Job Discussion Forums

[Sweeniak]

Hello! I'm moving to Oman around Eid and I'm looking for some advice/guidance for finding a job in Muscat.

I'm an American who came to teaching through the Peace Corps volunteer program. I had some ESL training before I began teaching on remote islands in the Pacific. After Peace Corps I moved to Jordan where I gained another two years of teaching experience - 9th grade Geography and PYP 5th Grade English. My last year in Jordan I took the course Teaching ESL Students in the Mainstream Classroom. That's the extent of my experience and qualifications. I am applying for a masters program in either international elementary ed or international ESL from George Mason University, which offers an online/summer degree for international teachers.

I've tried sending out my CV to as many schools and language centers I could find with no replies as of yet. I'm also open to other kinds of work, just not sure what's available for someone with my background and qualifications. Ideally I'm looking for a positive working environment and a package that includes housing and transportation. And of course the higher the salary the better, but I'm also realistic about my qualifications.

I'd ideally like to find a position before I leave in a few weeks to join my husband who moved to Muscat for work 2 weeks ago (he works in a health club/spa). From my experience expat contracts are much better than local hire contracts.

At this point I could use some wasta or guidance as far as where to look and what to look for. Any advice or help is much appreciated!

[EFL Educator]

Oh Man finding a teaching job in Muscrat is very difficult...you need to be legal and enter the country on a work visa then your Omani sponsor will provide the documents required to get you an Omani resident card.aka work permit. If you enter on a tourist visa and are caught working illegally you will be heavily fined and most likely deported back to your country!

[nomad soul]

[veiledsentiments]

[Sweeniak]

I will be entering the country on a spousal visa and yes his contract includes housing. To be honest, I was dreaming big that we could both get a housing allowance and just stick one in the bank (or use one to supplement the other as we currently have 600 OMR/mo).

I think you're probably right, nomad soul. I have read that a lot of schools do some last minute hiring in September, do you think I might have a chance that way? Thanks for the AMIDEAST tip, looking into it now.

Veiledsentiments, I have a BA in Philosophy and a minor concentration in English. I understand my education/experience not being adequate enough for a foreign hire contract, and you're right...in the past it's been a different story once in country.

In the end my big dreams met with reality are just reinforcing my decision to get my masters and actually become, you know...like qualified

Thanks for the feedback and any other tips welcome!

[madrileno]

[veiledsentiments]

Madrileno is right... double dipping has never been allowed. It's not a big country and they know who everyone is and who is married to whom. When both people in a marriage have a full foreign hire contract, they do allow a couple to choose the best package of the two. But just one full benefit package allowed.

VS

[nomad soul]

[Sweeniak]

Thanks all for letting me know that my blatant greed was getting the best of me, lol Now that you say it's illegal and monitored, it makes sense! Good to know, VS, that they allow people to fairly choose the best package. Glad that at least my hubs has a full package. Sigh, there go my hopes for double dipping!

Nomad Soul, I'll take your advice and wait once I'm there (although I did just send out my CV for an AMIDEAST job, emphasizing my PC experience. Fingers crossed!). Do you happen to know what AMIDEAST is like to work for?

For someone w/ my qualifications (a BA and a smattering of teaching experience) does anyone have any recommendations for other job opportunities I could look into once I'm on the ground? Cheers!!

[veiledsentiments]

AMIDEAST around the Middle East is full of ex-Peace Corp people. They are a pretty dependable employer in their various countries. Whatever response - or not - that you get, I would go over there and introduce myself for future possible part-time work.

In your situation, you really need to get there and network... see which places you may or may not be interested in...

VS

[2buckets]

Double dipping cost one couple five and a half years of Abu Dhabi rent to be paid back to company, loss of jobs, loss of gratuities, loss of tickets home.

A suicide inducing event.

The locals don't like it when they are "out local-led" by the khawajee.

Wait to you get there, network and you'll find something. Start out small and build up slowly. Take the long term view.

Take time to enjoy Oman, IMHO the nicer place on the peninsula. Take the opportunity to do something new. If you are in Muscat, there is a world class government sponsored SCUBA center. There are others as Oman has some of the best dive areas in the world. Good snorkeling too, as the reefs are close to the surface. If you have spent time in the Pacific, water sports might interest you.
Good luck

[Sweeniak]

I'm feeling much more relieved/relaxed about not having something lined up before I leave knowing there's no "double dipping" on packages. Thanks for all the feedback and advice.

I got a positive response from AMIDEAST basically saying what you are all - to come see them when I'm on the ground I'm optimistic!

I'm really excited about moving to Muscat - from what I've heard there are ample opportunities for outdoor adventure as well as a nice expat community life. My Irish husband already watched a GAA match at Feeney's and I'm digging out my dive card as we speak!

I was hoping to pick your brains once more. What kind of salary could I expect for either full-time or part-time work as a local hire w/ my qualifications (a native English speaker w/ a BA, a smattering of training, and 4 yrs. international teaching experience)? Thanks again!

[nomad soul]

[spanglish]

[omanoman]

You most likely can't be hired as an official full-time employee because you won't have the requisite verified experience to pass through the Ministry checklist for visa approval - at least for the institutions who work under Manpower. A school might be able to do under the min of Ed.

Amideast only takes on part-timers these days, no full-time contracts and the threat of getting caught and deported is zero. The comment by EFL Educator is true in the letter of the law but in practice, it has never happened - we are not blue collar illegals hustling for work on a street corner in Ruwi. some people are not comfortable with working part-time and in fact being "illegal" but everyone else does it quite happily, from wives getting a few hours here and there to more free-lance types who only work part-time for various institutes and colleges.