Last night, your husband came back from work and announced you that his company offered him a job as an expat in Tehran. What were your first feelings? “ Tehran, oh my god!!! I will have to wear a scarf?” “Our little daughter will have to wear a scarf in Iran??”, “Will I be able to drive???” “I have to quit my job and my life to go to an Islamic republic? “, “Is there anything to do in Tehran?”
We must admit that Tehran is not the most attractive city in the world today for occidental women, as you will have some rules to respect. Of course, even as an expatriate women, you will have to wear a “Manteau” and a scarf on your head as soon as you will go outside a private place (street, shop, restaurant, car…). This “Manteau” will have to cover you harms, you legs up to the knees.
Iranian girls are supposed to wear a “Manteau” and a scarf from 9 year’s old, but most of the time the rules is respected as soon as the girls are becoming a young women. For foreigners, the rules are supposed to be the same, but Iranians will appreciate your efforts, and won’t bother you if your 12-year’s old girl is not wearing the Uniforms.
From Europe, Iran is very often assimilated to Saudi Arabia. But it is very different. Women drive, women work, women are respected, and I would even say that most of the Iranian women manage their family. As an expatriate woman, (if your company allows you) you will be able to drive, but I’m sure you will appreciate to have a driver in this mega-city stocked in the traffic.
If you manage to find a company, which is, agrees to sponsor your working visa, then you will be allowed to work in Iran. Before you start looking for a job, be aware that Iranians are very high educated, foreigners worker highly taxed, farsi most of the time required, and weekend for most of the companies is Thursday and Friday, but Friday and Saturday for international schools.
