Education
From an educational perspective, Saudi Arabia is undergoing significant change. International education is expanding rapidly, driven not only by the arrivak of expatriate families but increasingly by Saudi families, who are globally minded and values-driven. Education is closely aligned with the country’s broader development goals, with growing emphasis on adaptability, skills, and long-term student development rather than exam results alone.
For teachers, this has reshaped the professional landscape. International schools in Riyadh are no longer peripheral; they are becoming an established and respected part of the educational ecosystem. British education remains attractive for its structure, academic rigour, and international continuity, but there is also a clear expectation that schools operate with cultural awareness and respect for the local context.
Daily life
Daily life for teachers in Riyadh is often more balanced and comfortable than many expect. Most live in residential compounds, particularly those with families. Compounds offer built-in communities, shared facilities such as gyms and swimming pools, and a relatively easy transition into life in the city. Others choose apartment living, often later, when they want greater independence and feel more confident navigating Riyadh. Both options are common, and moving between them is not unusual.
Work-life balance is shaped as much by school culture as by the city itself. Riyadh is safe, practical, and increasingly social. Cafés, gyms, cultural events, and easy travel across the Gulf make it possible to maintain a full life outside school. The city quietly challenges many preconceptions, particularly for those new to the region.
International school communities
Working in a Saudi international school is in many ways a typical international school experience and what stood out at Brooke House College Riyadh for me was the tone: kindness, professionalism, and a genuine sense of support. From onboarding through to everyday interactions, what has impressed me is the emphasis on the care for staff as well as students.