Job Discussion Forums

zzgal05 · Joined: 05 Dec 2005 Posts: 6 Location: KSA

Hi.

Just wondering if anyone could tell me how much the Masters program in TESOl is from AUC for a full-time student?

Is it very difficult to get the Fellowship?

Thanks.

zzgal

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 14901 Location: USA

Here are the link to the program:

http://www.aucegypt.edu/academic/gradstudies/fellowships/tefl.htm

Here is the link to the tuition:

http://www.aucegypt.edu/academic/gradstudies/financial.html

It's US$6750 per semester and I suspect that the quickest that you could do it would be 2 semesters plus a summer session - if you really overload and don't do the thesis. The Fellows take 4 semesters plus a summer session. Then you would need money for housing... and books would set you back a few hundred dollars a semester.

As you can see from the top site, applications are due by February 1 for the following September, so it is much too late for this year. Using glaring generalities here, but the average Fellow is an American... in his/her 30's... with a first degree in education... and Middle East teaching experience. That said, over the years... I know Brits who have got into the program... a few in their late 20's... a few pushing 50... and I got in with almost no teaching experience beyond my student teaching 15 years before my application. It all depends on that year's application pool...

You lose nothing by applying but a bit of your time... but it would be for September, 2008 at this point.

VS

theinquiringmind · Joined: 10 May 2007 Posts: 13

It is actually now $7250 a semester. I will be attending the program there this fall. Unfortunately, I can't tell you how hard it is to get a fellowship; I applied too late. I am going anyway; I couldn't stomach the thought of staying at my current job another year.

I had no trouble getting accepted; my only teaching experience is a class on World Civilization which I have been teaching at Florida International University for the last year and a half. I have a BA in Economics and am finishing a Masters in History. I also have taken numerous courses in creative writing.

While I have no formal teaching experience in teaching English, the class I teach is graded largely on how well essays are written; I probably spend more time grading essays on how well they are written than what they say. I assume AUC considered that enough of a background in teaching English.

But as VS says, it could also depend on the applicant pool each year; perhaps I wouldn't have been accepted had the applicant pool been much stronger or larger.

Anyway, I am going in a couple of months; if you want to ask what it is currently like, ask me then. I'm sure I'll have plenty to say. Very Happy

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 14901 Location: USA

theinquiringmind · Joined: 10 May 2007 Posts: 13

Thank you very much; I suspect I'll need all the luck I can get! Smile

I was wondering if you could tell me about the neighborhood AUC is in. Some things I've read make it sound interesting, while others seem to dismiss it as noisy and dirty. You were there; what do you think? Do you have any idea what a modest apartment in that area would rent for? (I'm WAY too old to live in a dorm).

I lived in NYC for a long time; a little noise and dirt aren't going to phase me that much. I like the idea of being right around the museum; I am working on a Masters thesis in History, and plan to include aspects of ancient Egyptian history in it. Living nearby would be very convenient.

Lastly, do you think doing the degree in 3 semesters should be possible without driving myself too hard? (Fall, Spring 2007, Fall 2008?)

stoth1972 · Posted: Fri Jun 22, 2007 7:37 pm Post subject:

If you visit this blog, this guy might be able to give you an idea of costs http://wanderingjordan.blogspot.com/ for renting a flat around AUC. I'm guessing, but I would say a small place (furnished) would run around 2000 LE. The real estate prices have gone through the roof in recent years. 5 years ago, you could find a decent 2 bedroom (not 'western decoration) from 1200 LE and higher. I think it's changed quite a bit recently. I'm sure you could find cheaper in a less convenient locaiton (or without things like AC, unfurnished, semi furnished, etc.). Being foreign adds a special tax to everything, including housing. Try emailing the guy on the blog, though. He's recently been flat hunting himself.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 14901 Location: USA

stoth1972 · Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2007 12:20 am Post subject:

It's true, OP. Most of Cairo is noisy and dirty. I think finding a place on a side street off the main road is a blessing, but also makes it harder to get a taxi. If you want quiet, there are still parts of Zamalek that less travelled...and very pricey. I'll be curious what Jordan the blogger has to say about the rent in his area. Please come back and share!

stoth1972 · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 12:17 am Post subject:

ZZgal05, check out this guy's reply to housing questions.

http://wanderingjordan.blogspot.com/2007/06/about-apartments.html

hiby · Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 4

Hi everyone! I am starting my MA in TEFL at the AUC next fall on a fellowship and I would like to know if anyone could give me any tips or advice about the courses and stuff.
Thanks guys