Job Discussion Forums

[Cesca]

Hiya,

I have read a lot of positive stuff about GYA on this forum, but I have also heard some not so encouraging things from people who have worked there - like 6 out of 8 foreign teachers broke their contracts and left within their first two months. Not sure why though...

Just wondering if anyone who has personal experience of GYA, especially anyone currently teaching there, can offer advice to a newly qualified teacher thinking about heading to Ethiopia...

Also, any info/advice on other schools in Addis appreciated.

Thanks!

[Legolarse]

Soz, I can't help but I too would like to know more about the school.

I enquired about teaching there but they said they wanted someone for a minimum of 10 months and I don't want to commit to that long for my first job, esp. since I've never even been to Africa before. Judging by the email I got from them, they seem to get a lot of people dropping out way before the end of the contract, leaving students and staff in the lurch.

Trouble is, there don't seem to be many other places in Ethiopia advertising for Eng teachers. Any recommendations?

[Cesca]

Sorry legolarse, I don't know of any others either but am trying to find out!

Yeah, I got the same feeling too when I contacted GYA - they REALLY stressed that they want you to stay for the ten months...which gives the impression....

[laura1d]

Hi There,

I was offered a job starting with GYA. For a variety of reasons I decided not to take the job. I am gutted because to teach in Africa is my dream but....

Anyhow, the one person that gave valuable, unbiased, DECENT advice was danmews - on this web site.

She was extremely helpful both about Addis Ababa and GYA. She did not slate the school or the city - rather she provided good advice and knowledge.

I don't know if she is reading this but if so... can you help these guys?

If you do go to GYA then I hope you have a great time - I am jealous!
One of the big reasons I am not going is money - I have been working in Thailand for 2 1/2 years now and although by local standards the money is good - it is not enough to set up somewhere like Ethipoia that is so expensive to fly to...

Maybe in the future!

Anyhow, good luck guys
Laura

[Mchristophermsw]

Want to teach in ethiopia?

Check out the IFESH program

Ifesh.org

Goodluck!

Also, has anyone taught through them that could give an honest assessment? Would love to hear your opinions.

[Legolarse]

According to the website, IFESH has an application deadine of 28 February, is only open for American teachers with three years of experience, and requires a commitment of at least a year.

Apart from that, it seems OK.

[hardingl]

Ethiopia and education are 2 of my favourite topics. I have been involved in both for a large portion of my adult life.

I have just returned from Ethiopia and met with the Head of GYA re volunteer teaching. I think the school offers a good opportunity for teaching and runs in a relatively western (American) manner ie strong administration, teacher support, and advanced curriculums. However, the 3 schools are ultimately run by 1 person who is very involved at every level, works very hard herself and has high expectations of staff.

I visited the houses and found them to be very good and clean. I would happily live there and infact feel it offer more than many hotels!

The volunteer teachers need to pay their airfares and innitial visa plus medical insurance if you want it. The school covers accommodation which is shared with up to 5 other volunteer teachers (own room, share bathroom with hot water, electricity, fully fitted kitchen, furnature and facilities, including maid, satellite tv and computer with internet), long term visa, and a small allowance that is sufficent to live on.

If you seriously consider teaching at GYA cannot stress more the following facts -
1. it is not a school for poor children, rather the working class and middle class children with a few wealthy and a few poor children (sponsored). However, by providing the children with high level education, particularly English increases the number or 'ordinary' people who can attent university and take an active role in rebuilding Ethiopia.

2. you must be commited to teaching children first and foremost which means 10 month commitment to GYA and providing a positive and appropriate role model for the children. The Head of the school is Muslem and while the school opperates non-religiously cthere are a large number of muslem students and certain princliples remain.

3. GYA are schools in a 3rd world country and as such there are some teaching practices that are not the same, with more regimentation, less time allocated to creativity, immagination and play activities. However, there is also less agressive punishment with the main punishment used being 'on play at lunch time' rather standing facing the wall with hands raised. Even this is not enforced militantly.

I hope this has not been too daunting as I think that anyone with a commitment to teaching children and a desire to see another culture and country would enjoy their term at GYA. You do not need to be a hardened adventurer as Addis is city with many modern converiences, churches, hotels, restaurants, theatres, supermarkets, night clubs etc.

I do hope this helps

Leith

[hardingl]

Helen wrote in the topic "GYA, Ethiopia" dated 16th Feb 2005 reply by Afrogirl

Helen was working at the school for the past year.

One of the reasons why the 10 month commitment is stressed is because there have been teachers who have really wanted to travel rather than teach so have not fully committed to teaching for the duration.

Teachers know how disruptive this is for kids - to have their teacher leave part way through their studies.

Leith