Egypt
Full of pyramids and historic sites of ancient civilizations, Egypt is chock full of unique experiences and TEFL jobs in its colorful and historic cultural centers of Cairo and Alexandria.
DEGREE
BA/BS Preferred,
Not REQUIRED
CONTRACT
6 MONTHS
& 12 months
HIRING SEASON
All year round
May-Aug Preferred
SALARY
AROUND
$300 to $1800 USD/ MO
COST OF LIVING
$300-$900 USD / MO
Typically Break Even
- Last updated: August 3, 2026
Overview of Egypt
Situated in the northeast corner of Africa, the Arab Republic of Egypt is brimming with rich culture, world-shaping history, stunning nature sights, and no shortage of renowned landmarks and attractions. Home to one of the world’s most impressive ancient civilizations, Egypt today boasts a population of just over 120 million people and is the largest Arab country to date. With a diverse terrain that encompasses the mighty Nile river and its lush delta, miles upon miles of sprawling golden desert, and pristine beaches teeming with coral reefs and colorful aquatic creatures, Egypt is awash with natural beauty and charm.
A Little History
The country’s tourism slogan, “Where it all begins,” rings especially true when exploring the country’s slew of ancient temples, impressive tombs, and 118 (identified!) pyramids. Ancient Egyptian civilization has shaped modern-day systems of writing, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, and accounting, and has long captivated the interest of scholars, historians, archeologists, and cinematographers alike. Regardless of where you are in Egypt, the country’s fascinating past and thoroughly modern present continue to mesmerize and delight.
Egypt is teeming with remarkable landmarks and awe-inducing sites, so take advantage of your time off work to explore some of the country’s many attractions. The iconic Pyramids of Giza are first to top many traveler’s bucket lists, and for good reason. The Pyramids house the tombs of legendary Egyptian pharaohs and contain boat pits, morgues, valley temples, and burial chambers. As the oldest of the seven wonders of the world, the Pyramids of Giza are a mighty destination not to be missed.
Climate & Landscape
For a more laid-back glimpse of Egyptian life, head to the flowing waters of the Nile. As the longest river in the world, the Nile and its lush delta form the backbone of Egyptian society and have long equipped Egypt with the food and resources it needs to survive and flourish. Cruises are a popular way to explore this north-flowing river and offer views of other famed Egyptian landmarks like the Temple of Kom Ombo and Edfu’s Temple of Horus. Those keen on a fully immersive aquatic experience will want to head to the Red Sea, a maritime paradise where unbeatable snorkeling opportunities abound. Brimming with vibrant reefs and colorful wildlife, the cerulean waters of the Red Sea are also an ideal spot to practice your windsurfing and kitesurfing skills!
Urban Cityscapes
Scattered between and throughout these natural wonders are urban wonders of their own right. Egypt’s dynamic cities offer visitors a slew of exciting opportunities for discovery and delight. There’s Cairo, Egypt’s bustling capital filled with world-class museums, zooming motorbikes, and traditional souks overflowing with colorful spices and textiles. As the third-largest city in the Islamic World, Cairo will leave you breathless with its busy streets and nonstop noise, but it’s one of the best and most authentic places to experience the full force and magnitude of Egypt in all its glory. Next, head northwest from Cairo to hit Alexandria, a Mediterranean port city that was once a hub for ancient Greek scholarship. Founded by Alexander the Great, Alexandria is now the second largest city in Egypt and home to a stunning modern library, picturesque waterfront promenade, and world-renowned museums. Overlooking the Red Sea on Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula is Dahab, a breezy, recently-constructed seaside town that’s the ultimate destination for nature lovers and adventurers. Boasting rich marine life, ample rock climbing opportunities, and unbeatable views of the Mt. Sinai, Dahab is a city you won’t want to miss.
Cultural Notes – Egyptian Food
Eager to immerse yourself further into Egyptian culture? One of the best ways to do so is via the country’s mouthwatering food. From fresh mulukhiyah to warm flatbreads, flaky fiteer, syrupy zalabia, and aromatic lamb shawarma, traditional Egyptian plates form a savory, flavor-packed cuisine rich with fresh vegetables, legumes, and aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and cardamom. The waters of the Nile nourish Egypt’s terrain, fertilizing the country’s soil and creating the ideal growing environment for plants like leafy greens, garlic, lentils, wheat, and sweet fruits like melons, figs, and dates. These foods play a fundamental role in Egyptian cuisine, and you’ll find them as core ingredients in many traditional Egyptian recipes. With so many fresh, plant-based items at the ready, it’s no surprise that vegetarian options abound in Egypt. While meats like lamb, chicken, and squab are widely enjoyed throughout the country, some of Egypt’s most beloved dishes — like koshari, baba ganoush, and fiteer baladi, to name a few — are vegetarian. Cheese is another major component of Egyptian gastronomy. The country is actually home to the world’s oldest cheese, discovered in 2018 in the tomb of Ptahmes, an ancient Egyptian official. If a 3,200-year-old cheese is not quite your cup of tea, however, fear not! Plenty of more modern variants abound in Egypt. Areesh, domiati, and rumi are three of the most popular varieties, and it’s common to enjoy your cheese with breakfast, a small baguette, or as an appetizer at a multi-course meal.
As excited as we are for Egypt? Head over to Qualifications to see if Egypt is a good match for you. To get you in the mood, listen to this Egyptian playlist the ITA team put together!
Qualifications
Each country has its own requirements and qualifications when it comes to teaching. Some require a bachelor’s degree in any field. In others, you’ll qualify with only a high school diploma and your TEFL certificate. Some countries have strict visa requirements that may disqualify you based on your citizenship or criminal background. Let’s take a look at the qualifications needed for teaching English in Egypt.
Education
A bachelor’s degree is not required to teach in Egypt, but it is preferred by employers. Those who do not have a bachelor’s degree will still have options to teach in Egypt.
Citizenship
There are no specific citizenship requirements to teach English in Egypt, though some employers might prefer to hire citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa.
English Fluency
Egypt is a good teaching market for teachers whose first language is not English! You will need to have a high fluency in English, and may need to be more flexible when it comes to location or school, as you will be competing with native English-speaking teachers for positions, but non-native speakers of English qualify for teaching positions in Egypt.
Background Check
A clean background check is not necessary to teach in Egypt. The exception to this rule? Some international schools in Egypt might require teaching candidates to submit a clean criminal record check. We recommend obtaining one before you leave your home country to keep your employment options open.
Medical Check
To obtain a formal work permit, the Egyptian government requires a medical examination, which includes an HIV test and other standard health screenings. If you are working informally, this is not required, but please note that this status does not provide the same legal protections or long-term security as a legal work permit.
