Job Discussion Forums

[tj]

Can anyone give me information about Majan college??? I have heard quite a lot and it seems like a nice place to work. the only thing is I attended for an interview some weeks back and although they told me i would hear in 1-2weeks time, there's been no word from them. how long can i expect to wait before i hear from them??? I'm getting a little worried, from what i've read on the discussion board the admin systems abroad don't appear to be as efficient as what i'm used to in the UK. I guess i have to get used to it, and this is just another thing that goes down as a learning experience when it comes to working abroad. I mean i was so suprised by the informal nature of my interview, the hastiness of it, all the interruptions and lack of time to think about responses, now the waiting and who knows whats in store ahead.
Also what is the average salary on should expect in Oman??? i also received a call from Prof Osman (SUR College) last week asking whether i'd be willing to work for between 700 - 1000GBP. Although keen on working abroad, it hardly seems worth it when one can be earning more than that here in the UK.

[kaw]

Hi tj
Ok so here are a few pointers - the average salary for EFL teaching staff this year seems to be between 500-800 Rials a month. I know that someone previously said there was more money to be made but believe me after checking out most of the colleges that is the going rate.
As for S.U.C. you should be asking for as much as possible and definately more than 1000 UK pounds. Life can be expensive here - one of your biggest expenses will be a car. Pretty much essential if you are living in Oman.
Don't know if you are male of female, but if female - I hope you realise that if you accept a job at SUC - you will be expected to share a flat.
Can't tell you anything about Majan I'm afraid - I had a brief interview with them last year but then signed on the dotted line for somewhere else

Good Luck

[tj]

thanks for your reply KAW. I've been pretty busy pre-sessional season in UK!!!! I finally heard from Majan, who were really keen on employing me but wanted an answer right away. Because i needed time to think before committing myself - the job went to the next candidate on the shortlist and i missed the opportunity.

They are stil interested in me and have said that if offered more students would be happy to take me on if they get more students from the ministry which is a last minute thing. I guess this is similar to the clearing situation in UK???? what would you say is the likelihood of this happening???

In your previous posting you mentioned a car is essential in Oman, i imagine even moreso being female and in mid 20's. how much can one expect to pay for a decent car and what is teh cost for petrol???? Most contracts i've come across only offer upto 50OR for transportation.

[kaw]

Hiya tj
Sorry to hear about Majan - I know how annoying these things can be. I had a nightmare myself before I came over here - SUC offered me a job the day of the interview but that was the last I heard from them until a week before I had to fly out. I didn't know if they had changed their minds or whatever so started looking elsewhere as it was - I was offered a job at Majan but then found out I was coming to SUC so had to turn it down.
This year I applied to Majan and had an interview but have heard nothing from them - no great loss as it looks as if a release letter is going to be impossible to get.
Anyway onto the subject of cars...........don't know a great deal as I don't drive - although am in the process of changing that one. I think a new car will set you back somewhere between 1000-4000 rials. Most teachers here seem to take out a bank loan so repayments work on the same system as in the UK.
The allowance provided is usually for petrol - which seems to be pretty cheap over here.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

As for the Ministry thing - it's not so much to do with the "clearing system" - over here a lot of students are sponsored by various organisations and Ministries - the more these guys are willing to fork out - the more students the various colleges get.

Let me know if you want anymore info about anything and will try and help.
I guess for the first couple of months until you get organised you could use your car allowance for the taxi fares before you get a car sorted out.
Not 100% sure how this would work though.

kaw

[tj]

Hi there,

Thanks for your reply. I was beginning to think that i was the only one having a hard time with all this offers and negotiation business. I guess it's just the way things happen in that part of the world and i just have to wait and see if things turn out the way i would like them too.

I'm negotiating with another college at the moment well i thought they had made me an offer and i had accepted until strangely enough i received an email this morning to say that there's no vacancies and if any arise i'll hear in the next 4weeks. Now i'm really confused!!!! The email was from a diff email address though so eithe ri'v eseriously misunderstood something or these people just don't communicate!!!

So are you working at SUC at the moment. Prof Osman called em some weeks back to say he'd be inviting me to an interview, the email never did arrive!!! but them what i've been reading about SUC and them i don't think i want to go there - though i'm desparate to get away from UK for a while!!!

