Job Discussion Forums

[joleen7]

Hi guys
I have been trawling the net and sending in blanket applications to Oman but I would really like to target Sultan Qaboos University (or others). Any suggestions please? Thanks!

[veiledsentiments]

The last couple years SQU has been doing all of their recruitment at TESOLArabia or TESOL in the US. Apparently they have decided that they want face-to-face interviews. They don't have that many openings, so it is very competitive.

Are you still in KSA? Related experience will help. Do you have a related MA?

VS

[joleen7]

Hi VS
Thanks for the reply.
Yes, and yes...but I don't want a stressful job for the next gig so maybe I should forget it.

[veiledsentiments]

I would say that in Gulf university terms, you couldn't get more stress-free than SQU. It isn't as laid back as it was in the old days when there were only about 50 teachers in the Language Center, but if one wants to stay in the Gulf area, it is very likely the best of the lot... not Nirvana, but mostly pleasant students, mostly sane management, mostly decent housing (luck of the draw as always), and a mostly sensible system.

But, you won't get as much money as the other countries - and you will need to buy a car.

VS

[joleen7]

Thanks VS- do you have any other advice for other universities in Oman, please, since the recruitment for Qaboos might prove very difficult ? I take it the unis are better than the colleges in terms of student calibre and so on ? (I know my income will drop considerably but that is not my main focus). Thanks!

[veiledsentiments]

SQU is really the only tertiary institution that I am confident of recommending. I'm sure that you've read here about the issues with the government colleges dotted around the country. Conditions there really need to be checked with current teachers, as managements change often too. The situation is much the same with the many private colleges/universities of various sizes. Working at any of these places is almost as iffy as Saudi, but all said, the living conditions in Oman are always better for women teachers.

VS

[joleen7]

Thanks VS- yes, I do have a friend in Oman who has passed me on some info. Saudi has been very good to me in many ways, but even if a job in Oman turns out to be poor, at least in one's free time, things should be far less difficult than here.