While Lebanon may not have the polished exterior of a few of its Middle Eastern neighbors, there is still no question that it’s one of the most captivating countries in the region. Teaching English in Lebanon is an excellent way to get to know this country, and those who spend any time here invariably appreciate it both for its even blend of antiquity and modernity.

Lebanon has ancient ruins, sun-drenched beaches and a mountainous interior that often goes unexplored by short-term tourists. Teaching English in Lebanon is a great way to extend one’s time in the country, giving the teacher a chance to explore each region in detail.
One of the most famous attractions in Lebanon is the ancient city of Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is widely seen as the best-preserved Roman excavation in the world. The ruins at Beiteddin and Baalbeck are also remarkable.

Meanwhile, modern cities and tourist centers in Lebanon have plenty of high-octane nightlife on order, with clubs, discos and beach parties in full supply. The high-elevation Lebanese mountains also have skiing and snowboarding resorts.

Employers in Lebanon generally provide their foreign English teachers with housing, which can be a major incentive for those who are trying to put together an employment package from their home country. Otherwise, schools are likely to offer a reasonable housing allowance.

Getting around the country is easy enough as Lebanon is relatively small. Buses connect all major cities. Within a given city, taxis are the main mode of transport. English teachers will only want to consider driving after they’ve had time to adjust to local rules of road etiquette.

Salaries for English teachers in Lebanon are reasonable, but they’re not the highest in the region. Local demand for teachers is relatively low, as Lebanon is still working through political turmoil. On the other hand, teachers who live and work here for several years quickly gain recognition and seniority in their departments.

Most of the English teaching positions in Lebanon are located in capital Beirut (population 2.1 million), Jounieh (large daytime commuter population) as well as in seaside resorts and the city of Tripoli (500,000).
Employers hire English teachers who have the proper certification and reserve their highest salaries for those with exceptional experience. It’s best to seek out a position in advance, though teachers have had luck walking into teaching positions on arrival.

Lebanon Links

• Go to Lebanon forums
• Go to Lebanon photo gallery
• Google search for Lebanon
• Lebanon wikipedia entry