Job Discussion Forums

[Mr. English]

Has anyone ever taught in Djibouti, or have information that is better than third hand about teaching in Djibouti?

[cartago]

Yes, were you offered a job here? The problem with Djibouti is that it is rather expensive because everything has to be imported. However it's still a really poor undeveloped country with all of the problems associated with that, Poor people hassling you in the street, sporadic water service, etc. The climate is also terrible, it's right on the coast so it's extremely hot. Of course you expect hot with Africa but neighboring countries like Ethiopia and Eritrea have much nicer climates. There's also surprisingly little to do other than sleazy nightclubs.

[Mr. English]

Hi cartage, and thanks for answering. Climate I can find myself on the internet, and having been around the world a few times I am not in need of basic information about what goes on on the street in poor countries, thank you. Sleazy nightclubs are not so uncommon on planet earth, and opportunities in Ethiopia and Eritrea are what they are; I am enquiring about Djibouti. As to expecting "hot with Africa", clearly you have not been to all of Africa; try South African uplands in the southern hemisphere winter or the highlands of Kenya in July or August. You say "yes", so you have worked there? Can you say anything other than the fact that there are sleazy nightclubs? What are the job opportunities if any? How do the wages compare to the cost of living?

[cartago]

Yes I have worked in Djibouti. Since you're so well-traveled I'm sure you can find the information yourself.

[Mr. English]

Has anyone else worked there and noticed anything at all other than the weather and the sleazy bars?

[cartago]

In my original post I mentioned a lot more than that and I only mentioned sleazy bars in the context of there not being much other entertainment. The country doesn't even have a cinema or any parks. I declined to give more information because you didn't even read my original post properly and just made condescending comments.

[danmbob]

I taught at the university of djibouti in 2010/11. The salary was $1500 /month for an MA. I taught 24 hrs per week mostly pronunciation and conversation. Most classes around 100 students. No curriculum but esl textbooks for the teacher were available though none for the students. If you teach in the continuing ed program you can make a bit extra. Also I knew a Kenyan teacher who taught at the Alliance Francaise. You could also do private lessons for bigwigs if you can get introduced.No flight help no rent help though they did find me an apt. I was told I was the first Western english teacher to be hired at the university. Knowing French beforehand is a good idea. My contract was in French as well as virtually everything else in the country.

[Mr. English]

Thanks for the information. How much is rent for a halfway decent apartment, and generally how did you do on the salary?

[danmbob]

I rented a studio near the Palais de People, it was $340 though there were things a bit nicer for a little more money. I ate lots of street food, took French classes, and went on a few excursions with some other expats. There's several western style grocery stores and even a liquor store. You're not going to get rich but I lived on it and I was even paying back student loans!

The Faculty was pretty diverse with profs from around Africa. When I was there, there were people from Kenya, Senegal, Burkina Faso, France, and Libya and I'm sure there were others I didn't know about. Let me know if you have other questions

[t_murakami]

I was there working for US Navy. Actually a growing base w/ a small pool, fighter jets ...nice US food if you manage to ever get invited. Surprisingly small Japanese Base & good sized french base all in South end of town.
French friends complained lots about price of cheese, yogurt, meat... As someone said all is imported ! Soil has high salt content so growing is tough.
HOT, Hot ! but friends also kept their A/C crazy low due to hi costs (an issue for many)
Depends on salary, I'd say, if it is affordable or not ...also crazy stuff like you must leave work to pay your monthly bills in person (well, in 2011, anyway)
Good side is "elite" natives, I found to be polite and alright folks. Reasonable scuba trips most of year/ snorkeling, coral. ..Some never get used to all the panhandlers, but you learn to ignore it....Good Luck

[t_murakami]

Just read that above comment. If you don't speak French is harder to make friends and do everything. Actually some quality restaurants like le Poivrier and 4 star hotel, Kempinski for coffee.drinks/dinner. Really fun Ethiopian "dinner/show at Etoile Kokeb. If you are good at haggling, the open markets will be fun (scarves, carvings) The " epouses emia djibouti blog" good source on fun there. LoL ! French Army Wives. Some don't care for them but they know all about what's cheapest & fun to do & their kids like to try their english....

[El Hobo]

[Mr. English]

Being 61 years old and having outstanding interview skills I am not in need of a wish for "good luck" from you.

[El Hobo]

[MuscatGary]

Sleazy nightclubs? How do I get a job there?