TEFL Certificate
A TEFL certificate is highly advantageous for all positions and may be required by individual schools.
Age
Individuals of any age will be able to teach in Egypt if working on a tourist visa, which is the most common visa route for foreign instructors living in Egypt. On the other hand, teachers seeking formal employment on a work visa will typically need to be under the age of 60 due to national retirement laws.
If you meet the requirements to teach in the United Arab Emirates, let’s move on to Popular Job Types for an inside peek into your new role. If you do not meet the qualification requirements, don’t worry! There is still a world of opportunities awaiting you — literally.
Popular Job Types
With a population of over 120 million people, a growing middle class, and extensive interaction with the English-speaking world, Egypt presents a booming market for foreign English teachers. English was introduced on a large scale in Egypt in the 1880s when the nation fell under British control, and today, it’s taught in Egyptian public schools from the first grade onwards. The majority of English teaching opportunities in Egypt are concentrated in Cairo and Alexandria, two crowded, colorful centers of history and culture. TEFL certified instructors will be able to find positions at private language schools and as private tutors or teachers, and some qualified teachers will be able to secure employment at international schools. Each of these job types comes with its own specific set of advantages, so you’ll want to understand the basic differences between them before you begin applying.
**Important Financial Note: Due to frequent shifts in local inflation and the valuation of the Egyptian Pound (EGP), local currency figures change rapidly. To give you the most accurate and stable financial picture, salaries and living expenses below are outlined in US Dollars (USD). These amounts are subject to change.
Private Language Schools
As a teacher at a private language school, expect to be instructing students in the afternoon and evening, outside of the traditional working day or public school hours. You might also be asked to work on some Saturdays in order to accommodate your students’ busy professional schedules. Classroom sizes at private language schools are typically small, and most of your colleagues will be other foreign English teachers.
Most private language academy instructors are hired locally. While they are typically able to break even rather than save, they earn a comfortable local wage of 15,000 EGP to 40,000 EGP per month (approximately $300 to $800 USD). Teachers often supplement this base by tutoring privately or teaching online to increase their monthly take-home pay.
Most private language school teachers in Egypt are freelancers, meaning they work for a variety of different private language schools and are not contractually tied to just one company. As a result, your working hours can vary from week to week based on client demand. “Because I was a freelancer, my company would essentially put me where I was needed,” notes ITA graduate Eric S., who taught in Cairo. “When I was teaching regular ‘conversation’ classes on-site, I worked four days a week and averaged between three and five hours per day. When I was being sent to businesses throughout Cairo to teach business English, this was usually less. Basically, the company puts you where there is demand, whether in business English, young learners, or in private lessons. It’s a good way to get experience with different class settings.”
Private Tutoring
Many private language school instructors choose to supplement their hours with private tutoring or online teaching in order to achieve a more robust salary. As Eric notes, “If you are diligent about your research and put yourself out there, it’s quite easy to find private students. Because of how cheap everything is in Cairo, the salary (usually) isn’t great. However, this is a double-edged sword that works in your favor: you hardly spend anything… Google (as well as Facebook groups through International TEFL Academy) are your friend here. There are a ton of opportunities for ‘easy money’ if you are simply willing to research it.”
International Schools
In addition to working at private language schools or privately teaching or tutoring students, qualified foreign English instructors in Egypt also have the option to work at international schools. International schools are independent schools, meaning they’re not administered by the local government and can follow a curriculum that differs from that of the region’s public schools. Most international schools follow a curriculum that promotes international education (think the International Baccalaureate program or Cambridge Assessment International Education), and they cater to a student group that’s a mix of local and foreign-born learners.
For licensed educators or those with degrees in education, international schools offer lucrative packages. Teachers at this level can expect to earn 75,000 EGP to 175,000+ EGP per month (approximately $1,500 to $3,500+ USD).
For the most part, you’ll need to have a teaching license, master’s degree, or degree in education to land a job at one of these schools in Egypt. Unlike your typical hours at a private language school, your hours as a teacher at an international school will align with a normal work day — you can expect to work from morning to mid-afternoon. Another major difference between teaching at a private language school versus teaching at an international school? Your colleagues. While the majority of your co-teachers at a private language school will be other native English speakers, at an international school, you can expect to teach alongside a mix of native English speakers and native Egyptian teachers.
Are you a highly qualified English teacher interested in pursuing an international school position in Egypt? We have compiled a list of resources, including recruiters and job sites. Check out our section on International School Opportunities for more information.
Teacher Benefits
As noted, for licensed educators or those with degrees in education, international schools offer lucrative packages. Teachers at this level can expect to earn 75,000 EGP to 175,000+ EGP per month (approximately $1,500 to $3,500+ USD).
While international school teachers are typically able to save money working in Egypt, most other language academy instructors will break even, earning around 15,000 EGP to 40,000 EGP per month (approximately $300 to $800 USD) and spending roughly the same amount to keep up with local costs of living. Other benefits like flights and housing are rarely provided by local language academy employers. “Don’t come to Egypt if you’re trying to save money,” remarks ITA graduate Blake E. “Do, however, come to Egypt if you’re willing to put student loans in forbearance and have an experience worth, by a factor of ten, the amount of money you’re not saving.”
Now that you understand the ins and outs of common English teaching positions in Egypt, head over to the Applying for Your Job section to learn how to land a spot at your ideal Egyptian school!
Applying for Your Job
Now that you’ve explored the job types available to you, it’s time to begin the application process! There are several steps to take to find a job teaching English in Egypt, and we have them all outlined here below.
Heads up! The timelines for your job application process and for gathering documents for your visa may overlap. You’ll want to be working on both processes at roughly the same time. Be sure to check out our Egypt Timeline, as well as the Applying for the Visa section for more information and to make sure you are staying on top of your visa documents while applying for teaching positions.
Step 1: Prepare Your Initial Application Materials
Resume & Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter are the keys to connecting with schools and beginning the application process. International employers look for specific elements in a resume that may differ from what you’re used to seeing domestically.
Once you’ve updated your resume and cover letter to meet the recommended international standards, submit your draft to your Student Affairs Advisor for review.
Step 2: Determine Your Preferences
A major part of the teaching abroad experience is enjoying where you’ll actually be living! Do you have a preference when it comes to your daily routines and surroundings? Do you want to live in the bustling capital city of Cairo? Or do you crave a picturesque, small town experience in a city like Ismailia? Do you value having greater access to specific types of community more commonly found in larger cities? Do you want to be around many expats and native English speakers? Or would you prefer to immerse yourself in a more traditional setting?
