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toteach
Joined: 29 Dec 2008
Posts: 273
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 Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 8:14 pm Post subject: Muscat sightseeing suggestions? |
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| I'm currently teaching in Asia, but I'll be in Muscat during February to visit friends who rave about the country. I'm not interested--yet--in working there, but I'd like to visit a campus or two to get a feel for the teaching scene. Any suggestions? |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2014 8:38 pm Post subject: |
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Frankly, this forum is your best source for what it's like to teach EFL in Oman. Besides, it's unclear what you specifically mean by "visiting" university/college campuses in order to get a "feel for the teaching scene." Do you expect to observe EFL classes? Talk to instructors? Wander around hallways?
Anyway, sightseeing and visiting college campuses are two different things. But for tourist activities in Muscat, check out Lonely Planet and Trip Advisor. Others are sure to pipe in about the local watering hang outs. |
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MuscatGary
Joined: 03 Jun 2013
Posts: 1364
Location: Flying around the ME...
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| Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 3:26 am Post subject: |
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| Most of the Colleges in Muscat itself are private. You could google 'Muscat Colleges' and then contact them to see if you could visit. If you want general sightseeing suggestions then as has been advised Lonely Planet and Rough Guide are good or just post again and I'm sure we can oblige. |
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EFL Educator
Joined: 17 Jul 2013
Posts: 988
Location: Cape Town
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| Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 4:03 am Post subject: |
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If one really want to get a feel of life in Muscat whilst sightseeing one must visit the town of Ruwi near the Mutrah (Old Muscat area). Don't be surprised if everyone you see however "wiggles their head" when you ask for directions...that's because 90% of the population is from sub continent India....!!!! a truly cultural experience!  |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 4:42 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| Most of the Colleges in Muscat itself are private. You could google 'Muscat Colleges' and then contact them to see if you could visit. |
I suspect they may be put off by the OP's motive for the visit, especially since he doesn't plan to apply for actual vacancies. |
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toteach
Joined: 29 Dec 2008
Posts: 273
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| Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 4:51 am Post subject: |
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| nomad soul wrote: |
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| Most of the Colleges in Muscat itself are private. You could google 'Muscat Colleges' and then contact them to see if you could visit. |
I suspect they may be put off by the OP's motive for the visit, especially since he doesn't plan to apply for actual vacancies. |
The OP is a "she," but yeah, I agree it is a bit dodgy to have admin know I'm scoping out the possibilities without actually putting in an application, isn't it?!
Maybe I should apply and interview and go through the "meet and greet" process, but then I'd only see what they want me to see... Are there job recruiters in Oman as they have in Asia?
Also, is there an active ex-pat organization in Muscat? |
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MuscatGary
Joined: 03 Jun 2013
Posts: 1364
Location: Flying around the ME...
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| Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 5:36 am Post subject: |
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| toteach wrote: |
Maybe I should apply and interview and go through the "meet and greet" process, but then I'd only see what they want me to see... Are there job recruiters in Oman as they have in Asia?
Yes, Hawthorn and TATI are two of the bigger ones but most of their jobs are out of Muscat. The Muscat private colleges seem to do direct hire more frequently, they also don't pay that well and as a result tend to recruit a lot of non-native speakers. The low pay in Muscat is a double whammy as the rent for accommodation is higher than elsewhere and many of the private colleges do not provide accommodation. If you're VERY well qualified and experienced you could try SQU which is the elite university with good pay and conditions.
Also, is there an active ex-pat organization in Muscat? |
There's an active ex-pat bar scene for sure. There is also a branch of Internations but I found it to be full of people who were just desperate to network to try to improve their lot rather than to be friendly. |
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nomad soul
Joined: 31 Jan 2010
Posts: 11454
Location: The real world
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| Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 6:17 am Post subject: |
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| MuscatGary mentioned Sultan Qaboos University; they're the primo employer in Oman and generally do their major recruiting/face-to-face interviews at TESOL Arabia in Dubai in March. Positions generate a lot of competition, but if you have a relevant MA and several years of experience teaching university level, you'll get an interview. The catch is that you'll likely have to attend TESOL Arabia's job fair. |
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Tazz
Joined: 26 Sep 2013
Posts: 512
Location: Jakarta
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| Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 7:10 am Post subject: |
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| There's a very active and helpful Muscat expat community on facebook-just search- 'muscat, where can I find?' |
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