Men normally wear a collared shirt with nice khakis or other dress slacks, while most men wear a tie on most days, it's not a requirement.
For women, it's just a general professional expectation when it comes to dress. Super casual and/or jeans is not okay, but it's flexible and you can be comfortable, of course.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Preparing to Leave
Here are the things I have to take care of before departing for Morocco. When you decide to move overseas, I suggest you start with this list:
Reserve flights to new country; Car, Insurance, Registration; Finances, credit cards, living trust, will, notifying bank of your leave, wire transfer service charges; What to do with kitchen items; Personal files, mementos, important documents, copies of documents, register with consulate in host country, renew passport; Packing list (only the essentials); What to do with sports equipment; What to do with Furniture, Appliances, vacuum cleaner, stereo, patio furniture; Pets (in my case, Sparky), shots, food; Garden tools, flowers, plants, trees; What to put into storage; Change address, make repairs to house, rent house, cancel utilities, cancel Internet service, clean house for renters, new tenants.
That's a good start!
Reserve flights to new country; Car, Insurance, Registration; Finances, credit cards, living trust, will, notifying bank of your leave, wire transfer service charges; What to do with kitchen items; Personal files, mementos, important documents, copies of documents, register with consulate in host country, renew passport; Packing list (only the essentials); What to do with sports equipment; What to do with Furniture, Appliances, vacuum cleaner, stereo, patio furniture; Pets (in my case, Sparky), shots, food; Garden tools, flowers, plants, trees; What to put into storage; Change address, make repairs to house, rent house, cancel utilities, cancel Internet service, clean house for renters, new tenants.
That's a good start!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Apartments, Shopping, & McArabia
Thanks to Barrie who provided some valuable information about life in Marrakech.
What are the apartments like?
I came from paying $1150 a month in Brooklyn for an apartment that was ridiculously small, so when I saw the apartments in Marrakech, I almost cried tears of joy. I live in a different building than you guys will live in and I haven't seen the apartments there yet, but Ryan has, so you might want to ask him the details on those places. Apparently, they are much newer and cleaner than the apartments in the building where I live, so that is pretty sweet. My apartment is two bedrooms, one full bath, one half bath, an office, a kitchen, a huge living room with cool Moroccan detailing on the ceiling and nice views-lots of light.
I live about a ten minute walk from where you will live but you live in an awesome neighborhood. You are right by Kechmara, and awesome bar/coffee shop/restaurant that has really fun (a little cheesy, but very fun) music nights two or three times a week. Our friend Pascal runs it-you should look it up online, I bet you will hang out there a lot (they also have free WiFi - or WeeFee as they call it in Morocco). You're also near all the good pastry shops and you are closer to the Medina than I am. I'll be happy to take you on a little tour of all the good spots in your neighborhood when I get back.
It's easy to get cheap, cool stuff to decorate your apartment with, like rugs and tables and Moroccan knicknacks if you're into that sort of thing. I can help you with that too if you'd like. I believe your apartment comes furnished, so you won't have to buy a bed or banquets (they have those instead of couches in Morocco) or office desks. You probably will want to personalize your place though.
We saw a McDonald's in Morocco on-line, so we know there are some American companies there. Do they have a WalMart or Target to purchase American-brand toiletries, etc.?
Yes, there is a McDonalds which you will live near. A very good homesick cure. I think I only went once this past year but it's really good. Instead of the Big Mac they have a sandwich called the McArabia.
There are two awesome big box stores about a 20 minute cab ride from your apartment. One is called Marjane and it is like Moroccan Target. It's great. You can get anything you need for your apartment from flatscreen TVs to Moroccan rugs to groceries. It's the best. We love it. Ryan especially loves it and I'm sure he will be happy to take you guys there.
Across the street from Marjane is Mr. Bricolage which is like the Moroccan Home Depot. Also great-you can get paint and other things to fix up your place.
As far as familiar stores go though, there aren't too many. There's a Zara if you like shopping for clothes, but that's about it. I came back to New York this summer wearing dresses that I reconstructed from old caftans and my friends looked at me like I was weird. Be warned, it might happen to you too.
