Saudi Arabia : Work experience

Work placements and internships

It is extremely difficult for non-Saudi nationals to gain any work experience or internships in the country. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in Saudi Arabia focuses on helping its nationals to gain employment and there is no equivalent for foreigners in the country.

Teaching schemes

Native English speakers are required for posts in the language schools in Saudi Arabia. It is possible to get work in private language schools which cater for Saudi nationals and expatriates from other countries. Many of the classes at these schools are delivered in the evening when the pupils are not working and because of this the hours of work can be quite be antisocial.

It is also possible to get work as a private tutor, especially in the run up to language exams or for re-sits after the results have been published. Posts are often advertised in the local press or yellow pages.

The British Council  also employs English language teachers in its centres. Candidates will need a relevant qualification such as a PGCE in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and around two years of experience in teaching.  

Casual work and short-term opportunities

It is not normally possible for non-Saudi nationals to volunteer or do casual work in Saudi Arabia. Most expatriates are on fixed-term contracts which are established before they enter the country. It may be possible for those who are fluent in both English and Arabic to find work as a translator or interpreter and these positions are usually short-term. However, you should not move to the country expecting to find this type of work, instead the positions should be viewed as an addition to any other work you have already set up.