ITA graduate Blake E. taught in Cairo, and notes that the expat community there was “…smaller than it once was, but still here. To find people, use an expat website, or just go have beers at Horreya, not far from Tahrir Square. You’ll see the same 150 people twice in a week’s time. The American University in Cairo, if you can find a way into that network, is also a good way to meet expats. The bottom line: once you meet a few people, you’ll quickly meet lots of them.”
Keep in mind that larger, more populated cities like Cairo and Alexandria hold the most opportunity and biggest markets for prospective ESL teachers. The demand for English teachers in smaller towns is much lower than it is in larger cities due to the smaller number of language schools there. If you are interested in teaching English in a small town, we recommend giving yourself a certain amount of time to find a job once you’ve arrived. For example, if you want to teach in a small town and are unable to find a job after two or three weeks, move to a larger city, where the demand for English teachers is much higher and your prospects of finding a job are greater.
When applying to schools, also consider whether you’d prefer to work for a small private language school or a larger private language school chain and whether teaching younger children or business professionals would be the best fit.
It’s totally fine if you don’t have a preference of where you’d like to work! Check out our Egypt School Finder, alumni articles, Q&As, and “Day-in-the-Life” alumni videos for ideas and to help get you excited about the wonderful options in Egypt.
Another thing to consider is that bias exists in Egypt, just as it does the world over, and you may run into people with limited opinions about who can embody an English teacher. You may want to focus your job search on urban areas with slightly more diverse populations, as small towns in this country tend to be more homogenous.
Step 3: Apply For Your Job!
Historically, Egypt has been an in-person hiring market, meaning teachers typically need to be on the ground in the country to secure a position. While traveling to Egypt first is still a very common and effective way to find a job today, an increasing number of schools offer online applications and hire in advance.
English teaching jobs in Egypt can be found year-round, though many academic institutions tend to ramp up their hiring from May through August ahead of the new school year. On the other hand, try to avoid submitting applications during major Islamic holidays (such as Ramadan or Eid), as schools, language academies, and government offices close or operate on heavily reduced holiday hours.
In-Advance Applications
If you are interested in attempting to secure a position prior to jetting off, you’ll want to maximize your outreach by following these steps:
Research and compile a list of target schools using the ITA Egypt School Finder, the ITA Egypt Alumni Group, and reputable international job boards.
Locate the official hiring email address or application portal on the school’s website. When submitting, ensure your files are cleanly organized:
Resume: Sent as a PDF attachment labeled with your full name and the word “Resume” (e.g., Jane_Smith_Resume.pdf).
Cover Letter: Sent as a PDF attachment labeled with your full name and the words “Cover Letter”.
In the body of your email, include a brief overview of who you are, your TEFL qualifications, your specific interest in their institution, and exactly when you plan to arrive in Egypt to start working.
Professionally follow up with the school via email if you haven’t received a response within one to two weeks.
Applying Through Recruiters
Recruitment agencies act as an intermediary between you and the employer. Essentially, recruiters help match you with open vacancies, though the school ultimately handles your official contract and hiring choices.
Recruiting agencies can be a potential tool for landing a job in Egypt, though it’s most common for teachers to find positions in Egypt by applying to schools directly. That being said, it never hurts to try reaching out to a recruiter! You can work with them at the same time you are applying to positions directly. All reputable recruiters are paid by the schools, so you won’t owe them anything for their services. Some ITA alumni have worked with the below recruiters to land jobs in Egypt in the past:
If you are looking for private language academy work, you will likely find the most success applying to local language centers directly.
All reputable recruitment services are paid entirely by the employing schools—you should never pay a recruiter a fee for their services.
In-Person Applications
While relocating abroad before solidifying employment can feel like a daunting task, in many countries like Egypt, it’s standard and common for teachers to find jobs on the ground. ITA graduate Eric S. secured his job in Cairo this way, and advises future teachers to do the same: “Have a nice breakfast, write down your list, and then spend the day stopping by places,” he says. “Might sound like a lot of work, but I promise they will appreciate a foreigner showing an interest.”
Applying for a job on the ground allows you several unique advantages. You can visit prospective campuses in person, assess the surrounding neighborhood, and get a feel for the classroom environment. Best of all, you get to speak directly with hiring managers, giving you the insight needed to make an informed decision before signing an offer.
Steps for a Successful In-Person Job Hunt:
Before Departure:
Research schools using the ITA Egypt School Finder and suggested job boards. Map your prospects out geographically so you can efficiently visit schools located within the same neighborhood on the same day.
Email schools a week or two before flying out. Attach your professional resume and cover letter, state your exact dates of availability in Egypt, and politely request a time to drop in for an interview or informational meeting.
Upon Arrival:
Give yourself two or three days to adjust to the timezone, shake off the jet lag, and explore. You want to look refreshed and energized when you walk through a school’s doors!
First impressions are incredibly important in Egypt. Even if you are just dropping off a resume, dress as though you are heading into a formal interview.
Men: Dress slacks, a button-down collared shirt, and professional shoes.
Women: Modest slacks or a midi/maxi skirt that completely covers the knees, a professional blouse covering the shoulders/chest, and conservative dress shoes.
Both: It is highly recommended to remove visible facial piercings and keep any tattoos completely covered up during school visits.
Always carry a folder containing:
Printed copies of your resume and cover letter.
A printout of your TEFL certificate.
A hard copy of your college diploma and unofficial transcripts.
A physical sample lesson plan (be prepared, as some schools may ask you to conduct a brief “demo lesson” on the spot!).
When you walk into a school, politely ask the front desk to speak directly with the person in charge of hiring English teachers (such as the Academic Director or Lead Inspector). Do not simply leave your resume with a receptionist if you can avoid it!
If the hiring manager is out of the office, politely request their direct professional contact information, ask when they are normally at their desk, and plan a follow-up return visit during those specific hours.
Step 4: Prepare Visa Documents
Approximately a month before your departure (or slightly earlier), you should ensure your paperwork is prepped for your tourist entry into Egypt. First and foremost, verify that your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your planned arrival date and contains at least one blank page.
Most Western passport holders (including US, UK, EU, Australian, and New Zealand citizens) can easily obtain a 30-day tourist visa using Egypt’s official online e-Visa portal ahead of time, or right when they land.
Tech Update: If you choose to get your tourist visa at the airport, Egypt has modernized its process by rolling out a digital QR-code system. Instead of waiting in long bank lines for a paper sticker, you can scan your data and pay the entry fee digitally at airport self-service kiosks or via mobile channels upon arrival.
Canadian Passport Holders: Please note that Canadian citizens are currently excluded from the e-Visa and Visa-on-Arrival programs. If you hold a Canadian passport, you must secure a traditional tourist visa through an Egyptian embassy or consulate well before departure.
