International Schools Group Saudi Arabia Jobs 2026: Guide

Introduction to the International Schools Group

The International Schools Group (ISG) is one of the most prestigious international school networks in Saudi Arabia, with a history that stretches back over seven decades. Originally established to serve the families of Saudi Aramco employees and the broader expatriate community in the Eastern Province, ISG has evolved into a world-class educational institution offering American and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula across multiple campuses in Dhahran, Jubail, and Dammam.

ISG is widely recognised as one of the best places to teach in Saudi Arabia, combining excellent salaries and benefits with a supportive professional environment and a strong sense of community. The school’s connection to the Aramco community means that many families are well-educated, internationally minded, and deeply invested in their children’s education, creating a rewarding teaching environment for educators from around the world.

This guide provides comprehensive information about teaching at ISG in 2026, including salary details, benefits, the hiring process, and insights into life in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

ISG Campuses and Communities

ISG Dhahran

The Dhahran campus is the flagship ISG school, located within the Aramco residential compound in Dhahran. This campus offers a unique living and working environment, as teachers may have the opportunity to live on or near the compound, which features Western-style amenities including swimming pools, sports facilities, restaurants, shops, and social clubs. The Dhahran campus serves students from Pre-K through Grade 12 and offers both the American curriculum and the full IB programme (PYP, MYP, and DP).

ISG Jubail

The Jubail campus serves the industrial city of Jubail, home to a large expatriate community working in the petrochemical and industrial sectors. The campus provides a warm, close-knit community environment with excellent facilities and a comprehensive American/IB curriculum. Jubail offers a quieter, more relaxed lifestyle compared to the major Saudi cities, with beautiful beaches and a growing range of amenities.

ISG Dammam

The Dammam campus is the newest addition to the ISG family, serving the greater Dammam metropolitan area. The campus is modern and well-equipped, offering the American curriculum with IB integration. Dammam is the largest city in the Eastern Province and provides easy access to shopping centres, restaurants, the Corniche waterfront, and connections to Bahrain via the King Fahd Causeway.

Curriculum and Academic Programme

ISG delivers an American-based curriculum enriched with the International Baccalaureate framework. The school offers the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) in the elementary school, the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in the middle school, and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) in the high school. This combination provides students with a rigorous, internationally recognised education that prepares them for universities worldwide.

Teachers at ISG are expected to be familiar with American educational standards and practices, including Common Core alignment, AP (Advanced Placement) courses, and standards-based grading. Additionally, experience with IB programmes is highly valued, and teachers may be required to complete IB training as part of their professional development at the school. ISG provides funded IB training for teachers who need certification.

The school places a strong emphasis on inquiry-based learning, student-centred instruction, and the development of critical thinking skills. Teachers are supported with well-resourced classrooms, access to educational technology (including 1:1 device programmes), and dedicated instructional coaches who work with teachers to refine their practice and implement innovative teaching strategies.

Salary and Benefits Package

ISG offers one of the most generous compensation packages of any international school in Saudi Arabia, reflecting its premium positioning and its historical connection to the Aramco community.

Salary

• Classroom teachers: SAR 15,000–20,000/month (USD 4,000–5,330)
• Experienced teachers / specialists: SAR 18,000–23,000/month (USD 4,800–6,130)
• Department heads / coordinators: SAR 20,000–25,000/month (USD 5,330–6,670)
• Senior leadership: SAR 25,000–35,000+/month (USD 6,670–9,330+)

Benefits

• Housing: Furnished accommodation provided or generous housing allowance (compound living available at Dhahran)
• Annual flights: Return flights for the teacher and dependants (up to a specified number)
• Medical insurance: Comprehensive health coverage for the teacher and family, including dental and vision
• Tuition: Free or heavily subsidised tuition for dependent children at ISG schools
• Shipping allowance: Contribution towards shipping personal effects at the start and end of the contract
• End-of-service gratuity: Per Saudi labour law
• Professional development: Funded CPD, including IB training, conference attendance, and advanced qualifications
• Settling-in allowance: One-time payment to help with initial expenses upon arrival

Aramco Community and Lifestyle

One of the unique aspects of teaching at ISG, particularly at the Dhahran campus, is the connection to the Saudi Aramco community. The Aramco residential compound in Dhahran is one of the most well-established expatriate communities in the Middle East, offering a comfortable and socially active lifestyle within a secure, gated environment. Compound residents have access to swimming pools, tennis courts, a golf course, libraries, cinemas, restaurants, and organised social events.

