Participating in TEFL courses in Egypt is ideal, as the need for English language skills in Egypt continues to grow as a result of global expansion and the flourishing tourism industry. Earning your TEFL certificate in Egypt will give you a chance to visit sites, such as the Cairo Museum (full of sarcophagi & King Tut’s mask) or the Sphinx, dive into the beautiful waters of Hurghada, or absorb unique Egyptian history in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.
Locations
Most TEFL certificate programs in Egypt, along with most English teaching jobs, are offered in Alexandria, one of Egypt’s biggest metropolitan areas. Egypt’s capital city of Cairo also has opportunities to earn a TEFL certificate as well. Other cities, like Aswan, El Gouna, and Port Said also offer TEFL programs, but completing a course in these areas may limit your access within the country as solo travel can prove difficult due to frequent checkpoint systems.
Alexandria boasts the warmest location along the Mediterranean, and some organizations offer TEFL courses that also include Arabic language lessons, a skill that can be useful in many countries. Earning a TEFL certificate in Alexandria enables you to be close to two of the Seven Wonders of the World: the Lighthouse of Alexandria and a few hours away, the Pyramids in Giza.
As Egypt’s largest city, and Africa’s second largest, Cairo is where you will find most teaching jobs in Egypt, after you have completed your TEFL certification. Serving as the financial and economic hub, there are hundreds of language schools and institutes in and around the capital city to teach english abroad.
Courses & Programs
You will find options for both in-person instruction and online TEFL courses in Egypt. Exams can be expected throughout TEFL programs, and at the commencement of your TEFL course there will be of course a certification exam. The timeline to complete your certification can range from as short as four weeks up to 10 weeks, and even beyond depending on the level of certification and experience you are looking to achieve.
You can expect in-classroom training, lesson preparation, discussion on materials, English practicum, and actual teaching practice to be included in your TEFL program requirements. The majority of program providers will also assist you in finding a stable teaching position, once you have earned your TEFL certificate in Egypt.
Look for TEFL courses abroad that are 120 hours or more to be sure they are internationally accepted, if you plan to move elsewhere to teach English abroad once your certification is completed. These TEFL course programs are also the most popular because they can be flexible in allowing participants to begin full-time or part-time enrollment, which enables travelers to explore more of their destination while learning how to teach English as a second language.
Requirements. Many TEFL programs declare that no teaching experience is required, simply a native proficiency in English and a minimum age requirement of 18. Other programs will require a bachelor’s degree in a related field, especially if the TEFL student is not a native English speaker.
Salary & Costs
TEFL certificates in Egypt can range from $1,500 to $2,000, depending on your program and course length, advanced TEFL certification programs will be more expensive. TEFL courses in Egypt are typically offered on monthly start dates so it is easy to enroll at any time of year.
The average salary for English teaching jobs in Egypt ranges from $300 to $1,200 per month, which pretty much means you’ll be breaking even as the cost of living in Egypt sits between $400 and $1,000 a month depending on where you live and your lifestyle. However, some schools in Egypt will pay for your housing as part of your compensation. The cost of living in Egypt is low compared to standards in the United States, but teachers can still expect a meal to cost around $5 to $10 and a coffee to be about $2.
Luckily, transportation is cheap! Many English teachers who decide to teach in Egypt will opt to conduct private lessons or TEFL students will tutor on the side to boost their income. Rates for private teaching in Egypt can range from $40 to $150 an hour based on your qualifications and experience.
Accommodation & Visas
Accommodations for participant’s of TEFL programs in Egypt are typically available in the form of shared rooms or apartments, and in many cases students will be in charge of securing housing on their own. Some TEFL programs will offer housing assistance, and others will even include accommodation and airport pick-up in their program fees.
TEFL certificate programs in Egypt require participants to obtain a tourist visa, which will allow them to stay in Egypt for up to 90 days. Tourist visas in Egypt cost around $60. If your TEFL certification in Egypt takes any longer, you will need to renew your visa or get a work permit (valid for anywhere from six months to two years) from the Egyptian Consulate.
GoAbroad Insider Tips
The Job Market. The demand for English teachers in Egypt has been growing exponentially over the past several years as Egyptians seek to develop their language skills for higher paying jobs.
Historical Exposure. Participating in a TEFL program in Egypt allows participants to immerse themselves in ancient history while investing in the skills needed to earn a comfortable living as a teacher.
Schedule and Flexibility. Once you have completed your TEFL certificate in Egypt expect to find teaching positions requiring at least 20 to 30 hours of commitment a week. Teaching placements will be found in public and private international schools, as well as in language institutes that cater to business professionals.
Political Turmoil & Safety. Keep in mind that Egypt is a very disciplined culture which can be seen stemming back to their strict and regimented construction of the pyramids. With the recent conflict in Egypt, travelers of all types should make sure to check and be aware of any travel warnings or advisories before going to any non-tourist destinations. Getting through security checkpoints and staying safe while teaching abroad is also important.
