Hi there! I’m Amanda Swartz from Every Further Mile, a travel blog that helps families find opportunities to work and travel overseas. My husband and I love to travel and try new things, and one of those adventures led us to make over $100,000 in 10 months while visiting seven countries. Here’s how we did it.
We didn’t jump into moving overseas to teach without hesitation. Life was tough; my husband lost his job, and we had to move back to my tiny hometown into subsidized housing. We were struggling, but we had friends who were teaching overseas and loving it. They encouraged us to join them, but my husband was hesitant and I was nervous.
The opportunity was in Kuwait, and we were scared because of the negative news about the Middle East. We worried about safety, missing our family, and the fact that neither of us were trained teachers. But the chance to earn more money than we ever had, pay off debt, and travel was too good to pass up.
Our friends helped ease our fears about Kuwait. It’s a wealthy country with lots to offer—beautiful beaches, amazing malls, and delicious food. We loved our time there, even though we didn’t get to experience everything.
Some highlights of Kuwait:
– Stunning sunsets and beautiful beaches.
– Huge, air-conditioned malls like The Avenues, which even had a Tim Horton’s!
– A variety of food options available for delivery through Talabat.
– Luxurious resorts and great family activities like the Scientific Center and Kidzania.
Our job perks included:
– Teaching at an English school, even though we weren’t certified teachers.
– Working Sunday to Thursday with lots of marking time during the day.
– Earning between $8,000-$8,500 CAD per month combined, plus extra from tutoring and other jobs.
– Free housing, utilities, and airfare.
– No taxes on our income.
– 17 weeks of vacation per year.
We paid off $14,000 in debt, saved $25,000, and traveled to seven countries. Teaching in Kuwait was a fantastic experience, and I recommend considering the Middle East over other regions like Asia for better wages, perks, and vacation time.
If you’re interested in teaching in the Middle East, here are some countries to consider:
– UAE (Dubai or Abu Dhabi)
– Jordan
– Oman
– Bahrain
– Qatar
Bringing kids to Kuwait was challenging but rewarding. Our son, Corban, adjusted well and loved the experience. We felt safe and made lifelong friends.
To apply for teaching jobs in the Middle East, you generally need a Bachelor’s degree. Highlight your experience with children, specific subjects, and curriculum development in your cover letter and resume. Use resources like eTeachInternational and Edarabia to find schools.
Be cautious when accepting international jobs. Research the school, read your contract carefully, and never hand over your passport. Always have photocopies of important documents and know where your nearest embassy is.
Embrace the adventure! Teaching overseas is a great way to travel, experience new cultures, repay debt, and save money. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below. Are you interested in teaching overseas?