Living And Teaching In The Middle East As A Woman

Teaching English in the Middle East offers female expats significant professional and personal benefits, including tax-free salaries, strong work-life balance, and high safety standards. In this first-hand account, TEFL teacher Ashleigh details her two-year experience teaching in Oman. While female educators must adapt to cultural expectations, they are highly respected by students and colleagues alike. Despite challenges like extreme heat and strict social norms, women can build thriving expat communities, learn Arabic through local connections, and enjoy extensive travel opportunities, making the Middle East a rewarding destination for female TEFL teachers. 

Why did you choose to teach in the Middle East? 

Living and teaching in the Middle East as a woman can be a unique and enriching experience. It may seem like a wild choice, and while it’s not everyone’s preferred destination, it was the best Gulf country for me. 

My time there was filled with cultural discoveries, personal growth, and, of course, a few humorous anecdotes along the way. 

Having lived and worked in Oman from 2006 to 2007, I’ve got plenty of insights into both the real-world challenges and the joys of teaching there. 

I chose the Middle East because I was curious and hungry for adventure. I’ve always had a real joie de vivre and a love for rich, new experiences! Although I was established in my career as a corporate trainer, I was eager to explore new cultures while putting my teaching skills to good use. 

Read more: Teach English In The Middle East

Most exciting for me was the chance to immerse myself in a different culture. I wanted to learn about the joys of the desert, travel, and meet people from all over the world. And I would be near the sea too — my favourite place to be. 

I hadn’t even considered the tax-free salaries or the excellent work-life balance, but the Sultanate of Oman turned out to be one of the best Middle Eastern countries to live in, and the perfect destination for me.

Initially, I felt a whirlwind of emotion, excitement, anxiety, and a sprinkle of fear. Would I fit in? Would I be safe? What about all those security compounds I had heard about? 

However, as I boarded the plane, I reminded myself that the best experiences often come from stepping outside your comfort zone.

Read more: 5 Reasons To Quit Your 9-5 And Become A TEFL Teacher

What cultural expectations and gender roles should you expect?

Ah, the dress code… As a woman in the Middle East, modesty is key. 

In Oman, I quickly learned that the local culture values conservative dress, which means long skirts or dresses covering your ankles, and tops with sleeves past your elbows. I wore my favourite tank tops and shorts, but only indoors! It was also a good excuse to go shopping for some stylish long dresses — and the shopping is phenomenal!

At work, I found that respect for teachers, especially foreign teachers, is essential. Both male and female colleagues were generally supportive and eager to learn from one another. 

Many of my co-workers in the Air Force were single men from the UK, and most foreign teachers were British and Canadian, with a sprinkle of Filipinos and South Africans. I also knew of a British couple who married before coming to Oman, since strict regulations don’t allow unmarried couples to live together.

You can read about Ashleigh’s work in the airforce on the blog: Teaching Aviation English In The Air Force.

However, I did notice some differences in how male and female teachers were treated. For example, while I was expected to maintain a nurturing environment, my male counterparts were often seen as authority figures. It was a curious dynamic, but one that taught me a lot about cultural sensitivity and adaptability.

Read more: Teaching In Saudi Arabia As A Woman

Safety and daily life as a woman in the Middle East

One of the biggest misconceptions about living in the Middle East is that it’s unsafe for women. I can confidently say that my experience in Oman was quite the opposite. 

I felt safer walking alone at night in Muscat than I ever did in some major cities back home. 

The locals were friendly and viewed me with initial curiosity. There were a few times where men called out from cars, “Five rials,” but I later learnt it was just a misunderstanding. In general, I received warm smiles and greetings as I strolled through the souks. 

I can honestly say that women here are both safe and respected. In Omani society, women’s roles are valued, contributing to a strong sense of security that may be one factor in deciding to travel to the Middle East.

Editor’s note: Oman ranks 42nd out of 163 countries on the 2025 Global Peace Index and was rated the sixth safest country in the world on Numbeo’s Safety Index in mid-2025, making it one of the safest countries in the Middle East (and globally) for women teaching abroad.

Read more: Solo Travel: Tips, Safety, And The Best Destinations

My days revolved around teaching, exploring, and enjoying the local cuisine — I still dream about those shish kebabs and roasted goat! If I’d been a man, my social interactions might have been different. I noticed that men could strike up casual conversations with strangers more freely than women. 

Still, in a group setting, everyone was equally respected, perhaps even more than back home. And while I made sure never to be alone with a man I wasn’t related to, I never let that stop me from making friends and becoming part of the community.