Most products are French or Moroccan but you will recognize the French ones (Loreal, Garnier, etc). There are good grocery stores near where you live - Acima is the best one - and you can get nice produce and bread and wine and stuff. There are also hanouts (little bodegas) on almost every street where you can get milk, eggs, soda, water, Pantene shampoo, Dove soap, etc.
If there are any toiletries or snacks you can't live without, just bring them along. I am bringing cheddar cheese and bagels back this year, but other than that, I wasn't really missing anything.
What should we be prepared for as soon as we arrive?
I would bring a good amount of money to get started with for the first month. We usually don't get paid until the 20th or later and money can go really fast in the first month getting settled. I'd try to bring around $1500-$2000 for the first month between the two of you.
The best experience was meeting all the other teachers and kids. You'll meet the best people, get invited into the homes of your students, meet people who are doing cool things around Marrakech, like owning Riads and restaurants, etc. I'm really excited for you - you'll love it.
What are the apartments like?
I came from paying $1150 a month in Brooklyn for an apartment that was ridiculously small, so when I saw the apartments in Marrakech, I almost cried tears of joy. I live in a different building than you guys will live in and I haven't seen the apartments there yet, but Ryan has, so you might want to ask him the details on those places. Apparently, they are much newer and cleaner than the apartments in the building where I live, so that is pretty sweet. My apartment is two bedrooms, one full bath, one half bath, an office, a kitchen, a huge living room with cool Moroccan detailing on the ceiling and nice views-lots of light.
I live about a ten minute walk from where you will live but you live in an awesome neighborhood. You are right by Kechmara, and awesome bar/coffee shop/restaurant that has really fun (a little cheesy, but very fun) music nights two or three times a week. Our friend Pascal runs it-you should look it up online, I bet you will hang out there a lot (they also have free WiFi - or WeeFee as they call it in Morocco). You're also near all the good pastry shops and you are closer to the Medina than I am. I'll be happy to take you on a little tour of all the good spots in your neighborhood when I get back.
It's easy to get cheap, cool stuff to decorate your apartment with, like rugs and tables and Moroccan knicknacks if you're into that sort of thing. I can help you with that too if you'd like. I believe your apartment comes furnished, so you won't have to buy a bed or banquets (they have those instead of couches in Morocco) or office desks. You probably will want to personalize your place though.
We saw a McDonald's in Morocco on-line, so we know there are some American companies there. Do they have a WalMart or Target to purchase American-brand toiletries, etc.?
Yes, there is a McDonalds which you will live near. A very good homesick cure. I think I only went once this past year but it's really good. Instead of the Big Mac they have a sandwich called the McArabia.
There are two awesome big box stores about a 20 minute cab ride from your apartment. One is called Marjane and it is like Moroccan Target. It's great. You can get anything you need for your apartment from flatscreen TVs to Moroccan rugs to groceries. It's the best. We love it. Ryan especially loves it and I'm sure he will be happy to take you guys there.
Across the street from Marjane is Mr. Bricolage which is like the Moroccan Home Depot. Also great-you can get paint and other things to fix up your place.
As far as familiar stores go though, there aren't too many. There's a Zara if you like shopping for clothes, but that's about it. I came back to New York this summer wearing dresses that I reconstructed from old caftans and my friends looked at me like I was weird. Be warned, it might happen to you too.
Most products are French or Moroccan but you will recognize the French ones (Loreal, Garnier, etc). There are good grocery stores near where you live - Acima is the best one - and you can get nice produce and bread and wine and stuff. There are also hanouts (little bodegas) on almost every street where you can get milk, eggs, soda, water, Pantene shampoo, Dove soap, etc.
If there are any toiletries or snacks you can't live without, just bring them along. I am bringing cheddar cheese and bagels back this year, but other than that, I wasn't really missing anything.
What should we be prepared for as soon as we arrive?
I would bring a good amount of money to get started with for the first month. We usually don't get paid until the 20th or later and money can go really fast in the first month getting settled. I'd try to bring around $1500-$2000 for the first month between the two of you.
The best experience was meeting all the other teachers and kids. You'll meet the best people, get invited into the homes of your students, meet people who are doing cool things around Marrakech, like owning Riads and restaurants, etc. I'm really excited for you - you'll love it.
