Teaching Jobs in Egypt

Anyone who watches any kind of news programme will be more than aware that anywhere in Egypt is in a very volatile state politically at the moment and nowhere more so than Cairo. That said, the city is a fascinating one and offers many opportunities for anyone wanting to go and teach there. Teachers are very well cared for by their schools, often being bussed in from where they live, which is often a gated community, with security thrown in, so there is not too much to worry about. And one thing you don't have to worry about is keeping warm - it's always warm in Cairo, year round. The city of Cairo has a history that goes back further than most Europeans or US citizens can begin to comprehend. In 2600 BC when the pyramids at Giza were being built, Stonehenge was just a twinkle in the eye of a civilisation who weren't even using bronze tools. The pyramids sit proudly just outside the city and it is a strange feeling to stand amongst the honking chaos that is the Cairo traffic and look towards the desert and see them dark against the sky. Old and new are so intertwined here that sometimes it is hard to tell them apart. It is important to remember that Egypt is a Moslem city, and when the muezzin sounds, everything stops. Although it is not required that visitors join prayers - in fact, it would not be appropriate - it is essential that you show proper regard for the culture. This extends to dress, which for women should be suitably sober. In many teaching positions you will be guided as to where to live. Rehab is considered to be the safest area, but therefore it is considerably more expensive to live there than in neighbouring Maadi. If a social life is important to you and particularly if you like going out at night, Maadi is the place to be, but if safety is more of an issue for you, then Rehab would be best. It really depends on whether you are prepared to travel a reasonable distance in the evening to have some relaxation. The main thing to remember about Cairo is that it is the sixteenth largest city in the world, so once you have got your bearings you will soon find somewhere you like. You certainly won't be stuck for things to do. Sport is very important to the inhabitants of Cairo, especially soccer, so if you are a sports fan you will be spoiled for choice. There are opera houses and cinemas and in fact Cairo hosts one of the largest film festivals in the world, so that is certainly something to watch out for with some of the hottest stars appearing on the red carpet. Despite the recent unrest and looting of museums, Cairo still has some of the most magnificent collections of antiquities in the world and there is an added buzz knowing that you are seeing them in their country of origin, with the pyramids literally a stone's throw away.