Job Discussion Forums

Deathalicious · Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Posts: 9

Hello,

I'm hoping to hear feedback from people who just recently took (i.e. last few years) the TEFL course in Alexandria.

I realize there have been some general comment on TEFL International in the past, but I'd like some more personal experiences and up-to-date info.

Specifically: what are the dorms like where students are placed? Are all of the students living in one dorm or are they spaced out? What opportunities exist in regards to social interaction?

What is the situation with Internet access? Does it make sense to bring a laptop with me?

How are they with job placement? Do they tend to find you jobs and, if so, are they real jobs or do they have arrangements to hook you up with bad, poorly paying schools that offer kickbacks to them?

Thanks so much. I was accepted into their February program but want to be sure they're a decent choice before sending in the deposit.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

There was some feedback by someone who just left pointing out that there were some major problems that semester with the departure of staff.

I hadn't heard anything about dorms. I believe it is shared flats. Expats in Egypt tend to be a social group, so I don't think that is a problem as long as you make an effort. I would take my laptop, but have low expectations of access (highly likely that it won't be in your flat unless you pay... and wait...) There are plenty of internet cafes.

Don't expect job placement. But, you will make contacts and can probably find work... or head to Cairo and have more choices. You will have to do 90% of the effort though. The pay will be minimal in all of them, but with the addition of private students, you can survive on the local economy and travel about Egypt. Don't expect to save anything or do much travel that requires an airline ticket. Laughing

VS

stoth1972 · Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 5:07 pm Post subject:

Definitely take the laptop, and if you have a portable printer, take that too! If you have a telephone in the accommodation provided, you can easily access dial up internet service at the cost of the normal phone call's minute rate. Good for research purposes. I would ask for a list of recommended readings before going so you can purchase some books beforehand.

madhouseminx · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 70 Location: I am here.

If you read my post "Cultural Extremes in Alex?" You will get most of your questions answered. Skip to the last page if you want.

As far as laptops go, they are useless in the "accomodation" since there are no phone lines at all that I recall. If there are, then access should be free albeit slow. I'm glad I brought mine though, because I brought a digital camera and put all of my pictures on my computer and I like to listen to my own music. The school has internet access and I would plug my own computer in there and send pictures...and as was said, there are internet cafes everywhere that are pretty inexpensive.

As far as a social life...there is no real expat scene. You're pretty much stuck hanging out with the people from your course or other people associated with the school. There is a place called "Coffee Rosterie" or something like that that has karaoke on Wednesday nights and that is a lot of fun. The Portugese Club has pool tables and a big screen t.v. but there is a cover charge. That's all I discovered while I was there.

The accomodation is essentially a hotel with kitchenettes. (see my post for more details) You may have to share with up to 2 other people, or you could get your own room if you are the only male / female.

-Mad

stoth1972 · Posted: Tue Nov 07, 2006 9:07 pm Post subject:

Madhouse, I see you ended up in Cairo. Where are you teaching? HOw's it going?

madhouseminx · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 70 Location: I am here.

Yes, I'm in Cairo substitute teaching at CAC. I love the school, but unfortunately, the work isn't steady. I was also supposed to coach tennis but a faculty member came forward at the last minute and they get priority. I have 2 ESL students that I really like too, but it's not enough to live on.

I'm tired of being harassed on the streets every day and its been hard to make friends here, no single people my age to hang out with... so I think I'm going home for Christmas...permanently. Crying or Very sad

madhouseminx · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 70 Location: I am here.

Oh, I almost forgot, there is also a club in Alex called "Karma" I think, that plays a mix or Arabic and Western music. It's almost just like a European dance club. You will be surprised at how "Western" the girls dress there! Scandalous! Laughing

But you can bet they did not go in or come out looking that way!

madhouseminx · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 70 Location: I am here.

Ok, technically, it's page 3 of the "Cultural Extremes in Alex?" post that has my "critique" if you will. Feel free, to ask more questions!
-Mad

Deathalicious · Joined: 02 Nov 2006 Posts: 9

So...after reading MadHouseMinx's dire evaluation of TEFL International, I am very worried.

Basically, I chose Egypt because I wanted to go to the Middle East and learn Arabic while I tought English, and Egypt offered better prospects in some ways -- for one thing, a friend of mine is going to be working there at roughly the same time, so I could at least have someone that I knew and got along with very well while I was living there.

But it sounds like TEFL International Alexandria is not recommended. What should I do instead? I have no teaching experience, I still want to live in the Middle East long term, ideally teaching English. As I understand it, TEFL International is now the only game in town when it somes to getting some kind of teaching certificate -- believe me if the CELTA in Cairo were still on offer, I'd take it, even if it cost extra.

The *only* thing I can find on TEFL in Egypt is TEFL International. Anything else, by any chance? And does anyone else know if TEFL Int. has since cleaned up their act?