Job Discussion Forums

[Cairoteach]

Honestly, I wouldn't come here with a family now unless the offer included good housing and good school allowances (if needed). Also, ask about insurance/coverage for evacuation. Even then, I'd do it only if I had no other employment options. Perhaps in a few years things may be calmer.

I think the expat families who are best handling the anxiety of the current situation, are the ones that have been here for over five or so years.

Best of luck.

[veiledsentiments]

AUC has always offered very good housing and all other benefits.

But the events of the last couple days are very alarming. Bringing a family is seeming more risky.

VS

[Captain_Fil]

[sahara musafir]

I appreciate the comments, especially from people in Cairo and people in contact with friends in Cairo. From what I've read, we would have the option of living in a place called El Rehab with our kids going to school there also. I have Egyptian friends where I am working now who came back from their summer holidays telling me all is well, but they are locals, not expats. They are also very alarmed by the recent events there and may be changing their advice to me soon. Any job offer I may receive won't come until the early spring and by then it will be clearer which direction things are heading in Egypt. I think I will apply for the job and then continue to monitor the situation for the next several months.

[veiledsentiments]

The elections coming up soon may or may not help stabilize things. El Rehab is far from the areas of unrest, but... time will tell.

VS

[Captain_Fil]

[veiledsentiments]

There are various levels of instability in many of the countries we TEFL gypsies teach in... and often it has little effect on us. AUC is well known for taking care of its people, and they would be the best source when the time comes for our OP to make his decision.

VS

[Captain_Fil]

I believe the instability has gotten worse (especially, in the Middle East).

AUC may not be able handle such instability and protect its employees.

ESL teachers must protect themselves.

Just my veiled sentiments...

CF

[naturegirl321]

I'm looking at applying to the AUC. Does anyone know what the salary and benefit package is?

[veiledsentiments]

It is very competitive getting a job there... or was before the current "situation." At the moment, I don't think I would venture in there with a new baby. Perhaps in a year or two when we see things how shake out. (if I recall correctly, that is the time that you are looking at? it is a "watch this space" situation)

The pay/benefit package is competitive to the Gulf pay with a good CV and experience. They direct deposit the dollar part of your pay in your US account and you get the Egyptian Pound pay in a local account for local expenses. Good furnished housing provided. One extra benefit for Americans is that you get an actual W-2 and SS is deducted/paid for you.

VS

[naturegirl321]

[brownj1594]

Could either one of you who have received the AUC fellowship tell me what kind of experience you had when applying? Degree title, certifications, where you taught and for how long? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm applying the the masters program in tefl for AUC and i just want an idea of how much experience i need to be eligible for the fellowship.

Thanks,
Jaime

[veiledsentiments]

I do believe that their current requirements are listed on the website. But, the reality is that it all depends on who applies at the same time with you. They take those that are the closest to what they want.

Most of those chosen seemed to be older... in my year, most of us Americans were over 35 or so. I was the least experienced. Most of them had been teaching EFL overseas for years. I had a BSc in Secondary ED (English/Business) that was nearly 15 years old when I applied and I had never taught since my two months required practice teaching. I had been volunteering at the neighborhood Adult Ed center in an ESL class for less than a year, but that was it.

I was actually the first alternate. But, after talking with every AUC person that I could find at TESOL that year in NYC, they decided to add me as an extra Fellow.

VS

[brownj1594]

Thank you for your reply! I'm pretty young, and just starting out. I know I have a ways to go, but I'm pretty driven and don't mind putting in the long and tedious work to reach my goals.