Job Discussion Forums

lovehappens · Joined: 16 Dec 2008 Posts: 53 Location: Oregon

Has anyone here experienced both Oman and Kuwait? It is time for me to make some decisions. I've narrowed down my list to Kuwait and Oman.
My goal is to work for an organized school teaching at a college level or adults (not children).
While I have spoken to recruiters from both I have not committed to anyone yet but am certainly going to be asked to do so soon.

I want to contribute, be appreciated for the hard work that I'm going to put into teaching and paid decently well for it. So far it sounds like Kuwait pays more but I'm hesitant because I hear working conditions are less than pleasant at more schools than not (rumor only).

Hopefully some of you have experienced life in both places that you might share within the last few years .
Because this might make a difference...I have a solid Master's, experience and am an American blond female in my mid 50's.

Please be constructive in your responses.

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

If you have a related MA and experience teaching adults, there is no reason to deal with any of these shady recruiters. Apply directly to the universities that are recommended in the threads.

As to the choice between Kuwait and Oman, it is pretty much opinion. I have worked in both... and to me, it is Oman, hands down.

VS

boundforsaudi · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 243

Oman has beer.

With Malice Toward None · Joined: 20 Oct 2009 Posts: 250

Lady,
Congratulations on narrowing down the choice to the two.
Oman will, surely answer your professional attitude better.
By the way, what's a SOLID MA? An MA in subterranean rock formations? Will be very useful in Oman. Cool

.
I mean your MA has to relate with your job ahead. Any degree with a 120hr TESOL cert would do. Google up Oman colleges and universities. You'll get all the info you need.
And, as the 'veiled' bounforsaudi said, Oman has beer, you can buy goodwine, have a lot of friends and there are lots of places to go to, and things to do.
Good luck.
Regards,
WMTN.

Arabian Hawk · Joined: 12 Jul 2009 Posts: 79 Location: Mystical Kingdom

Oman without a doubt! Laughing

kazazt · Joined: 15 Feb 2010 Posts: 164

Saudi is awash with beer. wine and spirit.

boundforsaudi · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 243

Yep. It's as awash in undrinkable moonshine as it is in incompetent teachers.

kazazt · Joined: 15 Feb 2010 Posts: 164

the wine is quite drinkable and the employers get what they deserve

boundforsaudi · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 243

After a year of homemade Saudi wine and its various infections, it's no wonder it's illegal there. If the current crop of English teachers had been around in Mohammed's day, they probably would have been forbidden, too.

kazazt · Joined: 15 Feb 2010 Posts: 164

There is a symbiotic relationship between the home made alcohol in Saudi and the teachers. They both need each other.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Some of us manage to stay in Saudi and never touch the stuff ! My excuse is that I had my fair share from 1962 to 1990.

As for the choice between Q8 and Oh-Man. I think you have to go for the Sultanate. Just do not expect to get rich.

johnslat · Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 4:55 pm Post subject:

Dear scot47,

Your "fair share?" Well, I had way too much more than my "fair share" from about 1960 through 2002.

In fact, I'm surprised I left enough around for you to even HAVE a "fair share."

Kuwait for (maybe) more money; Oman for a much more enjoyable lifestyle.

But always remember: Oman is no island.

Regards,
John

kazazt · Joined: 15 Feb 2010 Posts: 164

lovehappens · Joined: 16 Dec 2008 Posts: 53 Location: Oregon

thanks for these responses. Water is my preferred drink with a shot of wine here and there.
I have a job offer and it is through a recruiter. I tried without the recruiter and did not get an offer so either I'm just not in the top bracket like those of you who have managed without a recruiter or I'm barking up all the wrong trees. (sniff sniff)The offer is quite competitive but airfare is included in the salary package.
At first I thought "no way" but when I started figuring out the numbers, it is a good package.
BTW I did negotiate the salary upward.

bedwiya · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Posts: 66 Location: Kuwait

Even the lower-tier schools in Kuwait pay for the annual ticket as part of a standard package, not taken from your salary. You should also be getting either free housing or a monthly allowance. Housing is expensive in both places, and can eat up quite a bit of your salary if it's not provided. Unless you are truly desperate to get your foot in the door, I would wait for a better offer. You might share the specific package you were offered then people here could give you more sound advice.