In UK we've had the hottest few summer days for years and of course i'm wondering if i do get to Oman how i'll cope with the heat,atay awake and moreso keep the students alert. Everyone in my class has been very tired lately due to the heat. The classrooms in Oman are air conditioned aren't they????

better go,
Tj

[veiledsentiments]

Hi tj

Let me jump in here and add a couple of things for you.

As to the vague hiring practice, it is unfortunately very common in this part of the world. Part of the problem is that many of these organizations have little idea of exactly how many students they will have. As mentioned, many (most?) of the students are sponsored and everything seems always to go until the very last moment. Sometimes literally the first day of classes!! One must learn to go with the flow on this one.

As a single woman who taught quite a few years in Oman, I think a car is essential. Not because of danger so much as pure convenience. Oman is probably one of the safest countries in the world if one uses a minimum of common sense. You really do need a car to enjoy life there.

If you are suffering from the heat in the UK, you should be aware that the hottest day that you ever had there is equivalent to a cool day in Oman. I remember an essay written by a student who said 'It gets very cold in my village. Sometimes it is only 32 degrees.' He was serious and not using Farenheit here. So, I had to do a lesson on how English defines cold/warm/hot in temperatures. Everything in Oman tends to be air conditioned, so it is not a huge problem. Eventually you do acclimitize so that you don't suffer as much as when you first arrive.

Good Luck!

VS

[tj]

Hi VS

Thanks for your mail. Glad to hear about air conditioned classrooms. I do like the hot weather on holiday, but working is a different matter all together and I can't imagine surviving those long days at work, with classrooms filled to the brim with students and no air conditioning!!!!!

Your students comments made me laugh!!!! one of my students from China was complaining that the heating in her accomodation doesn't work - she thinks it gets cold at night, to the suprise of myself an dthe rest of the class. I being accustomed to higher temps in her own country nights which we find just about bearable probably feel like freezing to her.

I'm definitely planning to buy a car when i get to Oman - i've been driving for almost 2 years and can't imagine life without it.

I read on a website that there's a bus service from Muscat to Dubai - a 4hour journey???? i have relatives there and wouldn't mind visiting them but is it worth the risk???? how much does a plane journey cost??? What can you tell me about Public transport in Oman????

[veiledsentiments]

Hi tj

Definitions of what is hot or cold are certainly relative. What my student considered 'very cold,' my mother would define at too hot for humans to tolerate.

I can't tell you much about public transit as I never used it in Oman except to and from the airport. Plus I was always in the Muscat area, so I can't speak for how it is in the villages. I found the taxis to be clean, the fare system to be predictable, and the drivers invariably pleasant - in my rare usage. There are buses, but I have never known anyone who used them and their coverage is rather limited. This is definitely a car culture.

As to the trip to Dubai, I always drove. I love the drive through the mountains. But I am an American, so a 4 hour drive is considered a short jaunt. We don't consider it a long trip until we are many days on the road. Risk? Not sure what you are referring to here. One must be a defensive driver as there is the usual Middle East goat and camel danger - not to mention the other danger of too many young men with too fast cars. The roads in the Emirates are more dangerous than in Oman as far as dangerous driving is concerned. I can't tell you the cost of the plane, perhaps someone else has done it. Everyone I knew always drove. If you have family on the other end, the bus may be your best choice as far as price goes.

VS

[kaw]