Living on or near the compound provides a degree of cultural buffer that can be helpful for teachers who are new to Saudi Arabia. The compound community is international and welcoming, with families from dozens of countries. However, ISG teachers are also encouraged to explore the wider Saudi community and to take advantage of the cultural experiences that the Eastern Province offers.

Saudi Arabia has undergone rapid social and cultural transformation in recent years, driven by the Vision 2030 reform programme. Entertainment options, dining, and cultural events have expanded dramatically, and the quality of life for expatriates has improved significantly. The Eastern Province offers access to beautiful beaches, historical sites such as Tarout Island, and easy access to Bahrain for weekend trips.

Hiring Process at ISG

ISG recruits through Search Associates, the school’s own careers portal, and occasionally through other agencies and job fairs. The recruitment cycle typically begins in October and runs through to March, with most positions filled by January or February.

• Application: Submit your profile through Search Associates or directly through the ISG website
• Screening: The recruitment team reviews applications and contacts shortlisted candidates
• Interview: Video interviews with the relevant principal and department leaders
• References: Thorough reference checks with current and previous employers
• Offer: Formal offer with detailed contract and benefits information
• Onboarding: Comprehensive pre-arrival support, including visa processing, document attestation, and orientation materials

ISG values candidates with experience in American and IB curricula, a commitment to student-centred learning, and a willingness to engage fully with the school community. Experience in international schools and cultural sensitivity are also important factors in the selection process.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to teach at ISG Saudi Arabia?

ISG requires a bachelor’s degree in your teaching subject plus a recognised teaching certification (such as a state teaching licence for US-trained teachers, or a PGCE/QTS for UK-trained teachers). Most positions require at least two years of full-time teaching experience. IB training or certification is preferred but not always required, as the school provides funded IB training for new staff.

Is the salary at ISG Saudi Arabia tax-free?

Yes, Saudi Arabia does not levy personal income tax, so your ISG salary is entirely tax-free. Combined with the comprehensive benefits package (housing, flights, medical, tuition), this makes ISG one of the most financially attractive teaching positions in the Middle East. However, US citizens should note that they are required to file US tax returns regardless of where they live and may owe US taxes depending on their income level.

What is it like living in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia?

The Eastern Province is a diverse and dynamic region with a large expatriate community. Dhahran, Dammam, and Khobar form a metropolitan area with modern shopping centres, restaurants, beaches, and recreational facilities. The Aramco compound in Dhahran offers a unique and comfortable living environment. The King Fahd Causeway connects the area to Bahrain, providing easy access to additional entertainment and leisure options. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms have brought significant social changes, including cinemas, concerts, and expanded rights for women. For a comprehensive overview, see our Saudi Arabia teaching jobs guide.

Does ISG provide housing for teachers?

Yes, ISG provides either furnished accommodation (particularly at the Dhahran campus, where compound living may be available) or a generous housing allowance. The housing benefit is one of the most attractive aspects of the ISG package, as it significantly reduces living costs and allows teachers to save a large portion of their salary.

How does ISG compare to other international schools in Saudi Arabia?

ISG is widely considered one of the top international schools in Saudi Arabia, alongside schools such as the American International School of Riyadh (AIS-R) and the British International School of Jeddah (BISJ). ISG’s salary and benefits package is among the most generous in the country, and its connection to the Aramco community provides unique lifestyle advantages. The school’s strong academic programme, experienced faculty, and supportive leadership make it a top choice for teachers considering Saudi Arabia. For other options, see our guide to Maarif Education in Saudi Arabia.

Can single teachers or female teachers work at ISG?

Absolutely. ISG welcomes teachers of all backgrounds, and the school has a diverse, international faculty. Saudi Arabia’s social reforms have significantly expanded opportunities and freedoms for women, including the right to drive, access to entertainment, and relaxation of guardianship requirements. Female teachers at ISG report feeling safe and supported, both on the Aramco compound and in the wider community. Single teachers also thrive at ISG, with an active social scene within the expatriate community.