Job Discussion Forums

[jpyaks]

I have read the Teaching in Egypt- A Primer post as well as a bunch of other posts in this forum, but I still had a few questions.

I am a 23 years old and just graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and Islamic Studies right now I am looking to teach English to some degree in Egypt. From what I understand the peak hiring season seems to be late summer to fill vacancies for the upcoming school year. What exactly should I do to prepare for this period to optimize my chances for getting hired in some capacity.

I know that I need to get certified and according to many on this site the CELTA program in Alexandria is the top of the line in that regard however money may be a problem if I decide to go that route, I may not be able to afford the 1500 USD or so plus paying for 4 weeks of living in Egypt on top of whatever it takes to find a job. Would I lose out on significant employment opportunities if I took a reputable course back in the states and then traveled over?

Once I am in Egypt how long should I plan to be there before I can reasonably expect to get a decent offer? Will I even be able to get a decent offer with my lack of teaching English abroad or will that not be a huge deal if I am certified and in country?

I have a decent background in Arabic (MSA) but I would like to expand on this if I take a teaching job will I get enough interaction in a day to day sense to do this or do you think I would need to look into classes and a more structured setting?

Thanks in advance for any help.

JP

[veiledsentiments]

First of all, the CELTA is given by the British Council in Cairo. That is the one that you want to take if you want to get a decent offer of employment. Your lack of experience and minimal credentials will mean that you will barely make ends meet without some hustle on your part to round up both work and private lessons to supplement your income. It is doable, but be sure to have some money available through an ATM card for emergencies and to get you through the first few months.

Do a search of nstick13 's posts as he was in a similar position to you. I don't believe that he is monitoring the board now, but I will try sending him an email to see if I can find him. (go to search button above and choose "search for author" and choose Egypt branch)

As far as getting practice in your Arabic, you will get as much daily practice and interaction as you want... from your taxi driver to the people in the shops and on the streets. Egyptians are very used to dealing with Arabic learners. Of course, most of them will be using the local dialect, but it should still be a fun experience.

VS

[nstick13]

I agree and disagree with VS's post.

Largely, as with any job, it's not about what you know but who you know.

The CELTA is invaluable, and many things you take from it will be lifetime ideas and skills you'll apply to any job. Not to mention it definitely improves your writing. It also is recognized worldwide, and is getting me more money in my next job in South Korea (it will pay for itself in the one year I'll be in S. Korea.)

As justcolleen will say, too, there's not a lot of Adult ESL work. With some decent connections, you'll definitely be able to find a private school job at an American school. I made a friend who studied Environmental Sciences at a school in Maine (I think) and was teaching 9th grade geography here. Be prepared for that, as it's more likely than ESL.

The other thing with the private schools is that most are not in the downtown-ish area of Cairo. They're in 6th of October City (Western Suburb), Maadi, (south) or New Cairo (where AUC now is to the West) and even Nasr City/Heliopolis.

You will likely NOT be able to land one of these jobs from abroad without education qualifications, providing the housing perks, higher salary, etc. You still can be paid decent based on some hustle around here though, of course relative to your expenses (student loans, the like). My girlfriend took 6,000 LE as an "assistant" to a class of 8 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders, teaching English and some other classes. They picked her up (on the kids' bus every day) in Dokki and drove her to school in 6th October, and then returned her.

If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an e-mail. I'm traveling this week, so I may not quickly reply, but eventually will get back. I can put you in touch with the CELTA people. That will cost 10,000 LE, but they do a top-notch course here. My e-mail is nathan dot stickney at gmail dot com.

Cheers!
NSS

[doner]

The CELTA is invaluable worldwide as it enables you to get a low paid dead end job.

[jdl]

Holding on to anger, resentment and hurt only gives you tense muscles, a headache and a sore jaw from clenching your teeth. Forgiveness gives you back the laughter and the lightness in your life.
Joan Lunden, in Healthy Living Magazine

[jpyaks]

Thanks for the responses everyone. Seems like my best bet is CELTA so I am going to start looking into that to start then I will have to go to from there.

[veiledsentiments]

It is possible to do the CELTA in the US, so you might check around and see if it is cheaper and/or in a location that would be convenient. But, doing it in Cairo gives you time and contacts to start looking for work.

VS

[jpyaks]

I checked the US and the closest to me is NY (I am in D.C.) so I think my best bet is to do it in Cairo so I can start making contacts and getting acclimated. Its also cheaper in Cairo so thats another plus. Thanks for all the help.