Teaching In Bahrain: An Expat's Perspective

Teaching in Bahrain offers a unique opportunity for educators to experience a mix of traditional Arab culture and Western-friendly attitudes. As a small island nation in the Persian Gulf, Bahrain is known for its social liberalism, relaxed culture, and diverse environment. With a large expatriate population, Bahrain boasts a range of international schools and universities, creating a high demand for English teachers.

Teaching jobs in Bahrain offer excellent salary packages, often including benefits such as accommodation, flight allowances, and health insurance. The academic year in Bahrain typically starts in September, similar to North American schools, and the climate is characterised by hot, sunny days.

For teachers seeking a rewarding international experience, Bahrain presents an appealing blend of professional opportunities and cultural immersion, making it a desirable destination for those looking to teach abroad.

Salary and benefits

Teaching jobs in Bahrain offer excellent salaries and benefits. Teachers can expect to earn anywhere between $1,500 to $4,000 USD per month, depending on qualifications, experience, the subject being taught, and the institution. The average salary for an English teacher in Bahrain is about $1,550 - $3,000 USD per month.

The best part about salaries in Bahrain is that they are tax-free, which means that teachers get to take home their entire paycheck. This is a huge advantage, as even a small salary can go a long way in a country with a low cost of living. Teachers are often able to save a good portion of their monthly salary, with some sources stating that it is possible to save upwards of $700 to $800+ USD per month.

In addition to the salary, schools in Bahrain often offer generous benefits. These benefits can include free or subsidised accommodation, medical/health insurance, and annual flights home or airfare reimbursements. Some schools may also offer additional benefits such as housing allowances, travel expenses, visa expenses, and professional development opportunities.

The start-up costs for teaching in Bahrain can range from $1,100 - $1,500 USD, which includes expenses such as transport, groceries, and setting up a local phone number. It is worth noting that the cost of living in Bahrain is high, but the tax-free income and the additional benefits offered by schools make up for it.

Overall, teaching jobs in Bahrain offer very competitive salaries and benefits packages, which makes it a great option for those looking to teach abroad.

Work-life balance

Bahrain is a popular destination for teachers due to its excellent salary packages and benefits, which include accommodation, flight allowance, and health insurance. The country's tax policy, warm climate, and lower cost of living also contribute to a better work-life balance for teachers.

One teacher, Natalie Cole, moved to Bahrain from London and reported having a better work-life balance. She stated that she worked fewer hours and had more time for herself and her partner after work. The school day in Bahrain starts earlier, at 7:30 am, and ends around 3:00 pm. Teachers in Bahrain's international schools face fewer behaviour problems, which results in a lighter workload. Cole mentioned that she had more freedom in teaching and enjoyed experimenting with different techniques.

The demand for English teachers in Bahrain is high, and qualified teachers can expect to earn between $1,500 and $3,000 per month, or between 1000 BHD and 2000 BHD. The job market is competitive, and most jobs go to experienced native English-speaking teachers with advanced credentials. However, there are also opportunities for private tutoring, which can provide additional income.

Teachers in Bahrain can take advantage of the country's excellent salary packages and benefits to improve their work-life balance. They can save a good portion of their monthly salary, as the cost of living is relatively low. Additionally, the country's relaxed culture, diverse environment, and comfortable standard of living make it an attractive destination for expatriates.

Culture shock

Teaching in Bahrain can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it may also come as a culture shock to some. Bahrain is a small island country in the Persian Gulf, situated between Qatar and Saudi Arabia. It is an oasis of social liberalism, with a relatively relaxed culture compared to its neighbouring Gulf states. This makes it a popular destination for expatriates, especially those seeking to escape the strict Islamic laws imposed on non-Muslim citizens in other Gulf countries.

The Middle East has a very different culture compared to Western countries, and this is something that teachers moving to Bahrain will have to accept and adapt to. However, as Bahrain is more liberal than many other Arab nations, it can serve as a good introduction to Middle Eastern culture and way of life.

One of the most notable differences is the climate. Bahrain has a tropical desert climate, with hot, sunny days for most of the year. This means that walking is not a common mode of transportation, as it would be in many Western countries. Instead, most people in Bahrain get around by car, and foreigners often choose to rent a car on a monthly basis.

Another difference is the food. While Bahrain offers a wide variety of dining options, from Western fast food to street stalls to high-end restaurants, it also has its own traditional dishes. These include machboos (spiced rice with meat or fish), balaleet (sweet vermicelli), and shawarma (grilled meat sandwich).

In addition to cultural differences, there may be some initial challenges when it comes to teaching itself. For example, teachers may need to adapt to a different school schedule, as schools in Bahrain typically open their doors at 7:30 am. The school day is a bit longer than in some countries, but teachers often report having a lighter workload due to fewer behaviour problems.

Overall, teaching in Bahrain can be a great opportunity for cultural immersion and to boost one's career. However, it is important to be prepared for the cultural differences and initial challenges that may come with moving to a new country.

Qualifications and requirements

Education and Certification

To teach in Bahrain, you will need a bachelor's degree in any field and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. A master's degree is preferred by some schools and can help your application stand out. Additionally, a background in education or teaching is often advantageous.

Language Proficiency

Native English-speaking proficiency is required to teach English in Bahrain. This means you must be a citizen of a recognised English-speaking nation: the US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.

Visa Requirements

To obtain a work visa for Bahrain, you will need to pass a physical and an HIV test. A criminal background check may also be required. Expect the process of interviewing and procuring a visa to take at least 1-3 months.

Experience

While not always necessary, prior teaching experience is often preferred by schools in Bahrain. This is especially true for more competitive positions or when applying from outside the country.

Other Considerations

The job market in Bahrain is competitive, and most positions will go to experienced teachers with advanced credentials. It is recommended to apply for positions during the peak hiring season, which usually starts from the last week of August until the first week of September.

Salary and Benefits

Qualified English teachers in Bahrain can expect to earn between $1,500 and $3,000 USD per month, tax-free. Additionally, schools often provide benefits such as housing allowances, medical insurance, and airfare reimbursement. The cost of living in Bahrain is relatively high, but the tax-free income helps offset this.

Things to do in Bahrain

Bahrain is a small but powerful island nation with a lot to offer visitors and expats alike. Here are some of the top attractions and things to do when visiting or living in Bahrain:

• Explore the country's history and culture at the Bahrain National Museum, which houses numerous ancient archaeological artefacts reflecting Bahrain's rich history.
• Visit the Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, which boasts the world's largest fibreglass dome, weighing over 60 tons.
• Discover Qal'at al-Bahrain, a large fort sitting upon an ancient tell, making it a UNESCO site.
• Check out the Bahrain International Circuit, a national objective for Bahrain, initiated by the Crown Prince.
• Shop at the Bab el-Bahrain Souk, a historical building located in the Customs Square in Manama's former central business district.
• Visit the Moda Mall in the Bahrain World Trade Center, which features iconic twin towers and is located in the capital city of Manama.
• Spend a day at Seef Mall, the first authentic mall in Bahrain, featuring distinctive architecture and an indoor amusement park.
• See the Tree of Life, a lone tree growing in the middle of the desert and attracting around 50,000 visitors annually.
• Enjoy water activities such as sailing and scuba diving, as Bahrain has a tropical desert climate and is located in the Arabian Gulf.
• Indulge in dining and nightlife, as Bahrain is a socially liberal Gulf country where alcohol is legal. The country offers a variety of dining options, from Western fast food to street stalls and high-end restaurants.
• Explore the King Fahd Causeway, a 24-kilometre causeway connecting Bahrain to Saudi Arabia.

Frequently asked questions