Job Discussion Forums

[Queen Jo Jo]

Hi there

I am interested in finding some work in Oman this year but am wondering if I may be too late. I have contacted Sultan Qaboos University who advised that they're no longer taking applications for this year. I've also sent off an application to Dhofar University and the International Maritime College but have had no response so far.

I have seen a recent posting on this forum about possible work with Awael National Institute so will follow that up. But if anyone has any other tips/advice about how to find employment in Oman for this year, I'd appreciate your input.

I have a MA in Education (TESOL) and have worked for more than 20 years in university settings in EAP and Foundation programs. This has been largely in Australia, UK, China & Indonesia and while I have taught Arab background students in Australia and UK I don't have direct ME experience so I guess this may count against me.

Cheers
Jo

[nomad soul]

Yes, you're a bit late; your best opportunity would have been TESOL Arabia's job fair back in March. Anyway, try German University of Technology near Muscat.

[MuscatGary]

The Oman Higher Colleges of Technology are still advertising on tefl.com for next year.

[Queen Jo Jo]

Thanks guys - will have a look at those options.

And nomad soul - I saw the info on the Sultan Qaboos Uni site about hiring directly from the education fairs in Dubai & USA but wasn't able to go to either of those + it seems a bit mad to me to recruit teachers just from two events held in very specific places. Then again, I guess it's one way of managing the application process.

Will keep looking!

Cheers
Jo

[veiledsentiments]

The reality is that SQU doesn't do much hiring because they have a very low turnover. At these conferences they are able to do face-to-face interviews and thus make better decisions on hiring. It is a shame that you were unable to attend the conferences as your CV would probably have made you an appealing candidate.

Go on The Google and look up the universities in Oman... there are a number of small private colleges that may need a teacher. Direct hire is always better, but you may have to deal with the recruiters for that first year in Oman. They are advertising and hiring constantly as some of these colleges in the hinterlands have a high turnover. (for all the usual reasons)

VS

[Queen Jo Jo]

Thanks VS. I would prefer to organise a direct hire so will keep knocking on doors but could you advise who are currently the main recruiters out there for Oman?

Jo

[MuscatGary]

TATI are recruiting for the Higher Colleges of Technology and Hawthorn will be recruiting for the Colleges of Applied Science. Both adertise on here and on tefl.com

Whilst I agree with NS that a year with an agent can open the door to a direct hire position I advise some caution. Many of the private "universities" and tertiary "Colleges" offer low salaries, poor holidays and shocking conditions with split shifts being common.

Good luck with your search.

[1st Sgt Welsh]

I had an interview with Hawthorn about three weeks ago and I will start work in Oman in September. I'm not sure if they are still recruiting though.

[MuscatGary]

[1st Sgt Welsh]

[Tazz]

Welcome to one of Oman's interior towns....if you want the coast-you'll probably need to get stronger than 'preference'-you'll need to go 'demand'!

[Whatever will be]

Just be careful because you are now stuck for two years due to the enforcement of the ex-pat law. No more chance of switching your employer/ job after one year.

[1st Sgt Welsh]

Like I say, I'll just have to wait and see. There are three campuses by the coast and three in the interior so I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed.

[MuscatGary]

[Salalah Man]

I wouldn't have thought you were too late. At least I hope not as I'm looking as well! Colleges of Technology seem to advertise throughout the year and there are some private universities that will show up anon. Something will turn up. Good luck.