Stay tuned for our upcoming section on “Applying for Your Visa,” which provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on navigating extensions, transitions on the ground, and exactly which documents to pack in your carry-on bag!
Step 5: Interview
Prepare for all types of interview questions, as there is no one method of interviewing in Egypt. Some schools may ask a few simple questions and others may dive deep into questions related to teaching or grammar. It is also a good idea to prepare a demo lesson or bring a sample lesson plan with you.
On the off-chance that you secure a job in advance, interviews will likely take place on a video platform such as Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams. Therefore, it’s a good idea to make sure you sign onto these platforms ahead of time and know how to navigate them.
For first-hand accounts and previous discussions between ITA alumni who have been through this process, check out the ITA Egypt Alumni Group.
After your interview, send a follow up email to your interviewer —
Whether you interviewed in person or in advance, sending a follow-up “thank you” email is a nice touch and a good way to demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
Within 24 to 48 hours after your interview, send a “thank you” email to the person you interviewed with. If you don’t have an email address, it is also appropriate to call.
In your follow-up email:
- Be brief! This is not the time to write an essay or to write things you forgot to mention during the interview.
- Let them know how appreciative you are of them taking the time to interview you.
- Let them know that you are interested in the position and that you want the job.
- Let them know that you are a good fit for the job and give a few main reasons why.
Step 6: Receive Job Offers!
If you search for a job in Egypt on the ground, it might take you a week or two and visits to multiple language schools before you find a job. Be persistent, follow-up with schools, and give it at least two to three weeks before you move on to a different location.
If you apply to positions in Egypt from your home country, you may begin to receive job offers within a few weeks of applying. If the school chooses to offer you a position, they will send you a contract to sign!
Head over to the next section called “Accepting the Right Offer” to help determine which job offer is the best fit for you.
Private Tutoring
A fantastic way to earn extra cash while working at a school is to tutor students privately. Private tutoring is generally set up once you are already on the ground in Egypt, as it is much easier to network with potential clients and market your services in person.
Securing private clients is a classic marketing exercise, and success comes down to putting yourself out there. Take it from ITA graduate Eric S., who taught in Cairo – “I tutored privately off and on for the entire three years,” he says. “If you are diligent about your research and put yourself out there, it’s quite easy to find private students.”
Effective Ways to Market Yourself as a Private Tutor in Egypt:
Create Digital or Physical TEFL Cards: Before leaving your home country, put together clean business cards or a digital contact card. Include your full name, your professional title (e.g., English Language Tutor or TEFL Certified Instructor), your email address, and your WhatsApp number. WhatsApp is the absolute primary tool for communication and client scheduling across Egypt.
Utilize the ITA Alumni Network: Post in the ITA Egypt Alumni Group on Facebook to let active teachers on the ground know you are looking for tutoring clients. Expats frequently hand off clients to incoming teachers when their own schedules fill up or when they prepare to move home!
Target High-Income Professionals: Compile a list of local professional spaces (law firms, medical clinics, architectural offices, or export-import companies). Many professionals in these fields need to polish their Business English for global trade and have the financial resources to pay premium rates for a native speaker.
Utilize Local Digital Classifieds: Post clean, professional classified ads on Dubizzle Egypt (the most popular local online marketplace) or highly active local Facebook communities like Cairo Scholars.
Leverage Neighborhood Bulletin Boards: With permission, pin professional flyers or notices in local spaces frequented by families and university students, such as popular neighborhood coffee shops, language hubs, co-working spaces, and major expat-friendly supermarkets.
Connect with Local Public School Communities: Inform neighborhood tutors or community centers of your availability to provide supplementary speaking and listening practice for local students preparing for their official English exams.
Phew, that was a ton of great logistical information! Keep this momentum rolling as we move into the next section to help you evaluate and accept the absolute best job offer for your teaching goals in Egypt!
Accepting Your Offer
Congratulations on your job offer(s)! If you’ve been offered a position from a school in Egypt and you’ve followed our previous advice, you’re already off to a great start. But what’s next? Determining whether or not the offer is right for you. To help make this decision, follow the recommendations below by reviewing the basics. Whether you have one offer or several, the key elements you’ll want to take note of are: salary, working hours, vacation days, sick days, housing, airfare, insurance, and bonuses. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect with each of these elements.
Review the Basics
Salary
The average starting salary for a first-year English teacher in Egypt is 15,000 EGP to 90,900 per month (approximately $300 to $1,800 USD). This is subject to change to due currency fluctuations.
Anything significantly lower or higher should make you ask a few questions. If the reason for the pay difference is obvious, like you’ll be in a rural location with a low cost of living or working longer than average hours, you may find that you’re okay with it. But don’t accept a contract that is paying you less for doing the same amount of work the average English teacher does, or one that doesn’t fit into your work-life-travel balance.
Working Hours
Teaching English in Egypt can be a part-time or full-time endeavor. However, look closely at how your total working hours are distributed throughout the week (typically 20–25 in-class teaching hours). Ask yourself:
Are the hours grouped together, or will you work a “split shift” (teaching a few hours in the morning, followed by a long unpaid break, and returning for evening sessions)?
Does the school require you to arrive early for unpaid prep time?
How many hours are explicitly set aside for lesson planning, grading, and curriculum development? If a school doesn’t build administrative hours into your on-site schedule, you may find yourself taking a significant amount of grading work home.
Vacation Days
Before signing any contract, make sure to read through the vacation policy.
In Egypt, paid vacation days depend heavily on your specific school type. International school teachers typically enjoy premium vacation benefits, ranging from a few weeks to two full months off during the summer. Local language academies may not provide extensive paid vacation, but you are legally entitled to Egypt’s official national public holidays. Egypt observes a high number of public and religious holidays every year. During the holy month of Ramadan, schools do not close down for the month. Instead, daily operating hours across the country are shortened so teachers and students can return home early to break their fast. The official, multi-day school closures happen immediately following the month of fasting during the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. Altogether, an ESL teacher in Cairo can realistically expect roughly 1.5 to 2 months of combined holiday time per year.
Medical Insurance & Sick Days
Depending on your school, you might or might not receive health insurance benefits. Typically, however, health insurance is not included with the job in Egypt, unless you are working with an international school or internationally-managed private language school. If your school does offer this benefit, the insurance costs will usually be deducted from your paycheck each month.
If health insurance is not included in your contract or if you want to supplement your school’s health insurance plan with a more comprehensive private insurance option, you will need to do your own research in order to determine which plan might be the best fit for you, your health needs, and any dependents you might be bringing along. We’d recommend you get started with that by checking out the ITA Alumni Egypt Group, and any other relevant and reliable web pages.
