| - Competitive salaries, depending on academic qualifications and professional experience, paid in GBP and net of Egyptian taxes, and including 20% pension supplement. |
| - Allocation of a Teaching Assistant to support teaching and research activities |
| - Opportunities to apply for research support and conference attendance |
| - Furnished accommodation near to University or housing allowance |
| - Medical Scheme* |
| - Transportation – shared access to cars and drivers for both business and social use |
| - Discounted Sports Club membership |
| - Shipping allowance |
| - Fights to take the post and at the end of the contract* |
| - UK return flights annually (depending on contract duration)* |
| * Also applicable to accompanied family members |
Living in Egypt
|
| Geography & Demography |
| The Arab Republic of Egypt covers an area of approximately 1,001,450 sq km and occupies the northeastern corner of Africa. It borders Libya to the west; Sudan to the south; and Israel and Palestine in the northeast. To the north, it faces the Mediterranean; to the east, the Gulf of Aqaba and Red Sea.The vast majority of Egypt's 77 million people, however, live in the fertile Nile valley and delta: an area, which represents only around 6% of the land. Egypt's major cities are the capital, Cairo, which has a population of over about 20 million, and Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast |
| Currency |
| The unit of currency is the Egyptian pound (L.E.), which is comprised of 100 piastres. Notes are in denominations of L.E. 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 100, 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5 piastres. As of February 2009 the exchange rate was approximately $1=5.58, £1= 7.21 and Euro 1=7.15. Currency exchanges are open until 10.00 pm and can be found all over Egypt. Please check the current rates in your local bank. |
| Principal Religions |
| About 94% of Egyptians are Muslims (primarily Sunni), and Islamic practice is widely observed. Of the remainder, around 5% are Coptic Christians. Other Christians, such as Greek Orthodox and Catholics represent around 1% of the population. Freedom of worship is exercised. |
| Language |
| The official language is Arabic, but English and French are widely used. |
| Time |
| Egypt is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+2 GMT). This is reduced by one hour in winter (change time last Thursday in September), and increased by one hour in the summer (change time last Thursday in April). |
| Climate |
| Egypt is hot in the summer months, particularly in July and August, which can also be quite humid. Winter months are appreciably cooler, and windy days in January or February can be relatively cold. Throughout the year, Upper Egypt is significantly warmer than Cairo; Alexandria generally milder. Average monthly temperatures for Cairo (in Centigrade) are: |
| Month |
Maximum |
Minimum |
| January |
20 |
8 |
| February |
21 |
8 |
| March |
25 |
11 |
| April |
29 |
14 |
| May |
33 |
17 |
| June |
35 |
20 |
| July |
36 |
22 |
| August |
35 |
22 |
| September |
33 |
20 |
| October |
31 |
18 |
| November |
26 |
14 |
| December |
21 |
10 |
|
| Official Public Holidays |
| The dates of official public holidays of the University for the academic year are set as per the University Calendar. |
| Further Readings on Egypt |
| Appendix A provides a list of useful and interesting books on Egypt. You may wish to purchase some of these prior to your arrival, although a good range of books on Egypt is available locally. |
| Availability of Goods in Cairo |
| All essential items can be found, though from time to time there are shortages or interruptions in the supply of some specific brands or imported goods. A number of new shopping malls are now open which generally include shops, restaurants, cinema, supermarkets and underground car parks. |
| Clothing |
| You should bear in mind that, whilst summers are hot in Cairo, in winter, it becomes relatively cold. Sweaters, heavier jackets and overcoats, suits and dresses should be packed in addition to light summer clothes. Clothing which is reasonably priced can be purchased locally. As in most predominantly Islamic countries, women are expected to dress modestly in public; shorts and ‘strappy’ sundresses are not usually acceptable. Fashionable shoes and sandals for both men and women are available in Cairo and are cheaper than in Europe. Some international designs are available. Sports clothes and equipment are also available. |
| Food |
| Fresh fruits, vegetables and meat are very good, plentiful and inexpensive. Uncooked fruit and vegetables should be thoroughly washed before eating. You are not allowed to import foodstuff, although a small amount for personal use may be carried in your accompanied luggage. |
| Children’s' Goods |
 Clothing
Sweatshirts, jogging suits and anoraks are suitable clothing for winter months, with plenty of light cotton clothes for summer. Children's casual summer clothes are widely available and inexpensive. High quality children shoes are increasingly available, but not in different width sizes. Children at the British schools wear a uniform, which can be obtained directly from the school.