Hiya tj
Ok a few more 'bits n' bobs' to "help" you out. First - the SUC stuff - it's not such a bad place to work I guess. I have admittedly been pretty down on the place recently but changes are ahead. The Dean (Prof Ossman) has left and the new one is starting next week (possibly). The structure of the foundation programme is changing so students won't have a million and one subjects to do - as they have done in the past but just English - as far as I know anyway. It will certainly make life easier as they were getting so bogged down that focusing on English was a bit of a problem. It might be worth going along for the interview and hearing what they have to say. As for accepting or not - that's not too difficult to decide. If you want to come over and save money then it's an ok place to work as long as you don't go up to Muscat every weekend. Apart from making your own entertainment there really isn't anything to do here - except sunbathe and swim but even that gets boring after a while. As anyone will tell you there's loads to do in Muscat but you would probably spend more money.
As far as public transport goes - taxis are generally ok - admittedly I don't really use them in Muscat as have a "friend" who's a taxi driver there and tend to use him. They do seem to try and charge a lot more then is really necessary though. Having no real idea of how much fares should be - the last time I took a taxi I just handed over what I thought to be a reasonable amount and there were no problems.
However I will tell you a bit of a horror story - a friend of mine was coming back from the airport in Muscat to Sur and got in a cab. Unfortunately the guy had something wrong with the car - there was a pretty high speed police chase - with my friend trapped in the back. Luckily the police eventually caught him and all was ok.
Hopefully that was a one off and nothing like that will happen again.
As far as I have heard - the buses between Muscat and Dubai are ok but have never used them - in fact I haven't actually been to Dubai yet.
Am going in a couple of weeks for an interview but will probably fly.

ok now as for the heat - it's not too bad really. When I came over in September I did find it incredibly hot but that was probably because I'd been in the UK for the 2 months or so before. As vs said - you do get used to it. Everything has a/c - so you leave your air conditioned apartment or whatever and get into a car/minibus with a/c and then into your office which has a/c and then the classroom - again with a/c. Half the time I actually don't know how hot it is outside as am indoors most of the time. Of course if you go out then it hits you. October/November to March are pretty ok - night-time temperatures have in the past fallen to about 15 degrees. The heaviest item of clothing you'll need is a lightweight jumper - ok maybe a heavier one if you decide to go camping but that's it.
As for keeping the students awake - remember that they are used to the hot weather - and when you wack the a/c on about 18 degrees it's not too bad. They do go a bit mad when they see rain though - classes generally come to a halt as they all ruch outside to feel it.
Yes despite popular opinion it does rain here - admittedly not very often though.

A word of advice - if and when you do come over - don't bring many clothes with you as you can get stuff made pretty cheaply - as a rough idea - I got a couple of pairs of trusers, a shirt and a couple of tops made for about 20 pounds. Depending on where you are getting decent material can be a nighmare - most is synthetic but there are some great shops in Muscat.

Got to go and get some work done I guess

kaw

[tj]

Hi KAW

Thanks for the bits and bobs. The more I read about working abroad, and the more i read about Oman I know it's something i really want to do and almost - have to do- some time soon, i hope.

Nobody seems to know much about MECIT which worries me as that's where i'm heading i think. I noticed on their website that they've advertised for a Dean and Ass Dean - which makes me wonder regarding how structured and established things might be there.

A friend of mine has just returned from Oman, to visit her family, she should know more about them so i'll have a clearer picture then.

gotto dash,
tj

[veiledsentiments]

Hi tj (and KAW)

I have not heard of either Majan or Mecit. There are so many new places opening up in Oman and I really don't see where the students are going to come from. Personally I avoid new places, but if you have a high toleration of chaos and basic disorganization it's OK. If you need structure in your management and teaching, I would avoid it. I did see some adverts from Mazoon College, which has been around a few years.

Good information from KAW. There are plenty of reasonably priced tailors around. I had two or three simple skirts and blouses - and then I would take lots of good cotton with me. Cotton can be very hard to find there. Another thing I took the last few years was what is called over here a 'broomstick skirt' - those long gauzy skirts that never require ironing - you just roll them up. I never wore pants except jeans in the 'winter' because I just found skirts to be so much more comfortable in the heat. All of my skirts were to the ankles and all my sleeves were to the elbow. For work I wore sandals every day of the year - and I haven't worn hose (tights I think you call them) since the late 1980's!!

KAW is right about the students and their reaction to rain. On the rare dreary cloudy day, they will all be giddy and thrilled about the 'beautiful' weather and are mystified that we hate cloudy days and hate rainy days even more. They react to rain like American elementary children react to snow. I will never forget watching these tall university level boys holding up their long white 'dishdashas' and leaping about in the puddles like little kids. If it is cloudy and rainy, you may as well just throw your lesson plan out the window!!

