Moving to Sharm el Sheikh??

laurensilver · #1 (**permalink**) 15th July 2009, 11:58 AM

Hi All

I am 19 year old female, and have just got back from a holiday in Egypt.. Sharm to be precise.
I have travelled to many locations around the world, however Sharm el Sheikh has really caught my eye.

I currently work in HR in the UK. Although wouldnt mind working in this area or something completely different.. i am open to suggestions.. even diving work.

Please could I have any advice you think relevant.. from house prices, job findings.. etc.

The only problem is i only speak english, i am willing to learn although worry this may hold me back.

I look forward to hearing from any who read this

Many Thanks
L

mamasue · #2 (**permalink**) 16th July 2009, 12:35 AM

Lauren.... I worked as a diving instructor for 4 years in Hurghada.
You need to be very aware.... living in Egypt is totally different to being on holiday there!!
The first thing you need is a second language.... Hurghada and Sharm have many Russians, Czech, and German guests... these languages are the most in-demand.
The most you can expect in diving is reception work, or selling dives on a beach hotel.... but again, you'll need languages.
If you want to become a diving professional..... you need to spend a lot of time and money for courses to take you up to instructor level
The only dive center I know that will take English-only speaking people is Emperor Divers in Sharm. Try e-mailing them.

sahara1 · #3 (**permalink**) 16th July 2009, 11:06 AM

There are very few jobs in Sharm at the moment due to the economic crisis which has hit the tourist industry hard. It may seem busy there but the hotels have had to drop prices to bring in the tourists and I know of many busisnesses that have folded due to no business.

Sorry to sound gloomy but its the truth, try to secure a job before you go if possible, the schools will be looking for staff for the new term so worth contacting them, you don't necessarily have to have qualifications.

Mamasue is right in that its so different livig in Sharm from being on holiday there. As a tourist you only see the good points, the locals seem really friendly!!! weather is great and you've had a fun time.

Living there is another story, the culture is the exact opposite from ours in every way and unless you're a tough cookie you will have a hard time. Have a look at the Egypt Search forum which will give you some idea about life in Egypt.

If you still decide to go out there it is possible you will get work only speaking English, I did but that was 2 years ago when the economic situation was thriving.

Good luck, pm me if you have any questions

laurensilver · #4 (**permalink**) 16th July 2009, 12:39 PM

Please expand when you say "it is different to our culture in every way possible"

I understand it wont be a holiday..
But I am ready to move on from England, and Egypt.. Sharm is my choice.

Do you live there now?

Is there a school in sharm, if so..w hat is it called?

Many Thanks

queenie40something · #5 (**permalink**) 18th July 2009, 01:34 PM

Hi I have an apartment in Sharm - are you asking about house prices to rent or to buy? You may be lucky and get an employer to sponser you. There are jobs in Sharm but it helps if you know the right people. Dont expect the wages to be anywhere like what you would get in the UK. I know quite a few ex pats living in Sharm - some doing ok and getting by. One neighbour works in a school and her hubby at a dive centre. Another friend works on commission only. Coral Sea Resort in Nabq were recently seeking an English female kids club attendant ( some of these vacancies offer accomadation as well ) The ABC Centre was looking for teacher and 2 assistants - English. The Jaz Mirabel in Nabq was looking for an English speaking guest relations officer - these give you an idea of what is available in Sharm. There are schools and nurserys in Sharm.

queenie40something · #6 (**permalink**) 18th July 2009, 01:45 PM

Sorry - ABC is a nursery and it moved from Hay El Nour to Roman Theatre which is coming out of Naama heading towards Hadaba on the mountainside. Think the woman who runs it is Eman. There is a kids club at Delta Sharm - Hadaba area, Daniella in Hadaba, St Josephs International school in Hadaba , The Sharm British School at Domina Coral Bay hotel.

Im sure there are others as well.