Toys
Children’s books, toys and playthings are widely available.
Baby Foods
The supply of baby food is reasonably consistent. Many types of powdered milk, which are inexpensive, are available as are baby cereals. "Milupa" foods are also available, but while the range of sweets is wide, there are few savory varieties. Baby juices and vitamins are easily found.
|
| Education |
Egypt has an old tradition of teaching foreign languages at its schools, particularly those run by religious institutions. Currently you will find a large number of ‘foreign language schools’ which teach a foreign language, plus a number of International schools teaching a foreign curriculum including American, British, French and German schools.
The website www.schools-in-egypt.com provides more information about schools in Egypt. |
| Churches & Mosques |
| In Egypt, there are a large number Mosques and also Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches, reflecting the diversity of the city's indigenous and foreign religious community. |
| Restaurants |
| Eating out in Egypt is mostly inexpensive and there are a variety of choices. The restaurants’ phone numbers and addresses can be found on the website www.otlob.com There is also a thriving UK expatriate community centred at The British Community Association Clubhouse - 11, Mohamed Youssef El-Kadi St., Heliopolis. Tel.: 2918533 10 a.m - 3 p.m There are a number of restaurants offering a variety of cuisines in nearby hotels. |
| Entertainment & Travel |
| As a cosmopolitan city which attracts a very large number of tourists, Cairo has facilities for recreation which should suit most tastes. There are, of course, the attractions which the tourists flock to see - ranging from the antiquities of Pharaonic Egypt to the excellent sub-aqua diving in the Red Sea, as well as theatres, cinemas, libraries, restaurants, nightclubs and sports clubs. It is advisable to read Egypt Today magazine for information about museums, art galleries, the Opera House and theatres. In addition there are a number of clean comfortable cinemas in Cairo, most showing a mixture of up-to-date English and Arabic films. There is a variety of interesting places to visit around Cairo like Giza/Sakarra Pyramids, Khan El Khalili, Egyptian Museum, and around Egypt like Luxor, Aswan, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Hurghada. |
| Arabic Courses |
| As well as increasing your effectiveness in your job, an ability to speak some Arabic will make your and your family's stay in Cairo far more enjoyable. Staff and their families are, therefore, encouraged to study the language. Arabic Courses can be taken in many institutes like International Language Institute in Heliopolis. |
| Newspapers And Magazines |
| English newspapers and magazines can be bought and ordered locally. There are a number of bookstores in Cairo, well-stocked with books, newspapers and magazines in different European languages. |
| Sports Clubs |
| There are a number of sports clubs in El Sherouk and Cairo offering a wide range of sporting activities including tennis, swimming, squash, riding, golf, shooting, etc. In addition, some of the hotels in Heliopolis offer club memberships which allow access to their sporting facilities, mainly swimming pools and tennis courts.There are also new sport clubs in New Cairo which offer superb leisure facilities and amenities including a fitness center, spa, swimming pool, tennis, golf and squash courts. They also include day care and resort guestrooms. |
| Home Entertainment |
Television programmes are mainly in Arabic though there are foreign language programmes, principally in French and English. You can subscribe to foreign channels with a special decoder or invest in a satellite dish. The transmission of the Egyptian television is in colour and the "PAL" system is used.
To subscribe for cable TV, contact CNE |
| Employee Handbook |