

English teachers must have a bachelor's degree to teach English in Bahrain. While your bachelor's degree does not need to be in education (it can be in any field), a background in education/teaching is often preferred. It should also be noted that a master's degree will also be preferred and favored by some schools over just a 4-year bachelor's degree.

TEFL Bahrain: Health & Background Check

To receive a visa to teach English in Bahrain, teachers should expect to pass a physical and a HIV test, and in many cases, a criminal background check may also be necessary.

How to Find English Teaching Jobs in Bahrain

English Teacher Jobs in Bahrain

There are several job opportunities to explore as an ESL teacher in Bahrain. The most common teaching jobs in Bahrain are:

• Teaching adults and children in private language schools.
• Teaching children in international schools.
• Teaching young adults in vocational colleges.
• Private tutoring both adults and children.

TEFL Bahrain: Hiring & Visa

Schools in Bahrain hire year-round with May through August being optimal hiring months. Most teachers are hired in advance from their home country and have their visa processed prior to their departure for Bahrain.

To receive a work visa, teachers should expect to pass a physical and an HIV test, and in many cases, academic transcripts and a criminal background check may also be necessary. Expect the process of interviewing and procuring a visa to take at least 1-3 months.

Work as an English Teacher in Bahrain: Hours

Schools in Bahrain typically require 20 to 25 hours of teaching per week plus prep time, leaving plenty of time to travel and explore.

Teaching Bahraini Students

There are several different student types you may end up teaching in Bahrain; school-aged children, young adults, adults, and business professionals. 

Teaching in Bahrain Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $1,100 - $1,500 USD. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Bahrain until you receive your first paycheck and may include things like transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

English Teacher Salary in Bahrain (& Bonuses)

A generous salary of $1,500 - $3,000 a month (depending on qualifications and exchange rates) enables English teachers in Bahrain to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. 

It should also be noted that your employer will likely provide you with either a round-trip or one-way flight reimbursement!

Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $650-$1,100 USD per month. In most cases, housing is provided/or subsidized so no rent expense is incurred - this provides an opportunity to save $800+ USD per month after expenses.

Go Further: How Much Can I Make Teaching English in Bahrain?