The English language teaching situation in Africa
is at best rather confusing. Many ex-colonies of Britain use English
as the medium of instruction in state schools and so most teachers
are locals. Some advanced level positions may be available in universities
in such locations. In other African countries English is much in
demand but few schools are able to afford a native speaker teacher
and so positions are largely filled by voluntary workers (though
sometimes paying a 'local' salary). There are many placement organizations
that can arrange voluntary work in Africa should that be your aim.
There is some work available in South Africa
but as many of their citizens speak English as a native language,
opportunities for non-South Africans are somewhat limited. Zimbabwe
used to offer a number of possibilities but recent political events
have curtailed most EFL activity.
Some opportunities exist in almost all countries
but the only African nations where there is any significant scope
for working in private language schools, or institutes, are detailed
below:
|
Egypt |
|
Capital city |
Cairo |
|
|
Language |
Arabic |
|
Currency and exchange rate |
Egyptian pound (3.6 pounds = $US 1) |
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary |
2,000 Egyptian pounds per month |
|
Major TEFL locations |
Cairo, Alexandria |
|
TEFL job prospects
The current demand for TEFL teachers
in Egypt is quite high. In locations such as Cairo, Alexandria,
Heliopolis, Maadi and Zamalek there are opportunities for qualified
EFL teachers, while in other parts of the country the prospects
are still good. There is work in the business and tourism sectors,
as well as in private language schools which are numerous in
the major cities. Qualified teachers should also have little
trouble in arranging private tutoring work. |
|
Kenya |
|
Capital city |
Nairobi |
|
|
Language |
Swahili |
|
Currency and exchange rate |
Kenyan schilling (70KS = $US 1) |
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary |
430 KS per hour |
|
Major TEFL locations |
Nairobi |
|
TEFL job prospects
Some work is available in Kenya at government
sponsored schools and institutes and also at a few private
language and full-curriculum schools. Salaries are not high
by international standards but are sufficient to lead a relatively
comfortable life. Many more opportunities exist through voluntary
placement schemes that may provide a basic 'local' salary. |
|
Morocco |
|
Capital city |
Rabat |
|
|
Language |
Arabic (French also widely spoken) |
|
Currency and exchange rate |
Dirham (11 dirham = $US 1) |
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary |
9,000 dirham per month |
|
Major TEFL locations |
Rabat, Tangier, Agadir, Casablanca,
Fez |
|
TEFL job prospects
Despite being a Francophone country,
English is increasingly a requirement for entrance to universities
and high ranking jobs. As a result there is a steady demand
for English language teachers. Almost all state sector positions
are filled by Moroccans but there is a continuing demand for
native speakers in private language schools and in the business
community. A degree is necessary to be eligible for a work
permit. Qualified EFL teachers shouldn't have any great problem
in finding employment in the major cities. |
|
Tunisia |
|
Capital city |
Tunis |
|
|
Language |
Arabic (French also widely spoken) |
|
Currency and exchange rate |
Dinar (1.5 dinar = $US 1) |
|
Typical TEFL teacher salary |
15 dinars per hour |
|
Major TEFL locations |
Tunis + tourist destinations |
|
TEFL job prospects
Like its neighbor Morocco, Tunisia is
turning away from the language of its former colonial master
France. Many Tunisians are starting to learn English for study
and work purposes and as a result there is a reasonable demand
for native speaker teachers, particularly in the capital and
areas with a high level of employment in the tourism industry. |
|
