Job Discussion Forums

garyanello · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 6 Location: Merate, IT

I was wondering if anyone can give me a ballpark figure of what I might expect to make as a full-time ESL teacher in Cairo.

The range seems to be pretty wide and I know that in some cases the pay is pretty small, which is fine with me. The last thing I want to do when I apply for a job is price myself right out of consideration. By the same token, I surely don't want to let a school hire me for nothing.

Any help? Thanks, folks. And Happy New Year!

Gary

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Well,

If you have done any reading on this section of the board, you should know that the answer to your question is that not knowing anything about your education or experience, we would have no idea. It could be anything from starvation wages to very good money indeed. I suspect that since you didn't give us any information, that your pay would be at the lowest end of that scale.

Salaries have been discussed in this section quite a few times, you might even find an answer if you tried a search.

VS

garyanello · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 6 Location: Merate, IT

Thanks, VS...

I had skimmed through these posts and read several posts from you saying the same thing to others and quite a bit from other teachers about "decent" pay or "not a lot" or of the loved-it-but-couldn't-aford-it variety, but few hard numbers. I did see a post in the Journal regarding the pay but it was not very recent and I wanted to know whether things had changed. I was hoping to get something more specific that I could tell schools when they ask my desired salary.

As for my qualifications, suspect no more: Wink

I have a BA, a CELTA and some experience, so I doubt it would be at the low-end (I would hope not anyway.).

In any case, the search continues. Be well and again, all the best in 2005 to everyone.

Gary

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Gary,

The reality is that it is pretty hard to answer the question. First off, I have never had an employer ask me what I wanted or expected. Once they have seen the CV, they told you what your pay would be. In language schools, you may have some room for negotiation, but I have never job searched at this level. The only decent wages go to those with MAs and experience. Below that you're into bare subsistance wages for the most part. Egypt can be pretty cheap if you live like an Egyptian. But, it is not the place to go to if have bills back home or wish to save some money. It is a place you go for the experience and the fun of being in Egypt.

The other option that is available is private lessons. Once you have become established, you can support yourself quite well.

VS

garyanello · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 6 Location: Merate, IT

VS,

Thanks for the input. Yeah, it IS unusual for schools to ask about salary, but Sakkara and one or two others in Egypt seem to do it regularly..a little frustrating when you're trying to get there and you can't get any specifics on what's standard (if anything). It makes trying to gauge what to ask for a pain.

Anyway, thanks for the reply and for the info about private lessons. Good luck to you in 2005! Very Happy

Gary

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Gary,

I am assuming that you have read the various discussions of Sakkara through the past few years here. They have a suspiciously high turnover. Smile

But, their pay is not the lowest. I guess much depends on your personal ability to put up with the circumstances. It may be a job to get you into the country - and for the year of your contract, you can better get information on what places are better. One thing you might attempt to negotiate is to have part of your pay in US dollars... probably not, but worth a try.

BTW, if you are used to teaching children, there are even more possibilities for private lessons.

Good Luck to you too

VS