Job Discussion Forums

Dekadan · Joined: 09 Dec 2011 Posts: 95

Wow, thanks everyone, I wasn't expecting so many responses!

I am in the middle of a contract right now and would prefer not to break it, plus I have other commitments of a personal nature, i.e., a friend coming to visit. I will be free to pursue other options at the end of February, which doesn't strike me as the best time to be trying to get to any of the Gulf countries, but perhaps I may get lucky with some teachers failing their probationary period again.

MuscatGary, is it okay if I send you a private message about Hawthorn? I believe that I saw they are a little more flexible regarding the Bachelor degrees. I see many people posting about them, some good, some bad. Would just like to know your personal experiences with them.

MuscatGary · Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2013 6:29 am Post subject:

Hi, it's fine to pm me however I'm also happy to answer questions publically. I worked for Hawthorn for two years, the visa process was smooth, took about five weeks but not an issue. Salary was paid on time or early every month, in cash until I got my bank a/c up and running. For the first semester (I joined in the February btw) I lived in their accommodation, very large, fully furnished two bed apartment and then opted to take the extra dosh (200 OMR pcm) and rent privately, they still supplied the furniture for me and paid my utilities up to 30 OMR pcm (It's enough).

I only transferred to direct hire because the money is better otherwise I have no complaints about Hawthorn. Others say differently but maybe they just couldn't cut the mustard here.

There are often vacancies in February in the Colleges of Applied Sciences as teachers leave after the first semester.

Dekadan · Joined: 09 Dec 2011 Posts: 95

Thanks for the quick response and the information! Strange how some people are content with the recruiters while others have a terrible time - and I've read some of those horror stories! Bad luck? Conflicting personalities? Full moon? If I go this route, I would like to avoid it as much as possible!

MuscatGary · Posted: Mon Nov 18, 2013 7:01 am Post subject:

Dekadan · Joined: 09 Dec 2011 Posts: 95

Whoa, wait, it's hot in Oman? Who would have predicted that? Wink

Then again expecting it to be hot and actually experiencing the heat are two different things.

Yeah, that's a big part of any job dissatisfaction: the discrepancy of expectations and reality, which can only be made worse when someone finds out coworkers have a better deal!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

grahamb · Joined: 30 Apr 2003 Posts: 1945

RAFO accepted me with a BA in history and a CELTA. They're permanently short of teachers, mainly due to their slow recruitment process, but they're not bad employers.

Dekadan · Joined: 09 Dec 2011 Posts: 95

If I was to try for a late February hire, any suggestions as to when to apply? Should I go after the jobs that are being posted now and be up front about it?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

If you are talking about this coming February, your application should already be there. Laughing

Apply to whatever you see now and see what the offers are... paperwork to get you there always takes awhile in the Gulf.

VS

Dekadan · Joined: 09 Dec 2011 Posts: 95

Oh well, best get on that then! Fingers crossed I'm not too late!

MuscatGary · Posted: Wed Nov 20, 2013 6:25 am Post subject:

I agree with VS with the caveat that applying now to the agents (direct hire is different) may well result in an offer and 'can you come now?' as in RIGHT NOW! If you ask them for a February start then you WILL have to remind them of your interest nearer the time as they will lose your application, forget about you.....

Dekadan · Joined: 09 Dec 2011 Posts: 95

I was wondering if that might be the case, too. Thanks for the advice, MuscatGary!

D-M · Joined: 30 Nov 2013 Posts: 114

I have a friend working for the British Council in Oman with a music degree, CELTA and a few years experience. Not had a lot of contact with him since he started there, but from his experience it would appear not related degree+CELTA is enough.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I would expect that the British Council can set its own requirements, and since they hire only perhaps 0-3 new teachers a year - most of them local hires, I wouldn't use them as an example of anything related to standard Oman teaching job requirements.

Like all Gulf countries, rules seem to have flexibility depending on employer. If you have an unrelated degree, I would try to confirm current hires from that employer in the same situation.

VS

D-M · Joined: 30 Nov 2013 Posts: 114

Im sure you're right ... I have zero knowledge of the place TBH. I peep in this forum sometimes just to see if there is mention of the BC as I really dont contact or hear from my friend very often.

Whilst the BC might not be typical employers, or even hire often, for anyone desperate to get to Oman, knowing they may qualify for a BC teaching position might be useful.