Job Discussion Forums

[sara.ede]

I'm getting so psyched about moving to Egypt!! I just emailed an Egyptian archaeologist friend of mine (who works with Zahi Hawass if either of you know who that is) and inquired about his opinion on the whole matter.

Just being goofy!

Sara

[Sekhmet]

Goofy is good........

When have you decided on then?? Look me up when you get here - my email is [email protected] and I'll try get some time out of my oh-so-busy schedule to show you round the city if you want!!

[veiledsentiments]

Sara,

You asked about money. I hope that you are not expecting to be paid in US dollars... and it is hard now to change your Egyptian Pounds into dollars if you are thinking of earning money to pay for your loans, that could be a problem.

So, I am assuming that you are just thinking in terms of tiding yourself over until you are earning enough to support yourself in Egypt? First off, if you get a round trip ticket over with an open return - a trip home is paid in case you have to come back for some reason. (so many rules have changed, but it used to be you could get one that was good for a year...) I wouldn't carry too much cash as there are ATMs (try to get a backup ATM card). Personally I would want a couple thousand as back up in my US account, but at my age, my luxury level is higher than you younguns.

Sekhmet, what do you think?

Actually I do know a couple of Egyptologists, but not your buddy, Zahi...

Connie

[Sekhmet]

Yeah, keeping enough money together is a problem. I would suggest that having a back-up of maybe a couple of thousand is a good thing - sometimes that just isn't possible though!! there are places where you can change dollars and travellers cheques, but the easiest way is with an ATM.

Don't expect to make too much money - only the universities and international schools make top dollar!! But it's still easy enough to save a bit each month from my wage (and my wage really IS pitiful - that's what comes of working for friends...)

Actually, wages for foreign teachers are not bad here. Granted, you won't be able to make as much as you could in some other countries, but it depends what you are coming for!!!

[sara.ede]

I knew i wasnt going to be making much money and thats why I wanted to know how much I should have in the bank before I come. I plan to have a years worth of student loan payment money, enough for a flight and, from what you two have said, a couple thousand dollars on top of that. I can do it.... I don't know if I can leave in May and do it, but it can definitely be done.

Thanks!
Sara

[Sekhmet]

To be honest, I came out here with not much more than $200 in the bank... I had nowhere to stay, but I did have a job and a housemate lined up. That works for me, but I know it doesn't work for everyone!! Thankfully I didn't have the student loan to worry about!!

Good luck, and keep us updated (my what a long thread this has developed into??!!)

[veiledsentiments]

Good planning Sara... as long as you have the student loans taken care of, you can do fine there!! How much extra you have over that depends on your comfort level. (and also whether you have family who would bail you out if a real emergency came up) You can live about as cheaply as you wish there as long as you don't require luxury.

Good Luck

VS

[sara.ede]

Well I do like a little luxury...

And thank you again, I'll keep you informed. I just got a long pro-Cairo email from an archaeologist. Granted he is a very biased Egyptologist. My greco-roman arch roots would definitely be happier in Alex.

[veiledsentiments]

Sara,

Just remember it is a 'third world' country. They have a very different idea of what is a luxury. For instance, many kitchens don't have hot water.

VS

[sara.ede]

I know, I lived in Kenya for a while and the middle class definitely heated their own water.

Sara