Job Discussion Forums

[Jetgirly]

As a world-renowned expert on losing my virginity, I can say with great assurance that "menstrual bleeding" has absolutely nothing to do with the state of the hymen.

[carnac]

Aha! Now I understand! You are telling us there is a connection between loss of virginity and menstruation. Well, that certainly explains a lot. Thanks very much. Let's see: The virgin has sex on her wedding night and in an abundance of joy immediately begins to menstruate! Wow! Is this about right?
Thanks for the enlightenment, Doctor. Have you personally tested this hypothesis, or can you direct me to the literature on this phenomenon?
Admit it: you got it wrong. No problem; that's why pencils have erasers, no? (Someone in another thread suggested more kindness, so I'm trying.)

[Alcazars]

Hey Basil

I'm no expert on Algeria, but in case you haven't checked these sites already, here are links to Algerian newspapers and other sites. Also, just a note that more than 99% of those killed in Algeria have been algerian, not foreigners. It's not because the media overkill the news of one abduction of foreigners that we should think that it happens all the time. The main problem may be that as a foreign worker there you won't be as free of your movements as you might want.

Hope you're still checking the answers to your question...

http://www.elwatan.com/
http://www.lematin-dz.net/accueil/
http://www.algeriafocus.com/
http://www.marweb.com/presse/
http://www.algeriadaily.com/

cultural, political, human rights... info:
http://www.tamurth.net
http://www.algeria-watch.de (also in French)

[Luder]

I work for a guy here in France who sends trainers to Algiers (financial English, international accounting standards, that sort of thing). He asked me if I wanted to go. I didn't, but if I hadn't had other commitments I probably would have.

That said, one of his trainers was really happy to come back to France after the weeks in Algeria: he said he was tired of being watched over (apparently by people interested in seeing nothing untoward befell him and in keeping Algeria's reputation as a haven for itinerant English teachers from being unfairly besmirched by the ill-informed).

[mc001]

As someone who actually works in Algeria, I would say that there are a lot of misguided people out there. In my view it is as safe as most countries in the world and is very appealing to people who are fed up of being harrassed for your money by shop keepers and in markets.

Life here is fairly relaxed with a typical mediterian pace of life.

As a country Algeria is very short of high quality EFL language teachers and those who come here do well for themselves. I would not disuade anyone from coming here especially if you have lived in another arabic country and are familiar with the muslim lifestyle.

[ElizabethBennett]

Anyone know about the Algerian Learning Centres, currently advertising? Or any update since the previous posts about teaching English in Algeria? Is $650 per month enough to live on there, with the accommodation covered?

[mc001]

I left Algeria earlier this year after 2.5 very happy years in the country teaching TEFL for a rival company.

$650 including accommodation is OK but not exceptional considering travelling back to the UK will be 1 months salary. You can live there OK with this but make sure that accommodation is to your liking. I have heard of people leaving Algeria after learning of accomodation sharing with many others and had not been told about it earlier.

Also ensure that you are fully insured, that the salary is net of tax, not gross, and that you will be given a full work permit to work legally in the country.

Please do not think that I am trying to put you off as it is a magnificent country and I found it one of the most rewarding jobs that I ever did. People are very eager to learn and will give you lots of valuable experience especially if this is your first tasta of teaching abroad.

Good luck and have fun

[ElizabethBennett]

Thanks Mc001 I didn't think anyone would reply! That is great you had such a positive experience. Useful info. thanks. Did you know of any women expats there and what it was like for them?

[Twelvetongue]

[casaoui]

mc001, I was wondering if you could give us more info on life in Algeria and the security situation. I know quite a few French people now visit the country and I would love to see Algiers and Oran. I lived in Morocco for 10 months in 1999/2000 but the border was closed.

Shukran.

[mc001]

hi casaoui

i don't know if you plan to visit as a tourist or work in Algeria. My advice if you want to just see the country as a tourist is to visit the south/ Sahara. The coast is very beautiful but there are no hotels of a high standard. The only 4/5star hotels are in Algiers or Oran, which are expensive as they are full of businessmen. Otherwise state hotels are in most cities but facilities are somewhat limited.

Algeria has an abundance of oil and gas and therefore do not need foreign currency from tourists. Also their facilities for foreign tourists is incredibly limited. There is not a lot to do in the evenings except cafes, restaurants and the occasional bar/club. You would also need an invitation from someone there already for a visa to visit the country.

Security is good. You will see a lot of police with guns and this gives the population some security after the years of terrorism. I would reccomend that you do not go out alone as very few people speak English to help you out.

The best thing is to find a contact in Algeria and get invited by them. They will show you all of the best places to visit.
Have a nice time

[casaoui]

Thanks for the prompt reply. I would be visiting purely as a tourist. I speak French and very basic Arabic so communication would not be too much of a problem.