In addition to medical insurance, sick days are often outlined in contracts, although not all schools offer paid sick days. When they do, you’ll typically be eligible for three to five sick days per year. Most schools require a doctor’s note, and some schools require teachers to find a replacement teacher if they are sick.
Housing
It is uncommon for schools in Egypt to pay for teachers’ housing, and you shouldn’t expect your contract to include accommodation as a benefit. That being said, it is still a great idea to ask your coworkers and employer for recommendations or suggestions on where to find a place to live in the area.
Airfare
Similar to housing, airfare isn’t typically included as a benefit in Egypt, and it’s uncommon for schools to reimburse or pay for teachers’ trips to Egypt from their home country.
Severance Pay
Upon completion of a one-year contract, a select number of international schools might offer a completion or re-signing bonus. The bonus amount can vary school to school, and you’ll want to make sure that any bonus details are clearly stipulated in your contract before signing. Keep in mind that this is not a common practice for private language schools in Egypt.
*Note: If you notice anything missing from the contract that you were promised by the employer, or if something isn’t up to the standards detailed here, reach out to them to have it included. Negotiations are not unheard of, especially if you have previous teaching experience, and desirable skills. Some schools may have preset salaries and benefits based on location and experience, so you may not be able to move the needle much — but it won’t hurt to try!
Review the Reviews
Now that you’ve made note of the contract basics, it’s time to hear what others have to say about their experiences working with the employer you’re considering.
Visit ITA’s Egypt page on Facebook – this is where you’ll connect with thousands of alumni who have taught or are currently teaching in Egypt. Type the name of the school in the search bar to read past threads where it’s been the topic of conversation. Feel free to create a new post in the Facebook group if your potential school hasn’t yet been discussed. Our alumni are typically eager to share their opinions, tips, and advice!
Use a search engine like Google to scour the internet – this will yield varied results from forums like Reddit, to job boards like Indeed, employer review sites like Glassdoor, and everything in between.
Ask to speak with one of the school’s current English teachers who’s from your home country, or the US or Canada. Employers are typically happy to comply with this request. If they refuse, consider why – this may be a red flag.
Keep in mind that reviews are like opinions, and everyone knows what those are like! You’ll need to discern how much weight you put on each review by considering questions like: How reputable is the source of the review? How many reviews share the same opinion? If an employer doesn’t help you find housing for your cat, will you be as affected as the person who left that scathing review?
While some reviews are best taken with a grain of salt, they can also help you gather the following information:
Are teachers paid on time?
Are teachers treated well?
What are the primary teacher grievances? How have they been resolved?
Are teachers happy with the working conditions?
Do teachers renew their teaching contracts?
Let Us Review
At this point, you should be familiar with the contract, and know whether or not you’d like to pursue the offer. As a final check, fill out the Contract Review form to have your Student Affairs Advisor give it the once-over to check for red flags.
*Note: When considering multiple job offers, it’s important to sign only the offer you’re committed to pursuing. Accepting, and later declining an offer in France often comes with consequences like reimbursements due to the school, and difficulties securing a future position in the country.
Remember to tell your Advisor once you’ve signed on the dotted line and accepted an offer. We love hearing this good news — virtual cheers all around the office!
Leave Us a Review
Okay, this has nothing to do with accepting your job offer, but since we’re on the subject of reviews, what better time to leave one for ITA?! And then head on over to Applying for the Visa to learn more about next steps.
Related Resources
Alumni Articles and Resources
Applying for Your Visa
The word “visa” tends to provoke daunting images of endless red tape and paperwork, but we’re here to ease your anxiety and hopefully have you zipping through this visa process like a pro. First step? Understanding what visas are available for foreign English teachers relocating to Egypt. Let’s get started!
Visa Types
Tourist Visa
What is it?
This visa allows foreign nationals to enter Egypt legally for tourism purposes. While it does not grant long-term employment rights, the vast majority of private language academy teachers use a tourist visa to enter the country, look for jobs on the ground, or complete short-term freelance teaching assignments.
How do you get one?
Obtaining a tourist visa is highly straightforward for citizens of the US, UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand. You have two simple options:
e-Visa Online: Apply at least seven business days before your flight via the official Egyptian e-Visa portal, pay the fee online, and print your confirmation page to show border control.
On Arrival: Purchase your tourist visa directly at your airport of entry using the self-service digital kiosks or bank windows right before the passport control lines.
How long does it last?
The tourist visa is valid for 30 days. If you stay beyond this period to continue your job search, you must physically visit the official Passport and Immigration Administration office (located in the Abbasiya district of Cairo) to purchase a temporary tourist residency extension.
Work Permit
What is it?
This is a formal legal authorization issued to foreigners who have signed a full-time contract with an established school or international institution.
The processing time for a final, physical work permit plastic card can take anywhere from 8 to 10 months to fully clear security channels.
How Do you Get One?
Submission & Interim Rights: Once you sign your contract, your employer will gather your certified documents and submit the application to the Egyptian Ministry of Labor. The Ministry will immediately issue a formal submission receipt. This receipt is your legal golden ticket—it acts as an interim authorization, allowing you to legally live and teach at the school while your final permit is being processed.
Mandatory Medical Check: As part of the post-arrival processing, you will be required to undergo a mandatory health screening, including an HIV/AIDS blood test, conducted exclusively at an approved Ministry of Health laboratory in Egypt. Private medical records from your home country cannot be used as a substitute.
Document Authentication: To successfully process your work permit, you must bring a physical copy of your university degree or teaching credentials that have been fully authenticated by the Egyptian Embassy in your home country and stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on the ground in Cairo.
How long does it last?
Once the final work permit is approved, your tourist status is officially converted into a work visa, which is valid for one year and can be renewed annually by your employer.
Prepare Your Work Permit Documents
As the documents for obtaining an Egyptian tourist visa are relatively simple (for more information see our above “Tourist Visa” blurb and the website of your local Egyptian embassy or consulate), we’ll focus on outlining the required documents for an Egyptian work permit below.
Once you have a job offer and have signed on the dotted line, your school will work with you to collect all the documents required for a work permit, which will allow you to work legally in Egypt. As is always the case, remember that depending on your nationality and consulate jurisdiction, you may be required to provide other documents in addition to the ones outlined above. For more information, please head over to the website of the Egyptian embassy or consulate-general in your area.
Required Documents for Work Permit
To legally clear the Egyptian Ministry of Labor, you must bring physical copies of the following core documents with you to Egypt:
Your University Diploma: A Bachelor’s degree is required for formal work permits.
