• English Teaching

Teaching English Jobs

English was introduced on a large scale in Egypt in the 1880s when the nation effectively fell under British control, and since Egypt realized independence in 1952, the language has been taught in public schools and used in many fields of education and the economy. Today, with a population of 80 million, a large middle class, and extensive interaction with the English-speaking world, Egypt has a stronger need for English language instruction than ever and offers an array of opportunities for first-time English teachers. Jobs are concentrated in Cairo and Alexandria, two crowded, colorful centers of history and culture. Limited opportunities may be found in other cities, including Demanhur, Ismailiya, Mansoura and Aswan; Egypt is home to more than 100 language institutes and international schools.

Most first-time English teachers will gain employment by interviewing in person once they arrive in Egypt, and they will also be responsible for their airfare and housing.  Wages vary widely and are often modest, but the low cost of living typically enables English teachers to live comfortably.  Schools usually offer 20-25 hours per week of work, leaving you plenty of opportunities to travel and explore, and many teachers take on private students to make extra money.  Many teachers share accommodations with other teachers or other expatriates.

Some experienced teachers with advanced credentials, including a TEFL/TESOL certification, may be able to interview in advance and may receive benefits like health insurance and a housing allowance. The market for these types of jobs can be quite competitive.

Major English teaching markets are in Cairo, Giza, Alexandria, Damietta, and other larger cities.

Requirements & Guidelines for Teaching English in Egypt

• Education: BA/BS is required; TEFL TESOL Certification is required. Students can obtain certification in any of our Worldwide TEFL locations or by taking the Online TEFL Class. 
  

• Typical hiring process: primarily in-person in Egypt; some schools will interview by phone/e-mail in advance

• Average teaching hours per week: 20–25 hours of classroom plus extra prep time

• Types of students: business professionals, adult langauge learners, children in public schools and private language schools

• Average monthly pay: $ 1,500–3,000 USD; 3,500-7,000 EGP

• Start-up cost: $ 700-900 USD; 4,150- 5,350 EGP

• Potential to save or break even: Break even
  

• Accommodation/housing benefits paid: Rarely; some employers will assist teachers with finding housing

• Flight reimbursement: Very rarely
  
  

Interesting Facts About Life in Egypt

• Egypt has the largest population in the Arab World and boasts a long-standing reputation as the center of Arabic language film, music and publishing.

• The nation is home to one of the world’s oldest Christian populations; the majority of Egypt’s approximately 8 million Christians are members of the Egyptian Coptic Church, which split from the Catholic Church in 451 AD.

• Al Azhar University, founded in the heart of medieval Cairo in 970, is one of the oldest universities in the world.

• Egypt’s second city of Alexandria was founded in 331 BC by Alexander the Great and became one of the Ancient World’s preeminent centers of commerce and culture.

• The waters of the Red Sea off the Sinai Peninsula and Egypt’s eastern coast are home to some of the most beautiful and diverse marine life in the world, making the country a mecca for scuba divers from around the globe.

• Many of today's household objects were invented or used by the ancient Egyptians, including locks and keys, combs, scissors, wigs, makeup, deodorants, toothbrushes and toothpaste.

• The Rosetta Stone, which provided the key to understanding hieroglyphics, was discovered in 1799 by French soldiers during Napoleon's invasion into Egypt . It had been carved in approximately 196 BC, when Egypt was under the rule of the Greek Ptolemaic Dynasty.