Iraq Overview
| Main Cities/Areas | Salary range (USD/month) |
| Kurdistan | $500 β $2000 |
Iraq has never been a popular TEFL destination but opportunities are growing rapidly, especially for the training of local teachers and in private language institutes.
Those without experience or knowledge of Iraq would be wise to volunteer in the country in the short-term and make contacts and assess the situation in the meantime.
Most local Iraqis are very pleasant people but the dangers associated with being a foreigner in Iraq 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 Iraq and bear in mind that Kurdistan is the only vaguely-safe area in which to live and work.
The country has some fascinating historical sites but the country remains in a state of war-ravaged turmoil.
Typical Requirements and Tips
| Degree? | TEFL Certification? | Experience? |
| Yes | Yes | 1-2 Years |
Stay abreast of political developments and register with your embassy to notify them of your address in Iraq. Try contacting the US Embassy in Baghdad regarding job opportunities.
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. Britons should consider contacting the British Council who do operate in Iraq on a limited basis.
Those with a knowledge of Arabic are at a great advantage and it would be advisable for anyone considering working here to start learning before arriving in Iraq.
Work permits must be arranged to work legally. This can take several weeks and must be done in Work permits must be arranged to work legally. This can take several weeks and must be done in conjunction with your employer. All of this must be done before you arrive in the country.
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 Iraq
- Growing demand for English tuition
- Friendly, eager students
- Certainly an βinterestingβ place in which to live and work
Cons of Teaching in Iraq
- An unstable nation at present
- Poor pay for those without considerable previous teaching experience
- The cultural differences associated with living in a Muslim-majority nation may be a shock to the inexperienced
