Iran Overview
| Main Cities/Areas | Salary range (USD/month) |
| Tehran | $500 â $1500 |
Iran has never been a popular TEFL destination but opportunities are growing, especially in private language institutes.
Those without experience or knowledge of Iran would be wise to volunteer in the country in the short-term and make contacts and assess the situation in the meantime.
Most local Iranians are very pleasant people but the dangers associated with being a foreigner in Iran are considerable so be aware of this before making a decision to accept the offer of a contract. It helps enormously if you already have contacts in Iran.
Typical Requirements and Tips
| Degree? | TEFL Certification? | Experience? |
| Yes | Yes | No |
Stay abreast of political developments and register with your embassy to notify them of your address in Iran.
American English and pronunciation seem to be favored here so Americans and Canadians are probably more likely to find the positions with the best salaries.
Those with a knowledge of Farsi language are at a great advantage and it would be advisable for anyone considering working here to start learning before arriving in Iran.
Work permits must be arranged to work legally. This can take several weeks and must be done in conjunction with your employer.
The cost of living in Iran is low but security is a major issue. Clearly, security is worth spending money on but speak to your prospective employer regarding accommodation as part of the contract package.
You should receive your salary on a monthly basis unless otherwise stated in your contract.
Pros of Teaching in Iran
- Growing demand for English tuition
- Friendly, eager students
- Less competition from other TEFL teachers
Cons of Teaching in Iran
- An unstable nation at present
- Poor pay for those without previous teaching experience
- The cultural differences associated with living in a Muslim-majority nation may be a shock to the inexperienced
