TEACH ENGLISH IN EGYPT

About Teaching English in Egypt

To teach English in Egypt, you will need a TEFL certificate. A 4-year college degree isn't required but is strongly preferred. Native English proficiency is also expected to find a TEFL job. The average salary for an English teacher in Egypt is about $300 - $700 USD per month.

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 100+ million, a large middle class, and extensive interaction with the English-speaking world, Egypt maintains a strong need for English language instruction, though the market has shrunk to some degree as a result of the recent political and economic turbulence that the nation has experienced.

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 in Egypt will gain employment by interviewing in person once they arrive, 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 choose to take on private students to make extra money. It is common for teachers to share accommodations with other teachers or 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.

How to Teach English in Egypt: Requirements

TEFL Certification for Egypt

A TEFL certification is required to teach English in Egypt. You do not need professional teaching experience but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you do need to get hired. 

Teachers typically interview in person in Egypt. Therefore, it is most common for students to take one of our TEFL course options listed below.

Native English-Speaking Proficiency

You do not need to be a native English speaker to teach English in Egypt. However, you will be expected to be fluent in English and speak at a native level to be considered for teaching jobs. Citizenship from the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa is typically preferred but not always required.

Degree Requirements for Egypt

While a bachelor's degree is not required to secure a job in Egypt, it still can be strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search and also look to pick up private students to tutor.

Teach English in Egypt: Jobs

TEFL Egypt Jobs

The most common teaching jobs in Egypt consist of:

• Teaching adults or children in private language schools or international schools.
• Private tutoring both children and adults.
• Teaching Business English to adults.
• Teaching English Online.

TEFL Jobs Egypt: Hiring & Visa

English teachers in Egypt can expect to find jobs year-round. It is most common to interview on the ground, in person.

Some English teachers in Egypt work on a visa sponsored by their employer.  In other cases, teachers, especially first-time freelancers, work on a renewable 3-month tourist visa.  Egypt's visa laws have undergone frequent modifications in recent years, so please check with the nearest Egyptian consulate regarding procedures for obtaining and renewing a tourist visa before departing for Egypt.

TEFL Egypt: Hours

English language schools in Egypt offer approximately 20 to 30 hours of classroom work per week plus additional hours for prep time. This allows for plenty of time to travel and explore. 

Teaching Egyptian Students

It is most common that your students will be children, adults, and business professionals. 

TEFL Egypt Salary & Cost of Living

Start-up Costs

Start-up costs will range from $300 - $700 USD (4,500 - 11,000 EGP) - sometimes higher. These are expenses you will incur from your arrival in Egypt until you receive your first paycheck and may include items like rent, apartment supplies, transport, groceries, getting your new local cell phone number set up, etc. 

English Teacher Salary in Egypt

A solid hourly wage enables teachers the opportunity to live a comfortable lifestyle while in Egypt. Teachers can expect to make $300 - $700 USD (4,500 - 11,000 EGP) per month.  Teachers working at certain international schools or colleges, or that have higher income private students can make substantially more.

It is common for teachers in Egypt to also teach English online to supplement their income.

There are not typically flight or housing benefits/stipends provided so you will need to remember to account for accommodation or temporary housing for your first few weeks in your start-up costs until you find an apartment to rent. 

Cost of Living & Savings

The cost of living typically ranges between $300 - $700 USD (4,500 - 11,000 EGP) per month. Learn to shop and travel like a local and you will find Egypt to be a relatively cheap place to live and explore.

Most first-time English teachers break even and live comfortably though not lavishly. Those teaching at "international" or private schools that cater to higher-income Egyptians can make more. If you are hustling and taking on private tutoring lessons and/or teaching English online in addition to your regular teaching schedule, you may increase your ability to save.