I presently teach at an accredited school in Egypt. We are required to have 180 student days and our school calendar is adjusted yearly to account for our national and Egyptian holidays as well as Ramadan.

Good luck, T., let us know how it goes!

Hi tdaley26,

I've been teaching at a great school in New Cairo since August 2014. I love it here! I love my students and yes, some are very spirited, but once they're on your side they love you right back. It's wonderful to walk the corridors and see my last year's students who run up with hugs. I've found the admin and parents to be very kind, understanding, and supportive.

Re compensation, the salary is very good -- I'm banking a significant percentage of it -- and is *always* paid on time. I'm also very pleased with the accommodation allowance, health coverage, PD days, sick/personal leave allowance, etc. I've rented a gorgeous flat very close to the school as I'd rather not commute from Ma'adi.

To be sure there are challenges here, just as there are in every location in the world. Concerning personal security, I feel very safe. It's important to be adaptable and seek to understand the culture. Learn some Egyptian Arabic as well; it will make life easier and endear you to the local population.

Yes, there are many perks to living in Cairo: airfare to African, European, and Middle Eastern destinations is very affordable; utilities are very inexpensive; local food is delicious; there are plenty of options for nightlife and socializing; and the list goes on and on. . . .

Perks are great, but more importantly, I'm here to teach and to do a great job. I look forward to seeing my students every day and continually strive to develop and improve my teaching practice.

Well, after writing all this, I think it's high time I posted a review! Looking forward to doing so before the holidays.

I'm finishing the first year of a two-year contract and I'm absolutely delighted with my situation here in Cairo. Very happy with the school, curriculum, and students, plus the admin and parents are very supportive. I've found a beautiful apartment and am able to save $$ every month. Plus I'm learning Arabic which is one of my life goals.

As a single female I feel very safe here, have had a couple of arguments with taxi drivers trying to overcharge, but otherwise, the people have generally been very friendly and welcoming.

I've been on vacations to Europe and to the Red Sea where I tried scuba diving for the first time, fantastic! Plus there is so much to do and see in Cairo itself.

To be sure, it is not like North America in so many ways and one does need to be flexible and open-minded in order to make the most of it. This is true to some degree for any international posting. Personally, I'm looking forward to staying many more years here.

Good luck to all still searching!
Khalida

Thank you for your post, iTeach314, I've been thinking along those lines as well and will now bring excess baggage.

Best of luck!
Khalida

Re Search Associates and in addition to the above, your account must be "active" in order to access the database. When you have notified Search that you have secured employment, your account will be deactivated.

After fulfilling all the requirements for Search, my account was activated on February 1st. I accepted an offer of employment (from my top choice of school :))))) on March 2nd. The school is listed on Search but I had independently applied via their website, so the offer did not stem from a Search fair/contact. When I informed my Search adviser, my account was deactivated and since then I am no longer able to access the database.

I would highly recommend Search for the helpful advice (my adviser, Robert Barlas, was very prompt and positive in emails) and for access to the database, which was invaluable in consolidating my choice of schools.

Now I'm off to Cairo and the adventure of a lifetime!

Hi all,

Thanks, migratingbird, for your query.

I'm very interested in this topic as I'm moving from Canada to Egypt in August. Like migratingbird, I don't have a great deal to ship, it would probably add up to a few 12" x 12" x 12" boxes of books, papers, and other personal effects.

I'm considering various options: shipping companies, sending boxes by post, or taking on the flight as excess baggage (which would be financially optimal but a real *drag* as I'm traveling alone with a cat in tow).

Looking forward to everyone's opinions and experiences!

Khalida

Congratulations, Alexandru, well done! I know that feeling of elation all too well :)

Good luck to everyone still searching, there are many encouraging posts re employment offers from April onwards.

Congratulations, Mac1030, that's wonderful news!!! Thanks, too, for sharing your experiences in such detail.

So very glad for you and us!! But it's not luck, nalfc, we deserved it! :))

Nalfc, that's fantastic news, I'm so happy for you! Congratulations!

Hi Candace, it is indeed possible! I'm 54, returning to the classroom after 22 years, and just this week secured work at a great school in Africa starting in August. My "Success!" post is in this forum. Best of luck to you!

Flyingpigs wrote:
> The 200$ or so that it cost to register with SEARCH was worth its weight in
> gold for the access to their data base

Totally agree!

Thanks, everyone! I'm sending out all good wishes for those still seeking to be successful in your search for the right match. The world needs talented teachers. Have faith in you and keep the faith!

Over the past year and a half, I've learned so much from this website; school reviews, forum topics, etc. After 15 years in business I finally decided to make a career change early January which meant renewing my teaching certificate, contacting references (thankfully still alive!), and creating a professional profile. At the age of 54 this was incredibly daunting, even though I have continued earning my living as an educator in various ways since leaving the school classroom 22 years ago.

After joining TIE and Search Associates in January more information was available that helped me create a profile of the school that would be the best match for me. A strong administration and focused school curriculum were key factors in my recent decision to accept the offer, plus I love, love, love teaching French Immersion! Never mind that this was my first interview, I already knew it would be the perfect match.

I have received a truly golden opportunity and I wish you all the same.

Khalida

Today I received and accepted the offer of employment from my top choice of school! I feel very blessed to be given this opportunity to return to the classroom and to teach in my preferred discipline, French Immersion.

Many thanks to this website for the candid reviews and support.

Good luck to all!