Hope this helps

masr8 · #7 (**permalink**) 19th July 2009, 10:30 AM

Hi

I moved to Egypt three years ago - I was like you - very aware that it will be different from my experience as a holiday - although my great experience on holidays inspired me to come. To be honest - sharm would not be the best place to start out. Think about doing a TEFL course this summer then cairo would be a much better place to start. If you can - bring a friend with you. The culture here in Egypt is very diverse depending on the friends you make. Make sure you meet like minded - similiarly educated people. Tour guides, hotel workers are amazing people but are very different culturally and Sharm is a bubble. You can pick up colloquial arabic (egyptian) very quickly if you emerse yourself in it. Languages - I agree is a must. But dont give up. Sharm is 40 sterling on the plane and great to live but little to do after a while. If you need any help let me know. I wouldnt advise you to come as a girl on your own here, but good luck :-)

laurensilver · #8 (**permalink**) 19th July 2009, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masr8

Hi

I moved to Egypt three years ago - I was like you - very aware that it will be different from my experience as a holiday - although my great experience on holidays inspired me to come. To be honest - sharm would not be the best place to start out. Think about doing a TEFL course this summer then cairo would be a much better place to start. If you can - bring a friend with you. The culture here in Egypt is very diverse depending on the friends you make. Make sure you meet like minded - similiarly educated people. Tour guides, hotel workers are amazing people but are very different culturally and Sharm is a bubble. You can pick up colloquial arabic (egyptian) very quickly if you emerse yourself in it. Languages - I agree is a must. But dont give up. Sharm is 40 sterling on the plane and great to live but little to do after a while. If you need any help let me know. I wouldnt advise you to come as a girl on your own here, but good luck :-)

Hi
Did you start out in sharm? I have met a few people in sharm, so will be nice to have a few friends to help me get on my feet.
I understand it will be hard, and as a girl alone there are obvious dangers.
Where are you living now? As you have stayed 3 years, i am guessing it was a good move for you?? I am very outgoing and independent, so dispite the usual nervousness i am confident of making it work.
I am almost certain i want to make this change, i do worry i will maybe have regrets, but rather regret i came then regret i missed the chance.
Please forward me anything you think relevant.
Lauren

queenie40something · #9 (**permalink**) 20th July 2009, 09:15 AM

Hi Lauren - go for it because if you dont you will regret it. I know lots of ex pats that now live a very haapy life in Sharm. All of them say they will not return to England and Sharm is now their home. The lady that looks after my apartment moved out there over 2 years ago and now runs a very successful business. There are quite a few ex pats now living full time on my resort and all are very happy. Some work some dont. Whenever we go back they all seem so happy and content with their lives. When are you thinking of going over? I am back in September and more than happy to meet up with you for a chat.

BTW all my friends only spoke English but they do speak some Arabic which they have picked up along the way. You will meet many Egyptians and many will become firm friends and they will teach you some Arabic and it only costs you friendship in return. We have many Egyptian friends and they really do look out for you and are always willing to help out.

New Gal · #10 (**permalink**) 20th July 2009, 09:55 AM

Hi Lauren, just wanted to send you a quick message to say all the very best.

Like you, I am moving to Egypt very soon, very aware of the dangers of being a young, single girl but determined to make it work.

Keep your eyes and ears open and your head screwed on and you should be fine.

Just be careful as I have noticed some members offering help which they have been doing to others too (myself included) and their interntions aren't exactly honourable. These people are usually not expats or in the UK at the moment, male and native to Egypt and tend to be on websites like this for one reason only...hope you understand my meaning.

I'm writing to you as I have seen one such member post something aimed to you on another thread so please be careful. I have contacted admin regarding this person but wanted to give you a heads up.

Theres loads of ladies that have made this move so you should ask them for help and advice directly. Queenie is a fab lady and has helped me loads and am sure she will continue to help you too. I urge you to, in the early days at least, to be on your guard and to try not to depend on male offers of help.

Many people think that older ladies from Europe are targets for men with less than honourable intentions but Lauren, when you are young as you/we are, we need to also be extremely careful.

PM me if you wish, I am moving to Hurghada so can't advise on Sharm but am more than happy to help in any other way especially if you are unsure as to the nuances in differing cultural practices.

All the very best x