Job Discussion Forums

[Augustus]

hello

I'm hoping to apply for the British Councils trainee teacher scheme in Egypt. The role profile is sparse and I am wondering what is it their actually looking for in a candidate?

The two specs are:

1. Making it happen - which I am interpreting to be re motivation, enthusiasm, problem solving skills and enhancing and enabling others.

2. Working together - to be looking for team working skills/getting along with others

I am struggling to find more for either.

Then there are and my interpretation of the type of thing they are looking for

Being accountable - keeping accurate records, taking responsibility??
Shaping the future - willing to take seminars/offer time and energY in furthering teaching materials/practises.
Connecting with others - building relationships
Creating shared purpose - understanding their philosophy and adhering to it.

As you can guess I haven't completed many corporate organisation type application forms and I am a bit baffled as to what they are looking for.

Also possibly not the correct place but to anyone who may have dealings with BC can you tell me where I might find the "Trainee Teacher Salary Scale" as I can't find it. There is also no information re holidays etc (i.e UK christmas etc).

Has anyone been on this scheme? It looks a grand thing to be involved in as NQT and I would imagine that after 2 years with them you can move onto where ever you wish....

Also is Egypt expensive? Is this a decent salary i.e will I be able to survive/live like a king?

What is the British Council like to work for?

Thanks

Aug

[spiral78]

[AGoodStory]

Hello, Augustus,

From what I've read of your past threads, the BC teacher trainee program seems like a very good fit for you. You might want to pose questions about life in Egypt, such as cost of living, etc., on the Egypt Forum below, where there is already a fair amount of inormation, as well as some friendly, helpful people. As I recall, this BC program has had some favorable mention, but, again, you will want to ask those with direct experience. Also read up on current conditions in Egypt, and take that info into account.

Generally speaking, the British Council is highly regarded as an employer, for teacher support, professional development, networking, and resume-building. But there are some less favorable opinions out there--and like any large network, there will be big differences from one location to another. I've never worked for BC, so I'm not the best person to offer a meaningful opinion. But I have worked with former BC teachers, most of whom had soome complaints, but nonetheless spoke of them positively overall.

Good luck with your application!

[nomad soul]

[santi84]

Augustus,

Even tourists don't live like kings in Egypt Egypt is very affordable if you can adopt local habits (and not pay 25 pounds for a bag of chips).

[kpjf]

Numbeo - Cairo

Not being funny but I've heard of people going to Egypt for their holidays and having "stomach problems" due to the food :p. I'd consider this well, 2 years is quite a long time if you get there and hate Egypt.

I have just looked on google and the first result shows a British Council trainee Teacher job in Cairo from 2011. It says

[Augustus]

Hello

Thanks for all the responses.

I am researching Egypt as we speak!

I did go onto look at the Egypt forum too, my post ended up rambling a little .... I was really seeking info on completing the application as there isn't much in the way of person spec.

Thanks

[santi84]

I always thought Egyptian food was the best in the world but I was also the only westerner who didn't end up over the toilet at least once.