Job Discussion Forums

[NMB]

I would like to hear from anyone currently teaching in Cairo. The Sakkara School has just posted an urgent need to teachers -- This may be a very bad sign. Is Egypt a hotbed of anit-American sentiment, with the beginnings of war? How is the pay at private language institutions, in general?

I intend to do some research, of course, but I would like to hear any personal perspectives. Incidentally, I am female.

Thank you in advance!

[Albulbul]

Egypt, together with Nigeria and the Yemen is a place I would seriously advise you to miss. Visit it with some money so you can cocoon yourself from the harsh reality of daily life. But do not go and work there on a local salary.

If you want to teach in an Arab and Islamic society, better to do it oin one of the GCC states. At least you will get a reasonbale pay there.

And incidentally, it is not only Americans who are at risk. Think of Bali.

[Chunderbuttocks]

I would concur with Albulbul. I haven't taught in Egypt but have been to Cairo and Sharm el Sheikh a few times. Female travellers can expect a relatively hard time. Sharm seems to be worse for groping and offensive remarks, but then again I don't imagine there is much of an EFL market there anyway.

[veiledsentiments]

I lived and taught in Cairo for a number of years and it is one of my favorite places in the world. As a single western 'blonde' I did not have that much of a problem with the men - mostly it is verbal harassment of the type familiar to anyone who has passed a Western construction site. Within a few weeks, you don't even hear their foolishness.

As to problems due to the current war, I have some friends still teaching there and so far, no problems. From what I can see, the terrorism problem is world wide now.

If you don't have an MA and can teach at a place like the American University or are not certified to be able to teach in the American School in Maadi, the pay is pretty low. There are some dependable language schools like the British Council, but the pay isn't great. Most of these teachers have to supplement with private lessons. That said... I lived very well on my private lesson income for a year - but it takes time and effort to build up a clientele.

As to the Sakkara School... In the last few years I haven't read one good thing about this place, but have seen a number of unhappy postings on this board. Did you check out the information journal? This place is always looking for teachers. I think I would give it a miss.

But, Cairo is a place that you will never forget if you go there to work and live. Many of the Western expats have been there for 20 years. It is one of those places that you either love it or hate it. I love it!!

[Al Waystryn]

I'm a blonde (sometimes) American woman and I've been working at a private language institute in Cairo since June and I love it! I can't believe all the negative press about Egypt...
I first came here last summer to teach for 3 months at our school's kid's summer school and that's when I decided I wanted to come back.
Now I'm planning to stay 2 more years!
I remember hearing lots of scary news reports on CNN about anti-American sentiment last spring before I came. I had lots of misgivings but kept in contact with the friends I made the previous summer who told me there was nothing to worry about - and they were right.
Our school teaches adults - mainly university students and company classes - and they're thrilled to have native speakers from the US, UK and Australia. Our biggest harrassment problem is turning down student's offers for dinners, feluca rides and other sightseeing trips!
The life for teachers here is great. I've worked in Korea and Portugal previously. We have a 4 day work week, mainly adults in the winter, kids in the summer. We take long weekends to the Red Sea to go scuba diving (I'm also a scuba instructor so I've been certifying all our English teachers) and travel around Egypt. There are more things to see than just the Pyramids in Giza (a short taxi ride from school)! And our salary, although not great, allows us to live quite comfortably.
Anyway, enough of my rambling... Egypt's cool. Don't believe CNN.
-B

[stoth1972]

Hi NMB:

TWo of my friends worked at Sakarra and survived the year well-enough. THe pay was below regular international school pay and many teachers never actually received their residency visa (which made them illegal) that allowed them to receive incredible discounts on domestic airfare and hotels. Saying that, while the school was unorganised, they made it through the year safely enough.

I lived in Cairo for 2 years and taught in The International SChool of Choueifat. THe money was decent (paid in American dollars) and while some things were kooky there, I generally got full support from admin in my classroom and in any personal situations. Bear in mind, I taught the little ones. The older students were known to be headaches.

While I felt the rise of anti-American sentiment, I still felt safe in Cairo. You will know when to avoid certain parts of the city (demonstration, etc.) but this rarely happens. Friends who are still there love Cairo and call it home. If Sakkara language school is advertising, it is most likely because of a poor administration and not because people are running home scared.

I recommend you take the advice from residents of Cairo and not the comments of those who have never worked there. It's a wonderful country and an incredible experience.

[Sekhmet]

Just out of interest, what is decent pay for ex-pats in Egypt?? I've been offered a job in Alex that I'd really like to take, but I'm a bit worried about the money... What kind of wage do you need to live even slightly comfortably?? I'm a newbie, so I'm trying to avoid getting too badly fleeced...

[stoth1972]

This is a tricky one....a select few schools pay in foreign currency. those salaries can start anywhere from $1800 month - $ 3000(the very best). The language schools, however, will not pay in foreign currency and you can expect a salary in the range of 3500 LE/mo. plus some sort of accommodation. can you live on this in egypt? yes, but not as comfortably as the rest. if you have no debt and enjoy the simple pleasures of cairo with an occasional trip to the red sea then this salary works. if you are a seasoned professional, then this salary may seem a bit low.

[Communist Smurf]

I spent 7 months in Cairo last year. It's cheap and getting cheaper. A tamiya (felafal) sandwich will run you around $0.15 and swarma about $0.50. McDonald's will cost you about $3 for a value meal. I was paying $50 per month for a room. It was even pretty nice. Put simple, it's VERY cheap there.

As far as the anti-American stuff, it's almost non-existant. The most dangerous thing you need to worry about is traffic, seriously. At first, crossing the street is a serious ordeal. Hmm... if you're Jewish you probably shouldn't go around telling everyone you meet though. I've never known any of my Jewish friends to get into trouble, but I have met a lot of anti-Jewish people including one cab driver that said Hitler was a good man (I'm certain he wasn't joking). As far as getting to know people, it's very easy. Being a foreigner, people treat you like something that wandered out of the museum.

[Sekhmet]

Thanx guys - mucho helpful...

[Stephen Jones]

I like Cairo, though it is hassle.

Get a job at an International School and you will do great, though the ones mentioned aren't anything to write home about.

[haleema]

Does anyone have info on the Port Said Schools in Cairo?