Scientist
11/24/2013 19:28 EST
Hello,
I'm new to this site so forgive me if I ask things already discussed.
I am considering moving to Algeria, permanently, to the Constantine region together with my wife. I hope to receive an offer for a Director position in biotechnology/drug development.
Questions: 1. What could I expect in terms of salary offer? I have an extremely strong CV with experience as director at several Ivy League universities in USA. 2. I would like to purchase a house in the Constantine region. How much can I expect to pay for a good-sized house in a safe area? I prefer not to live right in the city. 3. How is the expat community in the Constantine region? 4. I will have plenty of support from my employer but like to hire a live in personal assistant/driver, how much should I pay? 5. How much does it cost to build a house? I mean, what is the cost for a good crew (10-15 people) of craftsmen per month? 6. Can you get internet access outside the larger cities and if so, how and how much does it cost?
All information is very welcome and appreciated.
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legendaire
11/30/2013 10:06 EST
Hello, First of all, welcome to Algeria and precisely to Constantine, Algeria's third largest city. To answer your questions, could you please send me your email ID for contact purpose? Awaiting your reply. Best regards,
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indecisiveonusername
12/4/2013 14:53 EST
Hey friend! Ok so I'm actually a native of Algeria (my dad worked in Constantine back in the 80s). I'm in the US now but frequently go home to see my family, etc.
SO, here's some insight on Algeria and I can also ask my dad about the region and how he got on. Unfortunately, you must be an Algerian citizen to buy a home in Algeria. Internet access is available and you'd have to talk to the local phone company there (getting phone and internet service is a pain in the ass for some reason but it's inexpensive and runs you at most $40). As for salary- it depends on whether it's an American, European, or Algerian company - usually American and European companies pay better. Live-in assistants &/or drivers are usually very cheap. Assistants would certainly be paid less (again dependent on the work- if it's managing a household then less than 500). Also, be very selective in screening applicants for assistants for safety reasons. Constantine is a beautiful place but unfortunately it's one of the major cities that doesn't have a beach :( but it's very pretty with reallllllly hot summers and cold winters.
So at least you get seasons right?
The people of Constantine are wonderful! Their food is probably my favorite in terms of regional cuisine (they're artists) although my birthplace, Oran, dishes out some delish eats as well. You'll also be pretty close (5 hours?) to Tunis and so if you'd like a cool weekend beach/cultural city trip- it's fun! I have no clue about the expat community. In terms of residency- go for the burbs you got the right idea and if for some reason they let you build a home (Algeria is very corrupt and money can essentially buy you everything including privileges/ get out of free jail cards *weep* although maybe for you it's a *cheer*), again be extremely prudent in screening applicants for the job and go of recommendations.
Since you're an Anglophone speaker (assuming Australian, American, or English), you'll be more likely to duped than Algerian residents. People there have a knack for telling who's an Algerian and who's not (I used to get called American girl even though I'm actually from there- so it's like you're wearing a sign on your forehead).
If you're going alone, the transition won't be as hard as if you were going with a family. If you were living in Algiers, I'd be less hesitant but since Constantine is smaller and the 3rd major city after Algiers and Oran, I'd advise you to seriously put as much effort as you can in researching the area. It's hard to live there coming from the "west", especially if you're a woman, people are friendly in Constantine but you must earn their trust.
I won't lie so I'll tell it to you straight- Algeria is a dangerous country especially for non-residents and the smaller a city the more dangerous it becomes. Why? More rural and local ties, bad memories of European countries trampling on rights of citizens, and skepticism. Obviously Algeria is not as safe as the US but not as dangerous as its neighbors.
Algeria is by far the most beautiful and diverse country in North Africa and I'm not saying this out of nationalism but the sad reality is the government is crushing the people and refusing to build the necessary infrastructure that Morocco and Tunisia have in terms of tourism and being "west-friendly", we've got a long way to go. If you'd seen Algeria (particularly Constantine) in the 70s you would be like no way it's a different country! Sadly, everything our revolutionaries fought for has crumbled into dust and the poor have become worse off and the elites have built an unstoppable regime of greed and unequal distribution.
Sorry for the rant, anyway- good luck on your decision-making and be sure to stay safe. If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to chat and I'll ask my dad for recommendations!
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