Job Discussion Forums

[mukal]

I am wondering what the qualifications are for being able to teach English in Egypt. I was born and raised in the U.S., so English is my first language and I have a US passport. I have a BA in economics, though I do not have any prior English teaching experience. I am white (don't know if that matters here like it does in parts of East Asia), male and just graduated from college (22 years old). I am not partial to one city or another, whatever works. Are there any other relevant pieces of information to determine if I would be qualified? I know in other parts of the Middle East you need a masters in teaching English with years of experience, but is Egypt the same? Also, what type of salary/living expenses could be expected? Thank you very much

[veiledsentiments]

Easy, you have absolutely zero qualifications to teach English anywhere in the Middle East. (actually you have none for anywhere in the world) This is not the part of the world where just being a white native speaker will get you a job. I suggest somewhere in Asia.

Don't be another of the backpacker drones that show up and expect to be given a job just because of your skin color and native language. Would you want a teacher with absolutely no training, experience, or ability? Go out and get yourself a CELTA... then you will know something about teaching and won't be stealing from your students.

Sorry... but this type of request is an insult to trained ESL/EFL teachers everywhere.

VS

[juliagirl]

Well said, VS.... as always....

[mukal]

Firstof all, don't get all upset, I was just asking a question. Second of all, the white questions is legit because I read a discussion somewhere on another Egypt thread about a person who was Arab-American and someone told her that she would only receive local pay because she looked like a local. And when exactly did I ever imply that I want to be a typical backpacking tourist? I'm interested in teaching in Egypt because I want to learn and become immersed in the culture, not to sight see. Finally, I am willing to go out and get a CELTA once I have enough money saved up, and obviously I do not expect to just be handed a job just for showing up. If I did, why would I be on here researching about it in the first place?

[veiledsentiments]

You asked a question... described yourself... and asked if you were qualified. It was your post that suggested that you felt that being white and speaking English as a native language prepared you somehow to be a teacher (which is BTW, pretty much the definition of the typical backpacker teacher). I answered your question.

And if you are going to choose to align yourself with a poster like Eclectic... well... enuf said...

Perhaps you would have looked more mature and serious if you had asked about or mentioned an intention to get some sort of training before arrival in Egypt... like a CELTA? Do it... At that point, in Egypt you should be able to get a job that will pay most of the bills, but little more.

BTW... if Egypt is your goal, I suggest that you get the CELTA in Cairo at the British Council.

Good Luck!

VS

[justcolleen]

[ajjohnson]

I have a CELTA and 2 years of ESL teaching experience and no BA degree. What are my chances of finding work in Egypt?

Thanks,
AJ

[aab7855]

What is the pay like in Egypt? Probably pretty grim, it's so much cheaper to travel there than it is in places like Jordan and Israel, and those latter two barely pay enough for survival. Shucks.

[veiledsentiments]

[eclectic]

[nstick13]

Some updates on the ground:

CELTA is worth every penny if you're doing this for more than a few months.

AMIDEast is probably second to British Council, but they only higher Brits and Egyptians. I know a girl who works at AMIDEast who did the TEFL International in Alexandria, and had an internship of some sort that translated in her job with AMIDEast. So it's hard to pinpoint.

As with anything, it's not what you know, but who you know. I am working 7 hours on a Friday, and that'll pay my rent until I ship out to Korea in February, but I landed that job through a friend in CELTA.

The other offer I have is half that much, and my girlfriend tonight was offered the 25 LE mentioned in this thread. FYI, you shouldn't be working for less than American minimum wage.

If you've got a BA, CELTA and 2 years experience, you should find something that will make your ends meet decently well. Realistically, if I were staying until June I would have found something to allow me to live quite comfortable. It probably wouldn't be English to Adults though. More like music to 3rd-9th graders (I play the piano!).

My last point before bed is that it depends on WHAT you want from living in Egypt. LOADS of nice schools are opening up not anywhere near Downtown/Dokki/Zamalek. There still are places there, but the best options I've come across are in New Cairo. Which is new. And not in "Cairo" per se. It just seems disappointing to me, but to each their own. I'll stay in Dokki.

If anyone's in Cairo and wants to meet up, I do need to fill 6 days every week. Shoot me an e-mail. It's my username on this site at gmail dot com.

Cheers!

[veiledsentiments]

but they only higher Brits and Egyptians
Is that higher? or lower?

BTW... I do know of people of other nationalities at BC, but not often. Personally I would prefer AMIDEAST anyway.

Mabruk on finishing the CELTA!! Love the one day a week job...

VS

[scot47]

I find it alarming that the OP thinks his racial origin and skin colour are important.

[nstick13]

Gah... it was going on 2 in the AM. I certainly deserve it, though, for as much as I like to dish it out to people.

[eclectic]