Job Discussion Forums

[shebab]

Anyone have any info on the Modern College of Business and Science, in Muscat? Their website seems very professional and their admin very attentive, but no one has posted a thing about them here!

Thanks,

[veiledsentiments]

MCBS is a small private college in Al-Khuwair which started out with a partnership with the University of Missouri in St Louis. Originally the first two years were done in Oman and then the students finished the degree in St Louis. Through the years, they have added third year and fourth year courses. They still work closely with UMSL, but have also added partnerships with other institutions. Most of their majors are business or computer related.

I taught there a couple of years ago and enjoyed it very much. Their students are an interesting mixture of Omanis and expatriate kids with a large range of English skills from low beginning to native speakers. Its small size allows a very informal environment and nice people to work with.

The main drawback, just as with all these small private colleges is that the pay is quite low by Gulf standards.

VS

[shebab]

Thanks for your feedback, VS! The Dean has been very helpful and email response time to my queries has been even faster than what I've experienced here in the States!

Another drawback besides the pay is that bringing cats into Oman seems just slightly more complicated than bringing them into UAE or other Gulf countries. But the school is willing to help me with this if I join up.

As for the salary, it seems to be around 800 OR, the going rate in Oman. And while pay might be lower per month compared to the UAE, I would imagine that one might save more by making this a long-term stay if he or she felt content and satisfied with the admin and the students, as you seemed to be, rather than back out after a year or two of well-paid hell in the UAE.

I myself experienced the latter, and I have no desire to have to pack my cargo and go through all that exit visa nonsense, only to watch my newfound savings disappear after 4 months in the States without work!

[shebab]

One more thing I forgot to ask...what kind of accomodation did you have when you were there? They are only offering a one-bedroom furnished apartment, although I have a choice of where to live. I have never had less than a two bedroom before in the Gulf, so I was wondering how this works out in Muscat.

I am waiting for all the doom and gloom posters to give their two cents on this one!

[veiledsentiments]

Afraid that I can't help you with the cat problem, I'll leave that to them.

I was originally given a two bedroom flat, but there were problems with it and they agreed to let me find a place within their housing budget amount and that is what I did. I found a nice roomy one-bedroom in a great location and was more than happy with it. But, I had lived in Oman before.

If you want to ask more specific questions, feel free to PM. I'll be glad to help.

VS

[tiger_down_under]

You could consider flying to Dubai and then taking the 4 hour drive to Muscat just to to get your cat through...I'm guessing they wouldn't stop a cat at the land border? Just a thought.

[shebab]

Thanks, Tiger, for the suggestion...I actually thought about doing that, but it would be a logistical nightmare....in any case, they seem to have already sorted out the paperwork, so I should be good to go!

[Monkey_Girl]

Just wondering if it's the norm in Oman to have your visa processed before ever seeing the contract? I was under the assumption that mine was being sent to me as I was forwarding my documents, but now I am told that they (MCBS) won't be sending it until my documents are in order. Seems rather dodgy, no?

Help!
Monkey Girl

[veiledsentiments]

Monkeygirl,

I wouldn't worry too much about it. Contracts are pretty standard in Oman. (much of it is controlled by the Ministry rules) As ME employers go, MCBS is pretty good.

Send me a PM if you would like more specific information. I could dig my old one out of my files -- I doubt that much has changed.

VS

[stabnkill]

Although not the best paying, MCBS may just be one of the best employers in Oman.

[Monkey_Girl]

very reassuring; thanks vs & stabnkill!

but, alas, still no contract and leaving on holidays in one week...

monkeygirl

[veiledsentiments]

Monkey Girl

I know that the English HOD is on summer leave. Have you emailed the Dean? I don't know if he is traveling or not.

Personally I didn't see the contract until after I got there, and really can't recall any of my Middle East jobs where I actually did. The contracts themselves, other than the amount of pay, are pretty much set by government rules in Oman.

Have you received anything else? All I normally had was a letter (email) stating pay and benefits - and the employer had arranged the ticket and visa. I never found seeing and signing the contract until after arrival as any problem. (I have always stuck to employers that I knew were trustworthy)

I guess I'm either brave or foolish. When I arrived in Abu Dhabi to teach at HCT, I didn't have a visa or even a letter from them - everything had been done over the telephone - and I just hoped that someone would be there to meet me. They were.

VS

[Monkey_Girl]

thanks, vs.

i guess i'll just have to wait...

i have to admit that i was getting a little paranoid; it just seemed as tho' both the dean and the hod were skirting my requests for a copy.

this is my first time to the m.e., so i'm a tad nervous (but very excited, too!).

monkeygirl

[veiledsentiments]

Monkey Girl

MCBS hasn't hired large numbers of teachers from outside Oman or the Middle East. It might perhaps be a good idea to 'nicely' mention to them that this issue did make you nervous about coming.

Part of the problem in these small colleges is that they don't have a 'Human Resources' dept or whatever they are called these days. Nor is there even one person whose job it is to handle the paperwork. It ends up being done by someone in the office who has other duties. Don't quote me - but I suspect that follow-ups and set procedures are probably lacking. Of course, the smallness is also a good thing because you have easy access and communication with everyone - rather than a large place like HCT where you never meet or see the people off somewhere who have so much control over your life.

Good Luck, be sure to pack your patience and sense of humor. I think you will find Oman an interesting and usually quite enjoyable experience.

VS

[Monkey_Girl]

thanks (again) vs,

i have been in contact in the dean directly & he has been quite frank with me, so perhaps it wouldn't hurt to mention that i was a little ill at ease with the no contract thing.

i'm really looking forward to the change!

cross your fingers for me.

monkeygirl