Job Discussion Forums

[Derkugelschrieber]

When Sur University College was founded, there were a lot of teachers who were hired to work at the college whose motivations and qualifications were questionable at best. In the time I was there, I saw a number of people come with expectations that were unrealistic. They expected to be pampered and they expected the college and the administration to provide them with a life outside of the college, when that was just not possible. Anyone who has worked in the Middle East knows that you are responsible for reading your contract and if you don't like it, you don't sign it.
The result of that, four years later is that the people who came to the college left angry. They bad mouthed the people who ran the college and are now somewhere else, while the students who they were supposed to help are now unable to get good teachers.
I am not saying Sur University College is a paradise, but the kids who go there deserve a better legacy than that left by some individuals. Personally, I had a great time in Sur because I did things for myself. If you want everything handed to you on a silver platter, don't go to Sur. If you want to experience wonderful people, a wonderful town and a wonderful region of Oman, I highly recommend Sur.
As far as Abdul Majali is concerned, he is a pretty good guy and he is fair. He also has a job to do and to blame him personally for things that were out of his hands is unfair. I also had my differences with Abdul, but he never did anything to hurt me financially or otherwise. Quite frankly, I was a pain in the ass, but he stood by me and supported me. All this rubbish about him and the college does nothing but hurt a lot of wonderful young kids who want to learn how to be a part of the world around them.

derkugelschrieber

[kaw]

Oh dear � you really don�t think much of previous teachers do you. I know many teachers who have worked at Sur that were both qualified (Trinity/Cambridge certs, Diplomas, MAs etc) and experienced and whose motivation for being in Oman were variable. For some it was their love of the middle east, for others it was a chance to gain valuable M.E. experience and for others � money was obviously a factor � but then how many people can honestly say that financial reward isn't an important motivational factor.

As for life in Sur - well I don�t think anyone expected the college or administration to provide them with a life outside of college � surely nobody expects that from an employer. Where did you get that idea from��
I agree that Sur is a lovely place but to appreciate life there you do have to be somebody who�s happy with your own company and not worried about being away from the bright lights of city life (though that doesn�t really apply to Muscat I know). I'm sure even you'll agree that despite the lovliness of the place it's pretty essential to get away every so often to prevent that feeling of claustrophobia that can set it - I don't think I know anyone he didn't go away at least some weekends.

And � yes � I agree � the students are fantastic but � from my experience applies to Omani students in general.

As for Abdul, surely it�s better to know the type of man you�ll be working for before accepting a job � if you have been reading the postings then you�ll see that he really isn�t someone you�d want much to do with. It�s quite possible that he�s not all bad � but the amount of problems he�s caused both at Sur and Hawthorn surely tell any sane person something about him. The people writing these posts aren�t necessarily bitter and twisted individuals who didn�t have their contracts renewed and now can�t find decent jobs elsewhere- in fact many old Sur teachers have taken up much better positions elsewhere. They are just really fed up with the treatment they received from Abdul and from the Sheikh.

It is a shame that all the bad press around Abdul and SUC has affected the recruitment of good teachers (or so your posting implies � though I�m sure current teachers would disagree) and therefore the students. But surely people need to know the facts before they take up a position rather than finding out when they get there and then leaving early which leads to classes being taken by several teachers due to lack of staff��.

After reading your post I�m left wondering if you really were a teacher there or just one of Abdul�s P.R. guys���.