Job Discussion Forums

ghost · Joined: 30 Jan 2003 Posts: 1693 Location: Saudi Arabia

Just wondering about the differences about the outcomes for applying to the 7 colleges affiliated with TATI recruiters (Nizwa College, Ibri College, Al Musanna, Ibra College, Shinas, Salalah, HCT) or the three colleges affiliated with the Hawthorn recruitment organization - Sohar, Sur and Rustaq.

When looking at the Ibri academic calendar, I noticed that they are on the 5 times 8 weeks per year, with the academic year ending July 13. But I think the universities affiliated with Hawthorn (Sohar, Sur, and Rustaq) are on the 2 times 15 weeks per year system, with, in consequence a much earlier finish to the academic year and much longer leave time.

Anyone have experience, preferences for one system over the other. Also, how do the pay scales differ between the two different systems?

Thank you.

Ghost in Saudi

MuscatGary · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2014 12:45 pm Post subject:

The Hawthorn Colleges ARE Colleges NOT Universities even though they come under the Ministry of Higher Education. The 2x15 weeks refers to the teaching time, there is still exam time, marking, grade entry, etc on top of that. If working for Hawthorn you get 50 days paid leave in the first year and 60 days thereafter PLUS all the national and religious days on top. The other Colleges you are referring to are the Colleges of Technology as opposed to the Colleges of Applied Science. Do not be kidded by people referring to the Colleges of Applied Science as Universities, they are NOT any such thing, they are TEACHING Colleges where you will be contracted to teach up to 20 p.w. You will be told that classes are generally set at a maximum of 20, this is not true, they are often well above 30 students. On top of your teaching hours you have to do 4 hours of 'office hours' but even then cannot leave the College until 16.00 each day, start time is 08.00.

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

The college/university definition varies... in the US, they tend to be interchanged freely. But as to Gulf "universities," the debate on whether any of them are real universities has gone on forever. Laughing

But, basically Oman gets to define it within their own country - for what it's worth.

It could be debated that most universities around the world are mainly to keep the kids off the streets... and hopefully by the end, they will be mature enough to hold a job. And I think it is particularly true in some of these rural Omani institutions (and Hawthorn's branches in particular). As a teacher, it starts to feel more like baby-sitting, and large classes of village boys can be a nightmare to keep in control.

VS

Tazz · Joined: 26 Sep 2013 Posts: 512 Location: Jakarta

If applying through TATI-narrow the MOM 7 down to 3- Nizwa, Salalah, and the HCT in Muscat.....believe me-you'll need a life away from the village idiots- and all the other inner town locations will drive you insane!

MuscatGary · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2014 5:03 am Post subject:

MuscatGary · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2014 5:08 am Post subject:

Chuma · Joined: 21 May 2013 Posts: 72

I noticed that the colleges listed above accept teachers with a B. Ed. or BA English and I'm assuming there is a pay differential for qualifications and previous experience.

What salary could someone with an MA TESL and considerable experience expect?

MuscatGary · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2014 6:08 am Post subject: