Do I need a visa?

New teachers should come into the country as a tourist. This allows 3–4 months, depending on nationality, to complete the necessary paper work in order for AMIDEAST to apply for your work permit and then help you apply for a temporary residence visa (carte de séjour) that lasts for a year from the date of issue.  If you renew your contract with AMIDEAST for a second year, you will need to renew your carte de séjour.  Should your carte de séjour expire before you leave the country, you will have to pay a fine for each month you overstay.

How much money do I need to bring?

The local currency is Tunisian Dinars (TD), and there are approximately 1.55 dinars to the dollar as of February 2013.  Your major initial expense will be rent. The usual policy in Tunisia is to ask for 2-3 months of rent up front (one month security deposit, plus the first and last months’ rent). This will total $1,500– $2,000, depending on the cost of your apartment. It’s a good idea to arrive with$2,000– $2,500 in available funds to see you through your first month.

Will I get help in finding an apartment?

When you first arrive, AMIDEAST will put you up in a hotel for up to two weeks, while you look at apartments. Our Teacher Facilitator will help you identify 2–3 potential apartments, and assist with finalizing your lease.

How much should I expect to pay in rent& utilities?

One-bedroom furnished apartments in the general vicinity of AMIDEAST or within a 15-minute taxi ride run approximately 550–800 TD/month, depending on how new the furnishings and the appliances are (apartments equipped with AC will be on the high end). Utilities should be around 50 TD/month (more if using heat and AC), and utility bills are paid every three months in one lump sum.

Can I send money out of the country?

The Tunisian dinar is not a convertible currency. However, once you have your temporary residence visa (carte de séjour), you can set up a bank account that will allow you to establish a convertible currency account, and you can then send out up to half of your salary per month. This process can take as long as three months to set up, so if you have any regular financial commitments abroad, you should arrange alternative measures before arriving in Tunisia. Incoming teachers should exchange foreign currency upon arrival and save the exchange receipts. These receipts will allow you to reconvert excess dinars into foreign currency at the end of your stay.

How many hours/week will I work?

The exact number of teaching hours will depend on enrollment levels. Over the last couple years, teachers have been averaging between 20 and 30 teaching hours per week during regular two-month sessions; we aim for about 25 hours per week. During intensive summer and Ramadan sessions, hours might drop to 15–20 hrs, again depending on total enrollment and the number of teachers available.

What will be my working hours?

Public classes are scheduled mostly at lunch time (12:30–3:00) or in the late afternoon (5:30–9:00), Monday–Friday. Contract classes occur on weekday mornings and in the mid-afternoons. Teachers are expected to be available during any of these times. Due to the growing demand for classes, we may institute Saturday classes that teachers would also be expected to teach if need be, with an alternative day off during the work week.

Are there any other duties besides teaching for which I will be responsible?

Along with adequately preparing for all classes, a teacher is responsible for entering attendance for each class regularly throughout the session, as well as for conducting and scoring tests and other student assessments and entering final grades into the database.

Will I have time to study a language? Pursue other interests?

Language study, sports and other outside activities should be scheduled around the work schedule.

Is there any time off?

AMIDEAST observes all Tunisian holidays as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas and July 4. There are usually 4–7 days off between regular two-month sessions, and all leave should be scheduled during these breaks. Up to one week of mid-session leave may be taken, if necessary, after 6 months of work and only upon ensuring alternative coverage for assigned classes.

Will I be evaluated?  How will I be evaluated?

AMIDEAST’s EL coordinators make periodic visits to the classroom for the purpose of teacher observation and evaluation, and student evaluation questionnaires are distributed at the end of each session. The content of all teacher evaluations will be shared with the teacher in scheduled feedback sessions. This ensures quality control in our classrooms and provides an opportunity to validate best-practice teaching strategies or suggest improvements.

What’s the average age of other teachers on staff?

Most of our current teachers are in their mid 20s to late 30s.

What is the dress code?

Tunisia is a very fashion-conscious country, and the way a person dresses is a factor in commanding the respect of others. AMIDEAST requires teachers to wear “business casual” attire when they are working. This would include, for example, khaki-type pants and sports shirts for men, and pants or skirts, sweaters, and blouses for women. For contract classes—particularly those on client premises during the work day—more standard business attire such as sports jackets, ties, and suits (for women as well as men) are encouraged. No jeans, t-shirts, flip-flops, or shorts are permitted on the job.

Are there any bonuses?

A bonus of $500 is awarded upon renewal of the 12-month contract.

Is there any staff development?

AMIDEAST provides training for certain ESP course delivery, and organizes periodic training workshops in other special topics as opportunities arise.

Do I have to have health insurance?

You are expected to be covered by a reputable medical insurance. You can also elect to join the AMIDEAST insurance group which is with the UK: AVIVA Optimum Global (www.optimumglobal.com).

Should I bring any books or teaching material with me?

If you have materials that you find particularly useful, then bring them in your checked luggage.  Do not ship or mail books or materials because they can be held up at customs.