Abstract
This study explored the experiences of South African teachers who relocated to teach at schools in the Gulf region (Qatar, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait). Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used with 25 educational professionals. Research was guided by the Expectancy-Value Theory and Herzberg’s Motivational Theory in order to situate the findings. Participants revealed that the inability to earn a reasonable salary and lack of professional growth opportunities were two of the main reasons that they left South Africa. Education researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders will benefit from the understanding of how to effectively meet the needs of South African teachers in order to stop further brain drain after qualified teachers graduate; how to acknowledge the challenges of teaching in South Africa in university curricula; and how to encourage recent graduates to stay in South Africa in order to take advantage skills and education.
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