Books on Morocco
Hello everyone,
I have just enjoyed reading, "A House in Fez, Building a Life in the Ancient Heart of Morocco." A journalist and her husband restore a riad in Fez and reflect on the friendships made, the process, and the customs and traditions they encounter.
Karen
Here is the link to Amazon.com: A House in Fez: Building a Life in the Ancient Heart of Morocco.
I have just enjoyed reading, "A House in Fez, Building a Life in the Ancient Heart of Morocco." A journalist and her husband restore a riad in Fez and reflect on the friendships made, the process, and the customs and traditions they encounter.
Karen
Here is the link to Amazon.com: A House in Fez: Building a Life in the Ancient Heart of Morocco.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
2009-2010 School Calendar
This is the ASM 2009-2010 School Calendar. Thank you, Ryan and Karim for sending this.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Information for New ASM Teachers
On behalf of the American School of Marrakech, welcome!
This blog will serve as a temporary website until I can update the school's website. Let's get right to it.
When are the apartments going to be ready? August 15th. It is recommended that you arrive about 5 days before orientation (September 1st). It will give you time to adjust to the time, settle into your apartment, and explore the city.
Who will take care of me? One idea is to be assigned a host family that will show us around and get us situated. I plan on meeting with the Parents Council president because we have a lot of planning to do. Someone will meet you at the airport, just notify them of your arrival time.
When is orientation? September 1st
When is the first day of school? September 7th
How do I get there? There are many ways, but U.S. -> Canada -> Paris -> Marrakech is one option. I would like to try U.S. ->Madrid -> Marrakech. EasyJet is the European carrier that offers low airfare. You arrange the flight, keep receipts, then you'll be reimbursed shortly after you arrive (and submit your receipts). Most airlines send you an email confirmation. You can forward the email(s) to the business office.
Should I take a computer? If you have one, it might be a good idea. I'm taking my iMac. It has all my video, photo, graphic design, and teacher files on it (plus my webcam for Skype). Remember to bring a 110/220 converter and power strip with surge protection. I'm considering bringing my printers, too. I use them here all the time, so I don't expect it to be any different over there.
How will we get to school? The Embassy bus transports all staff to and from school, twice a day: 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The public bus runs every hour and goes past housing and the school. Some staff members have cars, so you can always arrange rides with them. The school also has two drivers, and if you need to run an errand during the school day, you may be able to arrange a ride. There are also taxi services, and some people have scooters or ride bikes. I would like to ride my bike and get a scooter!
Where are the apartments? They are about 20 minutes from the Meddina (Old City), in the "New City" called Gueliz. It's pretty much in the tourist center.
What size are the apartments? They range from 2 to 3 bedrooms, 1 to 1.5/2 bath, kitchen and living room. We'll have photos soon! Not all teachers/staff live in the same apartment, but we generally live in the same area, roughly 10 minutes apart.
What's the school bell schedule like?
Homeroom/1st: 8:35 - 9:25, then 5 min. passing
2nd Period: 9:30 - 10:20
3rd Period: 10:25 - 11:15
4th Period: 11:20 - 12:10
Lunch: 12:10 - 12:50
5th Period: 12:55 - 1:45
6th Period: 1:50 - 2:40
7th Period: 2:45 - 3:35
From the end of August until September 22, 2009 Ramadan will be celebrated.
http://www.travel-exploration.com/subpage.cfm/Ramadan
Classes will be 40 minutes long, instead of 50, and school will begin at 9:30 a.m. Be prepared for short periods during the first month of school! The bell schedule will be posted once I get it.
Do I get sick/personal days? Yes. 8 sick days and 3 personal days. Please avoid sick/personal days on Friday and Monday (you can still fly to Paris late Friday and return late Sunday -- I love how that sounds!).
When is Back to School Night and Open House? I don't have the specific dates for those, but they are staggered.
How do I communicate with my family in the U.S.? You can sign up for a Skype account (you will need a webcam), or you can buy a cell phone in Morocco. The local company is called MoracTelecom. There are no contracts, just buy a SIM card with 100 minutes and you're set. I was considering an iTouch and using the WiFi feature to send email, Facebook.
