Teach English In Libya

Bordering the Mediterranean, Libya enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate along the coast while most of the rest of the country is covered by the extremely hot and dry Libyan Desert.

Libya is popular with tourists for its beautiful beaches, but you will find the strict cultural climate may be a deterrent for anyone wanting to stay longer than a holiday. Libya is a strict Muslim country and so has some strict laws: nightlife is limited, alcohol is banned and attitudes towards women are conservative. In short, Libya is not for those wanting a modern lifestyle but rather for those wanting to be a part of rebuilding a historical nation and participating in a more traditional lifestyle.

Historically, Libya is a very interesting country. It gained independence in 1951 after centuries under foreign rule. Oil was discovered soon after and Libya soon became a very wealthy nation as a result. Colonel Muammar Gaddafi seized power in 1969 but was overthrown in 2011. This plunged the country into chaos, but in 2016 a new UN-backed government was installed in Tripoli and a relative state of stability has been restored.

The largest city in Libya is Tripoli, which is also the capital. One of the most impressive sites within Tripoli is the Red Castle. Built in the 16th century, you’ll find one of Libya’s most revered museums, the Red Castle Museum, within the stunning fortress.

With an estimated population of more than six million, Libya is mostly barren terrain. The south of Libya contains a coastal strip with pockets of grassland which leads onto the most barren of places in the world, the Sahara Desert. Known for its unbearable heat and infertile wasteland, the Sahara Desert is famous across the world as a natural feature and made popular for its use in films and television.

Near Shahhat in Libya, you will find an ancient city with both Roman and Greek influence, called Cyrene. In 1982, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the oldest and regarded as the most important of all the Greek cities in the region. Founded in 631 BC, and abandoned in the 4th century AD the area holds monuments including The Temple of Zeus, The Temple of Apollo, and the Agora Victory Monument.

Arabic is the official language of Libya, though a number of Berber languages are also spoken and Italian and English are widely understood.

There are definitely opportunities for EFL teachers here – in language centres, international schools, universities or teaching oil company employees. Teaching positions can be well-paid and Libya can be a good option if you would like to save money. The majority of jobs can be found in the capital, Tripoli.

Teaching English in Libya requires a BA/BS degree, and contracts typically last for 12 months with peak hiring seasons occurring throughout the year. A work permit is required for obtaining a visa, and students of all ages can be expected.

The average monthly cost of living in Libya ranges from 1,500 to 2,000 LYD, while the average monthly salary ranges from 1,700 to 5,200 LYD in local currency. With these factors in mind, teaching English in Libya can be a great opportunity for those looking to gain international teaching experience while immersing themselves in the culture of North Africa.

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