Teaching environment and student interactions 

Teaching in the Middle East offers a fascinating glimpse into cultural diversity. In the classroom, female teachers are generally respected, and students are eager to learn. However, interactions varied significantly between male and female students. 

Males and females sat on opposite sides of the classroom with a row of open desks in between. It is possible to get them to mingle for freer activities, but it takes effort! However, all students were willing to engage and really appreciative when I respected their efforts. 

In the Air Force, all of my students were young men. Some were very religious and uncomfortable taking lessons from a woman, but I overcame this with respect and perseverance.

⚠️Cultural and religious sensitivity is crucial in discussions. Avoid topics related to gender roles, politics, and religion, especially when planning lessons.

Another topic I didn’t really engage in was the weather — really! The desert is always hot and sunny. Although I should say that while there, I experienced two floods and Hurricane Gonu. This experience was exceptional, and none of the students needed encouragement to talk about it!

Read more: Finding EFL Materials For Middle Eastern Students

Lifestyle and communities for women 

Building a support system was essential during my time in Oman. I connected with teachers and expats from various backgrounds. 

My next-door neighbours were a Saudi family, and they were lovely — only the husband spoke English. I was welcomed into their home, and my children played happily with theirs despite the communication barrier. 

My best friend was a female Egyptian doctor. When we first arrived, she helped me find a hairdresser and advised me where to get the best groceries. Over time, our friendship developed, and she even helped me with my Arabic lessons, even though Egyptian Arabic isn’t quite the same. 

I received Arabic lessons while tutoring another family’s son in English — his mum paid me with lessons in return. The great thing about learning Arabic this way is that you learn it naturally, with no textbooks, just real conversations about daily life. 

Read more: How To Learn Lhe Local Language

My daughter’s best friend was an Omani girl, and I had many delightful cups of coffee in her fabulous home — Omanis are exceptionally hospitable. 

When the women get together, they engage in extensive and diverse conversations. Women from all nationalities were supportive. 

We helped each other through the ups and downs of teaching and daily life, and our diverse backgrounds enriched our conversations. We also connected over teaching strategies, adventures, and lifestyle advice. 

The friendships I formed were priceless; these connections made my time in the Middle East truly memorable.

Read more: How to Find Your Community As A TEFL Teacher

Tips and advice for living in the Middle East

After living and teaching in the Middle East, would I recommend it to other women? Absolutely! Like any adventure, there are positives and negatives.

The positives:

• Opportunities to travel and seek adventure 
• Immersion in a rich culture
• The ability to save money 
• Feeling safer than in your home country

I had the amazing experience of being present for the hatching of baby leatherback turtles at Ras Al Hadd, riding a camel through the desert, snorkelling to explore shipwrecks, and travelling to a local island.

The negatives:

• Navigating cultural differences
• Chaotic driving conditions
• Strict social norms
• The heat 
• Occasional feelings of isolation 

Here are a few tips for women considering teaching in the Middle East:

1. Dress appropriately: Embrace the local culture and dress modestly. You’ll find that it’s not only respectful but also helps you blend in. The choice of beautiful clothing will make you feel like a queen.
2. Stay connected: Build a support network with fellow teachers or locals in your area. It makes a world of difference to have friends who understand your experiences, can give you tips on local services, or share a coffee or a Baskin-Robbins ice cream. Sometimes you need to hear someone speak your language!
3. Be culturally sensitive: Approach discussions with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Sidestep taboo topics — there’s so much more to talk about, and it’s a beautiful way to connect with your students and colleagues.
4. Embrace the adventure: Join in crazy group expeditions, participate in festivals and customs, visit various Middle Eastern cities and towns built into mountains, watch futuristic fireworks displays, and share in Eid celebrations. 
5. Have a sense of humour: Things won’t always go as planned, and that’s okay! Laughing at the little mishaps — like the time my daughter saw a bright green sauce and asked if we were supposed to eat paint — will make your experience even richer.

Living and teaching in the Middle East as a woman can be an enriching experience. It’s the chance to grow personally and professionally while immersing yourself in a vibrant culture. So, if you’re considering taking the plunge, pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable journey!

Read more: Beyond The Tax-Free Salary: Why The MIddle East Remains A Top Destination For TEFL Teachers

Author Bio

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Edited by Lauren Johnstone

Our Guest Authors represent our TEFL Academy global community, sharing their real-world experiences from classrooms and institutions across the world. From diving into TEFL to chomping down on chow mein in China, to navigating your first-day nerves in Spain, our collective voice brings authentic stories, insights, and practical advice right from those living the adventure. Read Guest Author's story →