Job Discussion Forums

[MadK]

Hello everyone,

I'm a new poster, though I've read many different threads about the countries in the Middle East. Currently I teach English with the Peace Corps in Madagascar.

When I return to the States in 9 months, I'm planning on getting a masters in TEFL, perhaps through the worldwide/distance program at University of Birmingham (UK).

Based on the number of openings for English teachers in Oman, what are the odds of finding jobs on the upper end of the salary range? I can give a quick rundown on the qualifications with which I eventually intend to apply:

-MA in TEFL (or at least nearing completion of the degree)
-2 years of international English teaching experience
-several additional years of English tutoring experience
-intermediate competency in Standard Arabic
-intangibles: native speaker of American English, familiarity with Muslim world, knowledge of Islam and Qur'an

Any comment on my qualifications and chances would be appreciated.

Thanks,
MadK

[veiledsentiments]

Your chances would be the same as anyone trying to get a job in the ME with a fresh new MA. What that means is that your first job will be towards the bottom of the pecking order... just like in any field.

The reality is that the best institutions and the best payers take those with extensive related experience *after* their MA (ie... teaching academic English to Arabic speakers). Most teachers have to spend a few years teaching at the less attractive institutions as far as conditions and pay.

Of course after the grand pay scale of the Peace Corps, even the lower pay places in Oman sound like a good deal.

VS

[MadK]

Thank you for your input, veiled sentiments. I understand that I cannot command the higher-end jobs until I have more experience teaching in higher institutions with a masters degree. Based on the credentials I've already listed, would you say that the BA/MA pay range of 800-900 Omani rials/per month is probably a realistic amount? I know it depends on the institution, but in Oman how standard is the provision of housing, insurance, and airfare home? Most of the Gulf state listings that I've seen include these benefits, even for those with only a few years of international experience. As I said, I know I won't qualify for the higher-end positions, but I'm curious what kind of package I might be offered in Oman (roughly).

[veiledsentiments]

Standard pay package in the Gulf area is salary + free furnished flat or appropriate allowance + airline tickets annually + medical coverage + gratuity of at least 1/2 months base pay for each year worked. I would not consider anything less than that.

Depending on the institution, I would expect a base salary of 700-800 for entry with new MA + a utility allowance + a travel allowance... the amount of which also varies a bit. As I mentioned, the first job is the hardest to get, so the lower end of the scale may be more realistic.

All in all enough to live well enough on, do some travel, pay off ed loans if you have them, and still save a bit.

VS