Job Discussion Forums

[nveazie]

My husband is considering job transfer to Oman. We have two kids, 6 and 4 year old. I am a bit concern with all the war going on in the Middle East. Does anyone know if it is a safe place to be at a time like this? Also is it good for family life? Does it make a difference that we are black? I searched a few sites and noticed that there are no blacks on these particular sites. I'm just curious as to how we would be accepted. any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[qas419]

Well, you are right; no black but i am light chocolate. Dont worry dear, Oman is a safe place and Omanis are the most socialble and friendliest people in the Middle East. By the way, there are black Omanis too. Of course, most of the English language teachers there are British because of the strong economic and political link between the two countires. Enjoy your stay there.

[veiledsentiments]

Just to add... this is a very kid friendly part of the world. But, be sure that one of the benefits that your husband's job provides is school fees for the children. The international school tuition is very expensive.

VS

[Johnz]

Oman is as safe as anywhere.... afterall, can your safety be guaranteed in London? or Madrid?... But in terms of the political situation of the Middle East, people are fine... the greatest danger to your family, in terms of personal safety, is likely to come from the poor driving of so many Omanis...

[kuberkat]

I feel safer in Oman that I ever have anywhere else. There's a standing joke that people in the capital complain about the fact that if you leave your car keys in the ignition, your car will disappear... and show up at a nearby shopping mall unharmed after a mishievous joyride. The local news headlines are usually confined to HM Sultan Qaboos' cables of greetings.

I have black colleagues who are extremely respected and popular professionally and in their personal lives. You shouldn't have anything to worry about as long as you are respectful to local customs.

[AllOne]

I've read on the Amnesty International site that 30 some people were arrested in January - at night, and their computers seized - which resulted in being charged and imprisoned for trying to undermine the government. Among those charged were academics and one woman is still being held. Her charges stem from SMS messages sent by mobile phone and internet.
Others were pardoned by the Sultan.

I've also heard that if you want to put on a public performance of an English play or do a poetry reading, your text must be translated into Arabic and pass through a censor.

My current contact on Oman says he's never heard about either of these things.

Comments please.
I'm concerned about these things because I can be quite outspoken (sometimes during my lesson) and I also like to do poetry readings.

[veiledsentiments]

Under the surface there are things going on that we rarely learn about. I would class it as a benevolent dictatorship, but there are young people who are educated and keen to change the system. There are tribal situations that you will hear little or nothing about. And the reality is that it is none of our business.

What you can say in the classroom depends very much on the institution. But in general I would say that the taboo subjects are religion, sex, and the local government. You open your mouth on these topics at your peril... especially as a person who has shown in your three questions here that you know very little of the culture. (I don't mean that harshly, all of your questions are legitimate, of course)

It can take a number of years before one appreciates and understands the cultural limitations of classroom discussion in any new culture. Someone who only plans to be in a country for a year is best advised to keep one's opinions to oneself and to listen rather than talk.

There are plays in English and Arabic poetry readings, but not put on by a teacher or class on an informal basis. The English plays are put on by the local theater group, most of whose members are long time Gulf expats who know the drill. They are mostly fluffy British comedies.

Oman is a very conservative religious and tribal culture. They are fascinating and friendly people, but it is no better or worse than anywhere else in most ways. I wonder how many people are arrested in the US and UK every year and held on charges that the rest of us never hear about. It is not safe anywhere to be caught planning the overthrow of the local government.

VS

[AllOne]

Thanks for your answer. No, I don't know anything about the culture which is why i am trying to find out as much as I can about how I should behave as well as restrictions that may surprise me, before accepting a job there.