Job Discussion Forums

Bamby · Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Posts: 40

I would love to teach in Africa, but there are no jobs to be found. We are they? Where are the jobs in Ghana, Burkina, Tanzania, Botswana, Uganda? Do anyone have any contacts or secret organizations that don't like to advertise?

anninhk · Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 284

You will find that most of the countries you mention need teachers rather than ESL teachers, as English is the medium of Education, unless like Bukina Faso they are Francophone.
If you are a teacher you could look on TES (Times Educational Supplement) website, as they advertise jobs in the international schools in those countries.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

You are about 30 years too late. The big boom in education happened after independence and now most jobs have been Africanised.

Bamby · Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Posts: 40

Bamby · Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Posts: 40

bjorn · Joined: 28 Nov 2007 Posts: 17

I think it means there's simply no money for them to pay you. If you dont mind working for very little someone posted an interesting thing on knocking on doors in Western Africa. The teaching positions I've found in those countries you've mentioned are usually at the international schools. They require you to have a few years of experience, on top of the required degrees and qualifications, but I'm sure they'd be lovely to work at.

bjorn · Joined: 28 Nov 2007 Posts: 17

At the risk of sounding obvious, what you do is google "international school of X", where X is the capital or major city of your prefered country. Find their website, look at their job openings, and apply. Mind you these are mostly jobs teaching maths, sciences, and whatnot, but on occasion one sees English Lit or even ESL pop up. Good luck!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Bamby,
Jobs in state schools in most African countries are reserved for nationals of that country. After independence from colonial rule, most African countries employed large numbers of foreign teachers - mainly from the ex-colonial power. They set up programmes of "Africanisation", where these foreign teachers were gradually replaced by citizens as they became trained.

These days all you are likely to find are volunteer placements, VSO/Peace Corps or jobs in the international schools.

How do I know ? Because I was part of the Overseas Service Aid Scheme in Zambia in the 1970's.

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

If you are genuinely interested in teaching in Africa and not so needy finacially then I would recommend seeking a volunteer position...
just be sure the organization is reputable as you should not have to pay for your expenses to volunteer. They should still pay for airfare and a stippend/ living allowance + accomodation.

I taught as a volunteer with the World University of Canada (WUSC) in conection with the Ministry of Education in Botswana, stationed in a small rural village for 3 years 1992 - 1994.

I was in debt up to my eyeballs at the time, but I didn't care; my desire to experience Africa was stronger. I also knew that I would pay off my debts later in life which I have done in Saudi Arabia!!!

Africa was an amazing experience; quite difficult in many ways, but the hardships were worth it.

An aside: The multitude of creepy crawlers (insects) seemed like they were 10 times the size that one would find else where; this was the common wildlife that I encountered on a daily basis...if you are afraid of spiders, scorpions, centipedes, ants, termites etc. Not to menbtion lizards and snakes too.
Be prepared to share them with your living space. Especially if you are in a rural village...I would be wary! LOL

Many of the vounteer organizations need teachers. However as stated above many do require teaching subjects other than just English.

canadashirleyblue · Joined: 06 May 2007 Posts: 162

Unity High School, Khartoum (of Teddy Bear fame) is recruiting. They pay 17000 uk a year plus flights and accomodation.

Echidna · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Posts: 13

Hi Bamby,

I'd suggest checking out the American organization IFESH (International Foundation for Education and Self Help). Although it is, strictly speaking, a volunteer organization, you will receive a stipend and wonderful support.

Several years ago, I was a teacher trainer for IFESH in Ethiopia, and I'm happy to say that it was one of the best experiences of my life.

Good luck!

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

Just to add, I know that IFESH has a presence here in Djibouti at the university. I work for the US government, but I've had the opportunity to meet a few of their people. I'm not aware of any teachers working for private companies here though.

Sadebugo
Djibouti, Horn of Africa
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/

Bamby · Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Posts: 40

Bamby · Joined: 13 Oct 2007 Posts: 40

4 wheel drive · Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 26

Hello Everybody,

If you are working in Morocco and appy for a card sejour and have the receipt and resign from your job to take a new one. What happens to the card sejour? Do you have to file for a new one?