HistoryStudent19

Hi all.
My husband came home from school yesterday with the idea of us possibly relocating (once Covid has buggered off) to the middle East for a year or two while he teaches (Primary, head of subject, already has TEFL). I'm disabled and don't work, so we have no commitments here in the UK and I could do with a change of scenery. I'm only concerned about us being able to afford for me not to work while we're out there.
Would it be feasible if one of us cannot work? What are the living costs like? I have absolutely no experience of living abroad so this really is just an idea right now. Any advice would be excellent, thank you.

scot47

Boredom and isolation could be a problem for you. Most foreigners in the region have contact with others through work.

HistoryStudent19

well, I’m housebound in the UK anyway. I’m about to finish my history degree and there are lots of books I’d like to read for personal enjoyment. I’m very much a home-body/indoor girl.

DXBtoDOH

There are a lot of schools in the UAE.

Teacher roles usually come with housing provided. I imagine you'd get a 2-bed flat if your husband gets a more senor role like head of subject. Then you get a base salary. Last I heard (a few years outdated now) base salaries were usually between 12-20k AED depending on school and experience. Whatever it is now, it won't be bad and I'd think a couple could live off it, especially if content with a quiet lifestyle.

Can't comment on how difficult it is to find a teaching position. Everyone seems to know teachers and they are always coming and going. Teachers also tap into existing social networks more easily than most new expats, methinks.

Go for it. The only caveat is to carefully screen schools in advance of accepting a position. Not all schools are created equally. But you may need to accept a lesser school and once on ground and after a year or two, leverage up into a better school.

tooboocoo

It would help if you clarify WHERE in the 'middle East' you're considering. Dubai (or the UAE in general) might be quite pleasant - for you, particularly, if not working (but it's probably rather expensive on a single, teacher's salary) - while Saudi Arabia might be a rather drab life.

Millhouse

Go for it. Day to day costs are a little higher, but then so is the salary. Luxury items (inc. alcohol) are very expensive, the rest not so much.

You may find the summer months a bit restrictive depending on how bad your disability is. There are also no real payments so getting around independently might not be as easy as in the UK. If you are genuinely quite housebound then I think you'll come out better here - simple things like cheap labour for cleaning etc. could really help.

scrubbedexpat141

I'd work on the lower end of the scale shared and be mindful of the fact the accommodation will be OK but not luxury....bit of pot luck to be quite honest.

Many are here in your situation though, would be fine.

nonthaburi

Might be, might not be. I knew a few teachers at the British school when I lived in Riyadh. They all lived on Al Hamra, which had great parties and a great social scene. There are a lot of variables.

DXBtoDOH

Met a few folks who lived on Saudi compounds. They loved it. It's a perpetual Butlins

nonthaburi

Yeah, compound life can be great. And it's not always about the most expensive being the best. Some compounds just have a more social feel to them, others have a proper bar etc, or it may just be down to the people that live there.
I moved to Riyadh when my kids were 5 and 6. Had a much better social life there than in Bangkok where we'd been living before. Not many people would believe that but for various reasons it's totally true.
For me the best times in Riyadh were just a continuous circuit of parties, pool parties, bbqs, bar nights, house gatherings with nice people. Many of whom I'm still in contact with today.
Unfortunately in Buraydah now. A far different proposition which I wouldn't recommend to the fainthearted.

DXBtoDOH

For several years I had a membership at the WTC Hotel Apartments complex in Dubai for their pool, it was one of the few 25m long pools and perfect for laps, plus a quite decent gym. Sheikh Makhtoum's Godolphin stables put up a bunch of their British staff in the apartments and practically every day post-work a whole bunch of them would take over the pool bar and pool area in what seemed like one never ending party. They were quite friendly. And it's what I'd always imagined compound life to be like.

scot47

Being in Saudi can give you a great gift that many in "Thge West" never have : Time. Time to do what you want. Read, write, develop hobbies, do nothing, learn a language.

I enjoyed most of my 17 years in Saudi - especially after getting sober !

tooboocoo

Is there any choice but to be sober in KSA? Of particular interest to me 'cos I'm headed there!

psychopomp1

Oh alcohol is definitely available in Saudi, you just need the right contacts

When I worked on a remote land seismic (geophysical) crew in the Kingdom around 2003, the party chief used to keep a modest stash of spirits and wine well hidden in his trailer. Only a few westerners (incl myself) knew about it, apparently a Saudi prince was the source. We were doing a massive 3D survey for Aramco so I guess this 'prince' was introduced through Aramco contacts.

Those were the days....

Johnnyboy11

It's as dry as a stick, my experience anyway...