Academic Transcripts: Official, sealed copies from your university.
Your TEFL Certificate: Proof of your English teaching training.
Background Check (Police Clearance): A clean criminal record check issued by your home country within the last six months.
Passport Photos: Bring at least 7 to 10 standard passport-sized photos with a white background, as local ministries require multiple physical copies for your files.
Foreign documents are not legally recognized in Egypt unless they undergo formal Consular Legalization in your home country before you fly. For educational degrees, Egypt utilizes a strict, multi-step process:
The Cultural Bureau Stamp: Before sending your diploma to the main Egyptian Embassy, you must submit it to the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in your home country. They will contact your university directly to verify that your degree is authentic.
Domestic Government Authentication: Have your background check and verified documents authenticated by your local state or national department (such as the Secretary of State in the US or the FCDO in the UK).
The Egyptian Consulate Seal: Once those steps are complete, submit the documents to the nearest Egyptian Embassy or Consulate to receive the final international legalization seal.
If you arrive in Egypt with a diploma that has not been stamped by the Egyptian Cultural Bureau and Consulate back home, local government offices will reject your application, and you will face a logistical nightmare trying to mail your original degree back across the world.
Renewing Your Work Permit
If you decide to renew your contract for another academic year, congratulations! You must have had a wonderful experience with your students and your school.
When you choose to stay on, your employer will assist you with renewing your work permit through Egypt’s Ministry of Labor. You generally will not need to re-gather your authenticated degrees or criminal background checks from home, as the Ministry keeps your initial authenticated documents on file.
Standard Egyptian work permits are issued for one year at a time and can be renewed up to four times, allowing for a maximum of five years total of living and working in the country on that specific track.
The good news is that processing a renewal is significantly faster than your initial application because your primary security clearances are already established.
However, keep in mind that under current labor guidelines, the Ministry enforces a strict 10% cap on foreign employees per institution. Your school’s HR department will need to submit updated company workforce data during your renewal window to prove they remain compliant with local employment ratios.
Relocation Basics
In the days, weeks, and months leading up to your move abroad, it’s more important than ever to stay organized and ask yourself: What are the logistics I have to consider and the loose ends I have to tie up in order to thrive in my new home? Do I have to worry about taxes? What about health insurance? And what the heck do I do about a cell phone?
Fear not, TEFL teacher. In this section, you’ll find the tips, resources, and wisdom to tackle these questions and more!
Review the Basics
Health Insurance
Although in a perfect world, an apple a day would keep the doctor away, in reality, even teachers get sick. Cue health insurance. Regardless of the country you end up in, you should always inquire about health insurance before accepting a position. If health insurance is indeed provided by your employer, it’s imperative that the relevant details are outlined clearly in any contract you sign.
Depending on your school, you might or might not receive health insurance benefits. Typically, however, health insurance is not included with the job in Egypt. If it is, you’re lucky! Check out the “Accepting the Right Offer” section to learn more. That being the case, you will want to do your own research in order to determine which health insurance plan abroad might be the best fit for you, your health needs, and any dependents you might be bringing along.
With so many insurance options to choose from, picking out a good provider can be daunting for some teachers. One easy hack? Check out this article about insurance options abroad, and use the ITA Egypt Alumni Group to connect with past ITA teachers who have taught or are teaching in Egypt, and ask them which providers they recommend.
Savings & Banking
Let’s face it: Money matters and banking abroad can feel like a daunting task! Luckily, you have options. One possible route: Open up an account with an international bank that has ATMs and services across the globe. This way, transferring funds between your home country and Egypt isn’t such a headache, and you won’t have to worry about incurring pesky ATM fees while travelling.
Regardless of whether you decide to open an international account, chances are you’ll probably need to open a local bank account eventually. In Egypt, the process is usually straightforward, and your school or another teacher will typically help you with this process. That being said, don’t stress if it takes you a while to secure a local bank account — many Egyptian schools may simply pay you in cash. “[My employer] hands me an envelope of cash at the end of every month,” says ITA graduate Blake E., who taught in Cairo. “This is standard practice in Egypt for English teachers. It’s standard practice for a lot of things, actually.”
Pro tip: Before you jet off, inform your home bank of your travel plans. This will prevent your account from being suspended due to suspicious transactions abroad.
Vaccinations
For a list of vaccinations you might need for the Egypt, check out the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website. If you’re planning on visiting other countries while abroad, it’s always a great idea to research the required and recommended vaccinations for these areas as well. Be proactive!
Housing
In Egypt, you will likely be responsible for finding your own apartment. While some schools will provide a list of housing tips or connected local brokers, for the most part, you’ll navigate the search independently.
The modern apartment market in Egypt has moved almost entirely online. The most effective ways to secure a flat are through Dubizzle Egypt (the country’s massive, primary online classifieds platform) or via active expat Facebook real estate groups. “In three years in Cairo, I stayed in five different apartments…” says ITA graduate Eric S., who taught in Cairo. “There are also a few pages on Facebook that make finding a room (or an entire apartment to yourself, if you don’t want roommates) quite easy.”
Most teachers opt to book a short-term Airbnb or hostel for their first two weeks in the country, using that time as a home base to tour neighborhoods and view apartments in person. If you’re lucky, that short-term stay might just turn permanent! Blake E. secured their accommodation this way: “I live in a fantastic building right outside the gates to the Sphinx,” Blake says. “I can almost throw a rock and hit the pyramids from my rooftop. I don’t have a permanent roommate, but the owner uses the second room in my apartment for travelers passing through.”
Furnished apartments are incredibly common and affordable in major hubs like Cairo and Alexandria. Renting a furnished place saves you the logistical nightmare of buying appliances or mattresses. Just ensure you clarify with the landlord exactly what is included—such as air conditioning units (a must-have!), pots, pans, and linens.
Once you’ve settled into your flat, you can easily add local character and charm to your space by sourcing home decorations from neighborhood shops and traditional bazaars. If you are living in the capital, make sure to visit the historic Khan el-Khalili market in Cairo—one of the oldest and most vibrant open-air markets in the Middle East. Just don’t forget to friendly-haggle!
Packing
As a good rule of thumb, pack only what you need and save room for all the amazing souvenirs you’ll be bringing back! However, it’s up to you to research the specific climate of the region you’ll be living in and take into account the weather of other areas you might be traveling to. And, of course, always check with the Egypt Customs Service to ensure you’re not bringing anything illegal into the country (yikes!).
