Job Discussion Forums

[Hudson]

My advice to all teachers or expats who want to work in any country, including Oman and the Gulf countries. They must not trust an agent; must negotiate their contracts personally; must not fall into debt or take any loan because their contract may be terminated any time; must not lend money to or act as a guarantor for any character regardless of his/her position; must not expect any protection from an employer; must not trust any future promises from anyone unless in writing; must take a release letter "no objection" from the employer before departing the country, and if the employer refuses, expats should take him to court; must not teach more than 16 hours per week; and finally must be prepared to make quick exist at a very short notice if needed.

[veiledsentiments]

All very good advice for probably most of the world, though the 16 hour a week thing is pie in the sky. It's been years since the teaching load has been uniformly that low... like 10 years or more...

VS

[omanized]

I would love to see an expat go to court on his own dime to contest a no objection letter - although it is true that the law is changing, it has not been ratified yet as I understand - until that happens, it is perfectly lawful to terminate a contract for any reason ( both parties), give the notice that was indicated in the contract, if not, then you simply fall back to the labor law - 2 months I believe - and send the person on their way without any legal chance to work in the country for 2 years. C'est la vie.......

The advice to pack up and run at any time is one reason why the govt. sets up laws like this.

Why is the EFL world so priviliged as to expect a 16 hour teaching load? In fact I am often amazed at the audacity of some EFL teachers, BA and MA level, who seem to think that their language ability affords them some of the easiest work load schedules on the planet. I just have to shake my head - and these are colleagues and friends! - some of the weirder EFL mercs must be avoided lest they suck the vim and vigour right out of those around them.

omanized

[ntropy]

[omanized]

What about ending your contract over the existence of a rash...?

That might be appropriate

The only thing that 'must' be done in Oman is to go camping, visit the secluded beaches down the coast, enjoy a drink and the sunset on the balconey on a chilly winter evening, swim in the sea and marvel at the beauty around you...

[veiledsentiments]

... and the vast majority of us leave with the added pleasant memories of some of the nicest students in the world...

VS

[Pikgitina]

I couldn't agree more with the last two posts!!!

[omanized]

For any of you who are still around this summer - a quick poll :

Where do you think the best venues for watching the WC games are?

Do you also find the over 100 rial charge for the ART channels ridiculous?

I'm enjoying the Hyatt for some of the action and the occasional coffee shop big screen shawarma/sheesha experience.

Any others?


omanized

[kuberkat]

A few musings about settling in....

* Be picky about housing. Be sure the place you choose has municipal waterpipes and a telephone line.

* Get mobile. Being dependent on a fickle public transport service is bound to sour your experience. And once you're mobile, accommodate the fact that few other motorists are as sensible as you.

* Learn to wait. Time is elastic here. Your punctuality will be punished: be prepared for this. Always have something to do for when you are made to wait and wait and wiat.

* Connect. This is a friendly society full of heart, and people will be delighted to meet you. Other expats also need an infrastructure as much as you do. Together you stand, divided you wallow.

* Drink. Water. Most commercially available drinks are laced with sugar and preservatives that dehydrate you even more.

* Ramadhan, too, shall pass. Life in Oman is not really the way it seems in this Holy month that is sure to bring anyone to their knees. (In 2006, Ramadhan should start around the 22nd of August, so it may give newbies a false impression. Take heart: things will get better.)

* Sunscreen is cool. Hats, too. And flip-flops on a scorching beach. Never ever underestimate the elements.

* Respect and patience accomplish more than confrontation. Here more so than ever.

[veiledsentiments]

Great advice Kuberkat!!

But, I think you got your Ramadhan dates a bit off. According to my charts the approximate start in 2006 will be Sept 23 (Sept 12, 2007 and Sept 2, 2008). It won't start in August until 2009.

This is certainly going to make the start of the academic year difficult for a few years. Fasting students for the first month of classes... It makes teaching a challenge, but I always loved those short days... and long quiet afternoons with no traffic noise... supermarkets all to oneself... the annual belly dancing lessons in Abu Dhabi...(an expat Ramadhan tradition)

VS

[kuberkat]

Perfectly right, VS. Mea Culpa. Yes, Ramadhan will indeed fall at the end of September this year- just about the time when newcomers will need to Get Things Done. Having those afternoon hours free for bellydancing classes is one thing, but trying to get a gas bottle delivered is a different deal entirely.

[Duffy]

Great stuff KK, One or two things I would comment on.

How many of us have been caught "tasting" a grape in the supermarket during Ramadan?? OMG!! I remember doing it in Saudi.The look of reproach from the guy "watching" me was unforgettable.

Regardless when Ramadan falls we know the signs to look out for (and avoid) Students who either don't turn up, or do and spend the whole time clock-watching.

The drivers!! Oh I don't have to tell you folks about the way driving deteriorates during the day - avoid the roads at least one hour before "Iftar" In fact - DON'T DRIVE AFTER MIDDAY!!!

[veiledsentiments]

[omanized]

Ah, yes, Ramadan.... many a fond memory of that hallowed time when day turns to night and night into day - all night eating fests, sleeping students and the rush hour crazy danger time when half asleep drivers are racing home for Iftar.

One of the great ironies of this time is the observation that many, if not a majority of the fasting populace actually gain weight during this time - massive buffet dinners from midnight until 3 - 4 am and sleeping in until noon or more.

I think my most common ( unfortunately ) experience is the horrible breath that most students have as they don't brush their teeth or drink water all day and many of them become sick during this time with colds, sore throats etc. However, being invited to an Iftar with Omani friends and associates is really great - I love the dates and tea that usually start off the slow and lengthy meal !

On the more depressing side, I also recall the tears of several female students over the years who, having become sick after a couple of weeks, were physically sick during the school day and were terribly upset that they had vomited and some of the material had been swallowed again thereby breaking their fast - a serious transgression !

omanized

[veiledsentiments]

I too was shocked when I learned during my first Ramadhan in Egypt that spending on food more than doubled during that month. Modern times have done the same thing to Ramadhan that it has done to Christmas in the West... made it a time of excess. Rather than spending the night in prayer and contemplation as was meant, it is more of a one month moving wedding reception where one visits various relatives nightly... feasting all the way.

As to the above serious transgression, I would not call it such - it is just a breaking of the fast. My other surprise is that the absolutely love everything about Ramadhan, especially the sharing of the fast. Her illness adds to the days that she must make up... along with the days of her period when she also does not fast. It is so much harder to do the fast when everyone else is not. But she was most likely not crying because it was a transgression, but because they feel that this is the best time of the year - and for that day she felt separated from her peers.

VS