Job Discussion Forums

drks91 · Joined: 14 Jun 2009 Posts: 8

Hey everyone, i'm new to these boards.
I worked as an English teacher in Addis Ababa the 2007/08 school year.
If anyone has any questions about working there please feel free to message me.

pinkextra · Joined: 02 Jan 2005 Posts: 13

Hello,

Unfortunately I have not posted enough on this forum to send out personal messages.

I would like to learn more about your recent experiences in Addis. I have considered working there at one point.

What school did you work for? How was the average climate? Would you consider Addis an inexpensive city? Did you find the locals friendly?

Any other helpful advice is appreciated!

drks91 · Joined: 14 Jun 2009 Posts: 8

Hey, I appreciate your post. I too cannot send pms because I haven't met the quota. I would rather discuss specific names of schools and other specific things via pm, so I will keep your query on record.

In general, Ethiopia is a great experience if you're up for a big challenge and a lot of surprises. Depending on what school you work for, they usually arrange housing for you and if you make a "foreigner's" salary which is usually double what the locals make, it's more than enough for what you would need to do to get by in the city. You really can't expect to work there to make money. The Birr to US Dollar ratio is about 10:1.

Ethiopia really depends on what you want out of the experience. Many leave feeling jaded, many feeling rewarded. It's all what you make of it and the effort you put in to blend with the locals and forge solid friendships. There are some very sweet and kind people there, especially those I worked for.
However, there can be some mild anti-foreign sentiment in that country which can get discouraging. With that, it's up to you rise above it and develop an attitude which will help you get through.

All in all, I absolutely loved it there because of the challenges, and I miss that country deeply.

Hope that provided you with a general understanding. I would love to talk about specific examples but I would rather do that through PM.

pinkextra · Joined: 02 Jan 2005 Posts: 13

Hey,

Thanks for your reply!

I would like to dialogue with you as I do have specific questions.

You can reach me at:

dbete123 (at) aol (dot) com

I look forward to hearing from you.

PINK

drks91 · Joined: 14 Jun 2009 Posts: 8

Glad I could help you! =)

eclectic · Joined: 09 Nov 2006 Posts: 1122

know anything about the armenian community in Addis?