VS

[kaw]

Hiya
Vs - "lesson plans go out the window" - what's a lesson plan????? Think the last time I actually did anything like that was about a million years ago.
Tj - Majan are ok as far as I know - the reason vs may not have heard of them is because they used to be the College of Business and Administrative Sciences - or something along those lines. Think they changed their name either late last year or sometime this year. Have no idea about MECIT whatsoever - unless like Majan it used to be called something else.
Out of interest - when do you think you may be coming over - have a friend who may be selling her 4 wheel drive..................

Anyway time for coffee before I go off to class.

[tj]

Hi there

Yes, Majan used be known as the College of Administrative Sciences, not sure when they changed their name or how long they've been around but i know someone who's worked there for 3 years. I really like majan, cos they appear to be more profeesional and 'structured' compared to the other colleges i've dealt with. I met the dean at the interview and he seemed very nice. i've also spoken ot the head of english there a few times and she was very encouraging.

MECIT well i think it was recently set up with the help of UN not sure how long though. I found out this morning that students on the foundation course are more like teaching kindergarten kids in terms of their level of English - which is scary!!!! Is this the same everywhere??? i'm beginning to think maybe cos it's a relatively new college they allow anyone onto their degree courses, similr to what some universities do here in the UK. Money speaks great English!!!! I was told that students who have 4.5 Ielts are allowed onto BA courses and anyone below that has to do the foundation course. Here in UK the acceptable Ielts score is 6.0 for entry to degree courses. those with 5.5 have to attend the 4week pre-sessional and those with 5.0 have to attend the 11week pre-sessional. Our Foundation students have 4.0 or 4.5 Ielts.

I really don't know what i'm going to do, but if i do go ahead with the post at MECIT then i'll be there mid september. I don't finish here till Sep 12 so a few days after that i guess. 4 wheel drive sounds nice, always wanted to drive one of those. What is the system with insurance, etc i assume there's no road tax. Also do you think it matters what kind of a driving licence you have? I've had my licence for about 2.5 years, recently i was caught speeding on camera (only 19miles above the limit), i've been fined 60 pounds and been given 3 points on my licence.

[veiledsentiments]

Hi tj and KAW

Sorry to admit that I can't remember the year of my last real lesson plan either. The translation of my statement is that you basically won't get anything taught that day as the students are just too hyper. Hey, but it sounded professional, didn't it?

Ah yes, College of Admin Sciences. I can't remember where this is - Ruwi or Mattrah? That is a relief that it is not a new place. I wonder why they changed their name.

Yes tj, the English level of the students in Oman is very low. The cream of the crop goes to SQU for free and their level of English is still pretty low. I don't know what exam they are using out there these days, but when I was there, they used the PET. The majority of students would not have even managed the bottom level of the IELTS. The private colleges tend to get a very mixed bag and the range can go from almost zero level beginners to sub-continentals who are native speakers. (I am assuming that Majan takes all nationalities??) The Omani government sponsors many students from villages to come in to the private colleges and their levels are extremely low.

And yes, they tend to let students into the BA courses long before they would be allowed to do so in either the UK or the US, but economic reality sets the agenda, not what is really best for the students or the teachers. Many in the government seem to have an unrealistic idea of how quickly students can go from a level 1 to a level 6. But, the students families and/or the government do not have the resources for these students to spend the 2 or 3 or ? years it would take to get their language up to what we normally think of as the minimum. On the other hand, having taught academic courses to these students, I was amazed at how hard they will work to succeed in spite of their language deficiencies. It takes a bit of extra work from the teachers, but they will work with you and their classmates to make it. If only they had worked as seriously in their English courses while in school, they wouldn't be in this situation. But, you know how that goes. Oman is finally changing the system and the students are starting to have content courses taught in English in lower levels. But, the effects of this will not make it to the college level for quite a few years yet.

I would be ready to teach all and every level of English. Remember - the key in the Middle East is to go with the flow. The students will make it all worthwhile, believe me

As to driving licenses, are your points shown on your license? I don't know how it works in the UK and I have luckily never been caught. Generally, you just take your license along with a form from your employer and they automatically give you an Omani license. Be sure that your current license doesn't expire in the next year. If you have auto insurance, be sure to bring a 'no claims' letter as it will cut your premiums in half. There are no taxes to speak of here. I imported a car, so I had to pay duty, but that is the only car related tax. You do have to renew your plates annually - not a problem.

vs