Anything else I should know? Yes. But I haven't gotten that far yet. You can start commenting on this blog and Tim will get to meet you, and soon others will get to meet. I think Christina and I are the only teachers from California, and I've heard others are from Virginia, and Midwest. You can see my Facebook badge below, sign up, then we'll all be "connected".
This blog will serve as a temporary website until I can update the school's website. Let's get right to it.
When are the apartments going to be ready? August 15th. It is recommended that you arrive about 5 days before orientation (September 1st). It will give you time to adjust to the time, settle into your apartment, and explore the city.
Who will take care of me? One idea is to be assigned a host family that will show us around and get us situated. I plan on meeting with the Parents Council president because we have a lot of planning to do. Someone will meet you at the airport, just notify them of your arrival time.
When is orientation? September 1st
When is the first day of school? September 7th
How do I get there? There are many ways, but U.S. -> Canada -> Paris -> Marrakech is one option. I would like to try U.S. ->Madrid -> Marrakech. EasyJet is the European carrier that offers low airfare. You arrange the flight, keep receipts, then you'll be reimbursed shortly after you arrive (and submit your receipts). Most airlines send you an email confirmation. You can forward the email(s) to the business office.
Should I take a computer? If you have one, it might be a good idea. I'm taking my iMac. It has all my video, photo, graphic design, and teacher files on it (plus my webcam for Skype). Remember to bring a 110/220 converter and power strip with surge protection. I'm considering bringing my printers, too. I use them here all the time, so I don't expect it to be any different over there.
How will we get to school? The Embassy bus transports all staff to and from school, twice a day: 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The public bus runs every hour and goes past housing and the school. Some staff members have cars, so you can always arrange rides with them. The school also has two drivers, and if you need to run an errand during the school day, you may be able to arrange a ride. There are also taxi services, and some people have scooters or ride bikes. I would like to ride my bike and get a scooter!
Where are the apartments? They are about 20 minutes from the Meddina (Old City), in the "New City" called Gueliz. It's pretty much in the tourist center.
What size are the apartments? They range from 2 to 3 bedrooms, 1 to 1.5/2 bath, kitchen and living room. We'll have photos soon! Not all teachers/staff live in the same apartment, but we generally live in the same area, roughly 10 minutes apart.
What's the school bell schedule like?
Homeroom/1st: 8:35 - 9:25, then 5 min. passing
2nd Period: 9:30 - 10:20
3rd Period: 10:25 - 11:15
4th Period: 11:20 - 12:10
Lunch: 12:10 - 12:50
5th Period: 12:55 - 1:45
6th Period: 1:50 - 2:40
7th Period: 2:45 - 3:35
From the end of August until September 22, 2009 Ramadan will be celebrated.
http://www.travel-exploration.com/subpage.cfm/Ramadan
Classes will be 40 minutes long, instead of 50, and school will begin at 9:30 a.m. Be prepared for short periods during the first month of school! The bell schedule will be posted once I get it.
Do I get sick/personal days? Yes. 8 sick days and 3 personal days. Please avoid sick/personal days on Friday and Monday (you can still fly to Paris late Friday and return late Sunday -- I love how that sounds!).
When is Back to School Night and Open House? I don't have the specific dates for those, but they are staggered.
How do I communicate with my family in the U.S.? You can sign up for a Skype account (you will need a webcam), or you can buy a cell phone in Morocco. The local company is called MoracTelecom. There are no contracts, just buy a SIM card with 100 minutes and you're set. I was considering an iTouch and using the WiFi feature to send email, Facebook.
Anything else I should know? Yes. But I haven't gotten that far yet. You can start commenting on this blog and Tim will get to meet you, and soon others will get to meet. I think Christina and I are the only teachers from California, and I've heard others are from Virginia, and Midwest. You can see my Facebook badge below, sign up, then we'll all be "connected".
Kech Me If You Can
Well, it has happened. ASM now has its own blog for teachers to share ideas, thoughts and stories. I will link it to my personal blog, but you can just use this directly. I might have to manage it, since it is in my account, but that is not a problem. By the way, Ryan said they call Marrakech, "The Kech", so that's the reason for the title.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)