Job Discussion Forums

Africaexpert · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 109

I thought he was your alter-ego, Hod.

Henry_Cowell · Joined: 27 May 2005 Posts: 3352 Location: Berkeley

I think he's just a muck.

bflo · Joined: 30 May 2007 Posts: 4

Hello, I'm new to this forum, but have been reading the posts for quite some time. I have just been offered a teaching position for the upcoming year in Agadir at the ALC. Is anyone familiar with the ALC in Agadir or does anyone know someone who has taught there? I know that Agadir is a resort/tour package town, what is the cost of living like? I have been offered 7500 dh takehome per month. I know there's been some argument on the various message threads regarding what an adequate salary is in Morocco, but I'm pretty sure (unless the cost of living has increased dramatically since I was there in 2000?) I will be able to live on this (I don't mind living like a student). Any information anyone is willing to share would be very appreciated.

Africaexpert · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 109

You might want to pick up some tutoring on the side, but Agadir is a pretty small town where as long as you don't want to live like a tourist you should be able to get by fairly cheaply.
You might be able to get some gigs teaching at hotels.

bflo · Joined: 30 May 2007 Posts: 4

Thanks for your response, Africaexpert. Regarding the living like a tourist comment you made, on 7500 dh per month, will I be able to afford traveling within Morocco? While I don't mind living in the tourist town, I certainly don't want to be stuck there all the time!

Africaexpert · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 109

If you travel like a Moroccan you should be fine. By that I mean use the buses, grand taxis, etc. I bet you will probably pick up more work though. That $7,500 is for about 20/hours per week teaching time right?

TwinCentre · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 273 Location: Mokotow

7500 Dhm??????? In Agadir? I think that is a ridiculous salary. Please, I know Agadir from working visits when I lived in Morocco, that is a very poor salary for an expat, and, in my opinion, one would be silly to accept it. Try 20,000 Dhm, for an expensive tourist spot like Agadir.

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home

bflo · Joined: 30 May 2007 Posts: 4

Everyone's words are much appreciated. I am certain I'll be able to pick up some tutoring at hotels here and there. I've been to Morocco before and spent 3 months traveling via bus and it's doable, and I'm not looking to live in Morocco as if I am still living in the States. What, then, would be the point of being in Morocco? While 7500 dh is prob a rather low payscale, I don't have any experience, save for teaching as a graduate assistant and some teaching of creative writing to children. Not to mention, I've managed to live on the USD equivalent here in Buffalo!! I have a masters in anthropology, intermediate knowledge of arabic, some familiarity with moroccan arabic, and will be taking an ESL certification course in August; the director of the school offered me the job because she liked my tangential background (not because I have a ton of teaching experience), so I feel like I'm being given an opportunity that I don't want to pass up. I've accepted the position and I'm really excited! Thanks for your feedback!

steady · Joined: 10 May 2005 Posts: 72 Location: Morocco

But you didn't really want any feedback or advice, did you?

bflo · Joined: 30 May 2007 Posts: 4

Yes and no. I've been lurking on this forum for awhile and looking at all of the threads regarding Morocco, so I know people's responses to questions posed run the gamut. And, in the end, I'm going to make my own decision, and that's the story.

Africaexpert · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 109

Hod, don't be silly. You don't seriously expect him to be able to afford a car on $7,500 DH per month?
TwinCentre, of course he won't be living in hotels when he lives in Agadir. Longer term rentals are much cheaper than hotels for expats. I seriously doubt any ESL teacher in Agadir makes $20,000DH/month. Even the director probably doesn't.

I would think with his education he could have negotiated at least $10-12,000 DH/month. Certainly he would have been offered more had he been hired in Rabat or Casa.

TwinCentre · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 273 Location: Mokotow

Africa Wannabe....Have you worked in Agadir in any capacity? Anyone on much less than 20k, anywhere in Morocco must be 'doing if for the experience'. I mean, 20k IS only 1800/1900 Euros?

Another poster and I worked in Casa on just under that figure gross and around 18k net, if I remember well, as we were only taxed on the Morrocan part of our salary...allowed for a reasonable laugh, which one needs in a place like Casa, i.e. enough money to goto Spain every weekend.