3/3/2008 - NEW: AFS Egypt Teacher Program

AFS EGYPT introduces a new element in exchange programs: teacher exchanges. This program will allow for international educators to gain an in-depth understanding of Egyptian culture through direct, class-room interaction with Egyptian youth. This program is intended to give educators the knowledge and skills to gain a better understanding of Egyptian culture by working in the school system.

Approximate Program Dates: August 28th 2008 – July 2nd 2009
Approximate Program Cost: $7,500

Program Description

Participants will come to Egypt for an academic year, to teach the students academic subjects, participate in the enhancement of extracurricular activities thus having a multiplier effect on the students in the sponsoring/host school as well as on the students in the teacher’s native country.

Participants expand their knowledge of other cultures and educational systems, exchange teaching methods, and learn from teachers and administrators, all while acquiring first hand knowledge of what it’s like to live in another country. The program creates the opportunity for a two-way exchange of ideas between the Visiting Teacher and the host school. To support teaching and learning, the Visiting Teacher can enhance social studies, world history, geography, art, music, world literature, health, physical education and other subjects with a more global perspective. Visiting Teachers can also teach students English language acquisition or support foreign language instruction. Their presentations and lessons provide a distinctive complement to classes and students of all levels and will become a key person in the much needed role of AFS Intercultural Programs, of building bridges of understanding.

Qualifications of successful applicants

• Academic background in teaching/certified teachers (able to develop English classroom content)
• Working knowledge of the English language
• Possible knowledge of other desired languages: French and German
• Willingness to actively integrate in the school
• Flexible, patient, open-minded, and adaptable to new environments

Orientations and Preparation

• Teachers will be able to access AFS-USA’s Culture Trek orientation program, a self-guided intercultural learning course
• Teachers will receive program-specific materials for Egypt, placement information, and general information about preparing to travel abroad
• Conference call 4-6 weeks prior to departure to review Culture Trek and answer questions
• Orientation at international gateway (gateway TBD) day before departure
• Orientation upon arrival in Cairo (this includes AFS EGYPT pre-arrival cultural handbook, safety tips, Arabic language training, sponsoring school application and all information and material provided by sponsoring school).
• Mid-stay orientation
• End-of-Stay Orientation at conclusion of program prior to return to U.S.
• Post-program evaluation after return to U.S.

Host schools will provide a job description for the participant; Accommodation will be provided.

In order to be considered for this program, AFS must receive your complete application by Tuesday, April 15, 2008.

A complete application includes the following:

1. A preliminary application to go abroad. (Please mark irrelevant fields with “N/A.”)

2. A completed 21+ full application.

3. A supplemental application for the Egypt Teacher program.