I also disagree, psyguy. Yes, the pyramids are a 15 minute, snap a picture, and move on attraction, but there are plenty of other activities. Khan al khalili Market, Egyptian Museum, City Stars, Coptic Cairo, Citadel, Memphis & Sakkara Pyramids, Al Azhar park, mosque of Ibn Tulan, feluccas, Cairo Tower, Darb....that's not even scratching the surface. Plus as Khalida mentions, the true gems of Egypt arel outside of Cairo - Ain Sokna, Dahab, Sharm, Black Desert, Alex, Siwa. I sadly did not have time to venture to upper Egypt in the time I was there, but I've heard it's wonderful.

Definitely plenty to do if you put your mind to it.

I was there during the 2012-2013 school year, during the reign of Morsi. I never felt overly unsafe. The US embassy is very good at keeping expats up to date on protests and areas of high tension. I traveled throughout the country with no problems. The media hyped up quite a bit of what was happening in Egypt post revolution. That being said, I can only speak for the time I was there. With new tensions in the ME, especially regarding ISIS, I would be a little more cautious about ground travel in the region, especially near the Libyan border. My guess is Cairo and Alex are just as safe, if not safer under Sisi than when I was there. From what friends have told me, life is slightly more peaceful now than it was two years ago.

Egypt is a lovely place. The people are wonderful and there is plenty to do and see. I loved my time there, but it's not for the faint of heart. Especially if you're a female. It can be a a lot to handle. Total shock to the system and you definitely need to prepare yourself and be ready for anything.

First of all, congrats on the job offer. I taught in Cairo a couple years ago and I think Dover pretty much hits the nail on the head. It's not a great school, but it could be worse. Egyptian children are notorious for bad behavior, even at good schools like CAC. Set expectations early and often and you will find that Egyprian children are truly wonderful.

I, too, am a single female and life in Egypt was not easy. Egypt will challenge you - high pollution, unstable currency, government corruption, and more. Be prepared for harassment nearly everywhere you go. Mostly just catcalling and an occasional grope in a crowd. Mentally prepare for this to happen, Learn a few choice phrases and you'll be fine. I never felt overly safe in Cairo, but I also never felt very unsafe.

There are many amazing things to see throughout the country. Upper Egypt, Sinai, Siwa, Alex. Cairo has plenty to do. Be proactive about meeting people early on. Maadi has a great magazine that lists expat meet ups and social events. Do them! You'll meet not only expats, but great locals too. I also recommend the Arabic school near haddayek el maadi - you can meet some wonderful Egyptian teachers and befriend students from around the world.

It's not going to be easy, but it will be an adventure. So if that's what you're looking for - take it. If you want all the comforts of home, well organized schools, and an easy teaching experience, it might not be for you.

Feel free to PM me with any other questions.

I know it is still relatively early, but I'm just wondering if anyone has heard back from schools that you have applied to thus far via online postings? I've heard that after the Christmas holiday things start to pick up. Hopefully this is true!

Has anyone been to or have information on the Queen's Uni fair in Ontario? It is much closer to me than any of the others. Just wondering if it is worth the money to give it a shot. Thanks!

Hello all,

I am graduating in May with my Masters in Early Childhood and Childhood Education (birth-gr. 6) and will be certified to teach in NYS but not until May once my student teaching is completed. I have one year of experience teaching Kindergarten in Egypt at a Tier 3 school and another year of experience teaching PreK in the US. My questions are...will schools even think of hiring someone before they actually have their certifications completed? Could I get a contract with a school this winter/spring for an Aug. 2015 start date? And if so, what are some schools I could look into applying to?

I do not think I qualify for Search or ISS because my second year of teaching experience was in PreK and I don't think student teaching counts. Considering I will have my masters degree, I really do not want to be labelled an intern.

Any comments and suggestions would be very helpful!