| - 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 |
| - Relocation 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 in the northeast. To the north, it faces the Mediterranean; to the east, the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea.
The vast majority of Egypt's 70 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 20 million, and Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast. |
| Currency |
| The unit of currency is the Egyptian pound (LE), which is comprised of 100 piasters (PT). Notes are in denominations of EL 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5 piastres. As of July 2005 the exchange rate was approximately $1= 5.78, £1= 10.04 and Euro 1= 6.7. Currency exchanges are open until 10.00 pm and can be found all over Cairo. Money can also be changed at hotels or banks but at slightly lower rate. |
| 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 also widely used. |
| Time |
| Egypt is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. 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 |
| Cairo is hot in the summer months, particularly in July and August, which can also be quite humid. Winter months are appreciably cooler, and wet 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 |
35 |
20 |
| June |
36 |
22 |
| July |
35 |
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 current 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 of imported goods. There are a number of new shopping malls now opened which makes the concept of "all under one roof" easier to find. They have shops, restaurants, cinema, supermarkets and underground car park.
There are many large supermarkets in different areas in Cairo e.g. Alfa Market, Metro, and Carrefour, which sell everything from fruits and vegetables to electrical goods and clothing. |
| Clothing |
You should bear in mind that, whilst summers are hot in Cairo, in winter, it becomes cold. Sweaters, heavy 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, ladies are expected to dress modestly in public; shorts and "strappy" sundresses are not usually acceptable. During the day in the summer, they will need plenty of washable cotton summer dresses, blouses and T-shirts. For winter days, they will need European winter type clothes.
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 but variety is not as wide as in Europe. |
| Food |
Fresh fruits, vegetables and meat are very good, plentiful and cheap. Uncooked fruit and vegetables should be sterilized before eating. Pork is sold in special shops. Eggs, milk, sugar, flour, rice and bread are sold in supermarkets as well as in other groceries.
You are not allowed to import foodstuff, although a small amount may be carried in your accompanied luggage. |
| Drinks |
| Locally made squashes, soft drinks, beer and wines are available. Spirits, like whisky and gin, and fortified wines, like vermouth, are imported and very expensive. Staff may bring two bottles of spirits into Egypt or, if purchased from a duty free shop 4 bottles of spirits (3/4 litres) or three bottles and one box of beer. This allowance however can only be used twice per calendar year, per passport. |
| Tobacco |
| Both local and imported cigarettes and pipe tobacco are available. You may use the duty free shop facilities at your point of departure or at Cairo airport before passing the customs area. |
| 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 uniform, which can be obtained directly, from the school.
Toys
Children’s books, toys and playthings are available at a little over European prices.
Baby Foods
The supply of baby food is reasonably consistent. Many types of powdered milk, which are cheap, are available as are baby cereals.
"Milupa" foods are also available but while the range of sweets is wide, there are few savories. Baby juices and vitamins are not easily found, so it would be advisable to pack them.
It would be wise to bring with you to Cairo some favorite food items, which you feel are essential to cover the period until you get to know the shopping facilities. Some other items, such as lotions, shampoos, soaps and disposable nappies may be obtained locally.
|
| Education |
Cairo 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 much more information about schools in Egypt. |
| Churches |
| In Cairo, there are a large number of Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches, reflecting the diversity of the city's indigenous and foreign Christian community. There are Catholic and Protestant churches in Heliopolis holding services on Sundays. There is an Anglican Cathedral in Zamalek. |
| Restaurants |
| Eating out in Cairo is mostly inexpensive and there are a variety of choices. The resultants phone numbers and addresses can be found on the web site www.otlob.com which can also be used for home delivery of fast food, pharmaceuticals, video's etc. |
| 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 Pharoanic 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, 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 Varity of interesting places to visits around Cairo like Giza/Sakara Pyramids, Khan El Khalili, Egyptian Museum, and around Egypt like Luxor, Aswan, Alexandria, 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 and the British Council in Agouza (www.britishcouncil.org.eg) |
| Newspapers And Magazines |
| English newspapers and magazines can be bought and ordered locally – often at a cost higher than in the UK and are at least a day late. Everyman’s shop in Korba – Heliopolis is one of the main outlets; however International newspapers and magazines can be bought from hotels around Cairo. |
| Sports Clubs |
There are a number of sports clubs in Heliopolis and Cairo offering a wide range of sporting activities - 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 two new Clubs in New Cairo “Katameya Heights” and “Mirage” 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. |
| Photography |
| You may bring your camera but you should bear in mind that photography is forbidden in certain areas. Films and flash bulbs are available and local prints are of acceptable quality. |
| Home Entertainment |
Egyptian television has nine channels. Programs are mainly in Arabic though there are some foreign language programs, principally in French and English. You can subscribe to CNN/Movie Channel/Euro sports with special decoder or invest in a satellite dish. The transmission of the Egyptian television is in color and the "PAL" system is used. Imported TV sets are expensive to purchase in Cairo because of the heavy import duties imposed but local TVs are reasonably priced. Three system video/TV sets are useful (PAL/SECAM/NTSC) since cassettes are not standardized.
Videotapes, CD's, CD Rom and Floppy Disks imported with your personal effects will be removed for inspection by Customs, which can take several months. |