Kenneth, you asked: Are EFL teachers (MA and Doctoral level teachers) financially well rewarded at local colleges and universities? My understanding is that their salaries are tax free--is it not? How do rate their compensation scales compared to other places? My reply: Salaries in the Middle East at tertiary institutions are very comparable to those paid in the U.S. What makes them so attractive is, yes, they are tax-free (from both local and U.S. taxes), housing is free (either furnished or a furniture allowance is provided), some shipping reimbursement, round-trip airfare reimbursement each year, plus a gratuity based on number of years worked at the end of the contract (usually 1 month salary per year worked). In addition, you get a substantial amount of paid vacation (e.g. where I teach, about a month off between semesters, plus two months in the summer). Teaching over here allows me to easily afford the costs of my PhD from Capella without any real financial hardship. Regards, Adrienne