Egypt has exceptionally strict anti-narcotics and pharmaceutical laws. Common Western medications—including ADHD stimulants (like Adderall or Ritalin), strong painkillers (like Tramadol or codeine-based syrups), and certain anti-anxiety medications (like Xanax)—are heavily restricted or completely banned from entry. Bringing them in without an official, stamped doctor’s letter and a validated copy of your prescription can lead to confiscation or severe legal issues. Even some over-the-counter cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine are tightly regulated.
If you have a prescription, consult with your doctor well before your departure to ensure the chemical compound is legal in Egypt or to find a permitted local alternative. Some insurance companies may also offer a “vacation override” on standard prescriptions, allowing you to fill a larger supply (usually capped at 90 days for personal import) before you fly.
Additionally, if you need to bring any drugs that specifically treat mental illnesses, it’s a good idea to do some research about the country’s attitude towards mental health before jetting off. U.S. Embassy pages, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the International Society of Travel Medicine, and our ITA Alumni Groups on Facebook are all great places to begin this research. Then, call your doctor, set up an appointment, and get their insight on mental health and well-being in your host country. In the Egypt in particular, mental illness is often stigmatized. Thus, teachers planning on bringing along any antidepressants or other medications that treat mental illnesses should be particularly proactive about seeking out the advice of a health professional.
A final tip: Use the ITA Egypt Alumni Group to connect with past ITA teachers who have taught or are teaching in the Egypt, and ask them what they wish they had (or hadn’t) brought.
Tech
I’m addicted. You’re addicted. We’re all addicted to our phones, so it comes as no surprise that one of the top questions teachers ask before a move abroad is, “What do I do for a cell phone?” First, check with your current carrier to see if they have an international calling and texting plan that works for your budget and goals.
Many teachers purchase a local SIM card once they arrive in the Egypt. Before you decide to go with this option, check with your phone company to make sure that your phone is “unlocked” or allows for the switching of SIM cards. Just remember not to throw away your original SIM card! You’ll want to keep that for when you do decide to return home.
That being said, it’s completely possible to invest in an entirely new phone once in Egypt — be it an old-school flip phone or smartphone. You can then use this device for local calls and texts and keep your cell phone from home to use whenever you’re in range of wifi.
One final area of tech research to dig into before relocating abroad is the ever-glamorous power outlet. You’ll want to check to make sure that the outlets are the same in both your home and host country, and if not, you’ll need to invest in a power plug adapter and potentially a voltage converter.
Pets
So, you have a furry friend that you’re bringing abroad! Be cognizant of the country-specific requirements for admitting a pet, and that ITA only provides support for teachers — not pets! To dive into your own independent research on bringing pets abroad, get started with this article and check out this company for assistance.
Culture Shock
It’s natural to face challenges when moving to a new country where you might not know the language, the culture, or a familiar face, but being prepared can help you meet these challenges. Watch the following video featuring ITA Instructor Wayne Walker for a glimpse at the stages of adjustment you may go through when moving abroad, particularly for the first time.
“This country will simultaneously make you laugh and make you cry,” says Eric S.. “While Cairo is in many ways a ‘Western’ city (nightclubs, drinking, expat community), it is very much part of the Middle East. This has resulted in quite an interesting mix. On Friday mornings, you can simultaneously see girls in miniskirts getting back home from their night at Cairo Jazz, and old men in ‘ghalibyas’ getting ready for their day of prayer. You might have a date at a café with a relatively liberal-minded Egyptian, and be sitting next to a table of women in burqas. It’s a mishmash of influences, and while part of the population (usually younger) spends their day chatting in English and watching YouTube videos, the other part (usually older) speaks only Arabic and reads the Koran every morning. This is obviously a generalization, as Egyptian mindsets and lifestyles cover a wide spectrum. However, if you are coming from a Western culture, be prepared for a bit of culture shock. Cairo, to sum it up, is weird. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
While culture shock can feel disorienting, remember that like everything else in life, it passes. When it strikes, try to do things that make you feel good — reach out to friends, dive into a familiar book, or just chill out with your favorite Netflix series! Soon, what feels unfamiliar might just become a welcome part of life!
Local Responsibilities
If you’re formally employed by an Egyptian school or company sponsoring your visa, chances are you’ll be paying Egyptian taxes. The amount you pay will depend on the income you earn, and it will usually be deducted automatically from your paycheck each month by your employer. On the other hand, freelance teachers working for private language schools on a tourist visa in Egypt are not typically responsible for paying Egyptian taxes.
Regardless of whether you’re paying Egyptian taxes, be sure to connect with your home country’s tax body to learn more about your tax responsibilities abroad. Some questions you should look into include: What forms should I be sending to the tax agency in my home country? Which documents will I need from my school in Egypt? Will I need to file both state and federal taxes? Again, it’s essential that you do your own comprehensive research on these topics before jetting off. Though we love you, ITA cannot assist with teachers’ tax responsibilities.
Other items to check off in your home country before moving to Egypt include:
Setting up online payments for student loans.
Connecting with other ITA alumni so that you’ll have instant friends once arriving in Egypt!
Understanding the process you’ll need for transferring money from Egypt back home. Keep in mind that due to strict local banking regulations and currency capital controls, you cannot use apps like Wise to transfer Egyptian Pounds (EGP) out of Egypt. While Wise is incredibly cheap for sending money into Egypt, transferring money out typically requires converting EGP to cash USD locally or using traditional wire services. Fortunately, most teachers in local academies live comfortably on their salary but don’t save enough surplus to need frequent international transfers.
Purchase Your Flight
It is not standard for your employer in Egypt to purchase or reimburse you for the cost of your flight. Instead, airfare will almost always be the teacher’s expense. Therefore, it’s a good idea to check general flight prices from your nearest airport to Egypt and start saving!
If you end up securing that teaching job in advance, talk with your employer about the best time to arrive and book your flight. If you decide to head to Egypt and find work on the ground, you’ll typically want to arrive a couple of days before you start the job search so that you can adjust to the time change and give yourself some free time to explore.
Local Transportation
Planes, trains, and automobiles? More like an economical metro system, railways, buses, minibuses, and taxis to boot! In Egypt, getting from point A to point B can be an adventure, but public transportation is typically affordable and fast.
“It’s not for the faint of heart, but the public transportation in Cairo is incredibly cheap and relatively efficient,” says Blake E. “Most Westerners just hop in a taxi, but it’s much, much cheaper to take a microbus and/or the metro. I’ve met a handful of Westerners who’ve been here for years and never taken the metro, and I’ve met tons of them who’ve never taken the microbuses. It’s a shame. ‘Exhibit Egypt’ viewed through the glass bubble of a taxi is more than most ever see, but it isn’t half as fun or rewarding as learning how to travel as your Egyptian friends do.”
