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Living in Egypt

TESOL Certification Course in Alexandria Egypt

The majority of international expatriates living and working in Egypt are based in the capital city of Cairo, attached often in the fields of tourism and lately in real estate too.

It’s estimated that there are currently around 30,000 European and Northern American expatriates in Egypt and particularly for those living in Cairo an excellent support, social and business networking environment exists which for many makes the whole experience of living in this fascinating country an absolute pleasure.
Naturally enough the customs, traditions and general way of life lived by Egyptians is markedly different to that which the majority of Western Expatriates have experienced before which makes organizations such as Cairo based CSA invaluable. The CSA or ‘Community Services Association’ in el Maadi in Cairo serves the entire international community living and working in Egypt and offers everything from Arabic classes to seminars and sessions for those newly arrived and who want to learn about the fundamentals of living in Egypt.

The organization was established in 1980 by the wife of a former U.S. ambassador to Egypt and is referred to as an ‘informal social network’, whereas in reality it is an excellent first port of call and first point of reference for anyone from anywhere in the world and any background thinking about relocating to Egypt. The support network offered by the CSA is incredibly broad reaching and if nothing else it offers expatriates a security blanket when they first arrive in Egypt and begin establishing their new life abroad.

In Cairo for example the El Maadi/Digla area is popular with families who have children attending nearby international schools whereas Zamalek and Mohandiseen are popular areas with younger professionals and couples who want to be nearer both work and the social scene in Cairo. The best advice is to take a short term rental if possible then take advice and seek assistance from a range of fellow expatriates living and working in Egypt already.

Cost of living
Egypt is inexpensive and one can have a very comfortable on the salary offered by the International schools and language institutes.

Cairo is well connected with the rest of the country by ferry and rails and roadways. The Cairo airport is a busy one. Travelling in Egypt is also comparitively cheap.

To travel to Egypt, citizens of most nations require a visa. Tourist visas can be obtained in advance from an Egyptian consulate or embassy in the country from which the individual is traveling. Citizens of certain nations can also get their visas when they arrive at the airport in Egypt although queues can be quite long and the process and wait frustrating.

Those with a secure job offer in Egypt will require a work permit but this is usually secured by their employer. Others who travel to Egypt looking for work can enter on a tourism visa and apply for temporary residency and a work visa once they arrive, settle and secure work. However, it’s important to reiterate that Egyptian visa requirements vary greatly depending on the country from which the individual originates, and for up to date information the individual’s local Egyptian embassy should be contacted prior to travel.

People and culture:
Egypt has a culture that is more than 7000 years old and is a harmonious fusion of the Egyptian, Mediterranean, Greek and Arabic Cultures.

The highlight of the Egyptian Culture is the pyramids. There are several pyramids in Egypt that have created a lot interest in the minds of not just historians and archaeologists but also tourists. The Pyramids are the single largest selling point of tourism industry in Egypt.

The paintings have also been associated with the Culture of Egypt. The paintings have always been an integral part of the monuments of Egypt, which were ornamented with symbolic drawings. Modern artists in Egypt keep the culture of painting alive with their skills.

Egyptian dance and music are also a part of its vibrant culture. Belly Dancing that has continued in Egypt for a long time has now become popular all over the world. Egyptian music, although shows strong Arabic influences, is still a part of its modern culture. Egyptian food is influenced by Turkish eating habits because of long Turkish rule.

Health
ESL teachers working in Egypt should guard against the following diseases quite prevalent in Egypt.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Most persons who acquire acute HCV infection either have no symptoms or have a mild clinical illness. However, chronic HCV infection develops in 75%–85% of those acutely infected, with active liver disease developing in 60%–70% of chronically infected persons. Be careful of drinking water and wash your hands regularly.

Polio
Poliomyelitis (Polio) is an acute infection that involves the gastrointestinal tract and, occasionally, the central nervous system. It is acquired by fecal-oral transmission. Careful with drinking water and frequently wash hands.

Typhoid
A very stong course of anti-biotics will wipe it out. There is a vaccine that is good for three years. If you consume a large dose of typhoid there is a good chance of getting it regardless of the vaccine. It is water borne disease.

bamn
A dangerous and possible deadly disease that can be contracted from a wild animal to a human with a single bite. Please when visiting do not touch animals that do not seem tamed.
If you are a little careful and open to advise you will have a great time working in a friendly accommodating country like Egypt.