Cairo is home to a fast and reasonably-priced metro system — a particularly compelling transportation option for travellers keen on circumventing the city’s congested traffic. First-time metro riders might want to consider embarking on their route midday, however, as the metro can get crowded during peak commuting hours. Buses and microbuses are other popular public transportation methods accessible throughout Egypt, though be prepared for slower commute times thanks to the country’s notoriously stop-and-go traffic. Taxis, Uber, and Careem (a popular ride-sharing, transportation, and delivery service in the Middle East) are also widely used in Egypt, but be sure to agree upon a set price with your taxi driver prior to your journey in order to avoid spiked fares.
Now that you’ve thought through some important loose ends to tie up before your move to Egypt, check out the Timeline section for a recap of everything we covered during this chapter and a checklist of all the steps you need to take in order to teach abroad in Egypt!
Timeline
You have finally made it to the end of the Egypt section, no small feat! Here is all of that wonderful information from the previous section laid out step-by-step and month-by-month before your intended departure date for Egypt.
This timeline is not only for the planners and checklist lovers (although you will love this too!). It is strongly encouraged for anyone planning a move to Egypt to help keep you on track and organized as you make your way through the process.
Finding a Job On the Ground
English teaching jobs in Egypt can be found year-round, though many local language schools and private academies ramp up hiring from May through August ahead of the new school year. Conversely, try to avoid arriving or applying during major Islamic holidays (such as Ramadan or Eid), as schools and government administrative offices operate on heavily reduced holiday hours or close entirely.
To use this timeline effectively, choose your target arrival month and count backward!
4 months before departure: Begin your research
__ List out your target city preferences (e.g., specific Cairo neighborhoods like Maadi or Zamalek vs. Alexandria) and your financial goals.
__ Network with ITA alumni, read alumni stories, and watch alumni videos, etc.
__ Read through ITA resrouces and attend live Student Affairs advisor webinars.
__ Ensure your physical passport is valid for at least 6 months past your anticipated return date and has at least two blank pages available.
__ Verify tourist entry rules for your specific nationality. Note that while US, UK, and EU passport holders can buy a digital tourist visa upon arrival, Canadian passport holders are excluded from e-Visas and must secure a tourist visa from an Egyptian consulate prior to flying.
3 Months Before Departure: Prepare Application Documents
__ Tailor your international resume and cover letter into clean, professional PDF formats.
__Print clean, high-quality color copies of your university degrees, academic transcripts, and your TEFL certificate to keep in your physical application folder.
1–2 Months Before Departure: Lock In Travel Logistics
__Use suggested TEFL job boards and Facebook networking groups to map out locations of language academies you plan to visit.
__Purchase your round-trip airfare to Cairo or Alexandria.
__Book a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb for your first two weeks. Aim for a central, safe neighborhood (like Zamalek or Maadi in Cairo) with easy access to the Metro line so you can commute smoothly to school visits.
1 Month Before Departure: Final Preparations
__Notify your home bank of your upcoming travel to prevent your credit/debit cards from being frozen for international activity.
__Pack business-casual wardrobe items that cover your shoulders and knees to align with Egypt’s conservative professional dress codes. Say your goodbyes, and get ready for an absolute adventure!
Upon Arrival in Egypt: Land the Job
__Pick up a cheap local physical SIM card or activate an Egyptian eSIM (Vodafone, Orange, or WE) at the airport and download WhatsApp immediately for client and employer communications.
__Map out your target schools by neighborhood. Walk in dressed professionally, carry your physical portfolio, and ask to speak directly with the director or person in charge of English hiring.
__ Accept a Contract: Review your offer parameters (salary range, hours, and expectations).
__Work with your school to submit your paperwork to the Ministry of Labor. Complete your mandatory medical screening and HIV blood test at an approved Ministry of Health central laboratory.
Celebrate—you are officially a TEFL teacher in Egypt!
Finding a Job in Advance
English teaching jobs in Egypt can be found year round, though many schools tend to ramp up hiring in May through August so it’s a good idea to apply to jobs then if you can. On the other hand, avoid applying to positions during major Islamic holidays, as many schools and companies are closed.
In order to use this timeline, take your desired start date and subtract from there. While it may be possible to move some parts of the process along quicker, follow this timeline as closely as possible.
6 Months Before Departure: Build Your Foundation
__Decide if you want to apply directly to schools online, work with TEFL recruitment channels, or utilize both avenues simultaneously.
__Read about modern Egyptian customs, expat life in Cairo, and watch ITA alumni Instagram takeovers to understand the local workflow.
__ Verify that your passport is valid for at least 6 months past your anticipated return date and contains blank pages.
4–6 Months Before Departure: Begin the Legalization Chain
__ Tailor your professional CV, cover letter templates, and teaching philosophy statement.
__Secure 8 to 10 high-quality, physical passport-sized photos with a white background (required for local Egyptian ministry filings).
__Request official university transcripts and ensure your physical diploma is on hand.
4 Months Before Departure: Begin the Application Process
__Submit Applications: Apply directly to online school postings using target international job boards and the ITA Egypt School Finder.
__Prepare a digital sample lesson plan and conduct interviews with hiring committees over video platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams.
3 Months Before Departure: Accept an Offer & Legalize Documents
__Accept your formal job offer and submit your text to ITA Student Affairs for an expert contract review.
__ Execute Consular Legalization (No Apostilles): Because Egypt is a non-Hague nation, do not get an apostille. Instead:
Submit your degree to the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau in your home country for authentication.
Route the papers through your national government department (e.g., U.S. Department of State or UK FCDO).
Receive the final authentication stamp from the main Egyptian Embassy or Consulate.
Have your fully legalized teaching credentials and degrees translated into Arabic by an authorized legal translation service.
__Employer Background Checks: Your hiring school will submit your files locally to clear initial security clearances through the National Security Agency and the Ministry of Labor.
__Finalize your flight itinerary based on your school’s requested arrival orientation window.
1–2 Months Before Departure: Final Polish
__ Coordinate with your doctor regarding standard prescription medication legalities in Egypt. Pack, wrap up your loose ends at home, and celebrate the journey ahead!
Upon Arrival in Egypt: Finalize Your Permit
__Land in Egypt using your pre-arranged tourist e-Visa or digital QR code visa-on-arrival system.
__Your school will hand you the formal Ministry of Labor submission receipt, allowing you to legally work and live in the country while your final permanent work card prints.
__Go with your school representative to an authorized Ministry of Health laboratory to complete your mandatory HIV blood test.
__Receive your official, stamped residency work visa.
Step into your brand-new classroom and begin your international teaching career! Congratulations!
