Job Discussion Forums

[Caztro]

Does anyone have any information on Polyglot Institute in Muscat? These guys are hiring at the moment, the package they are offering sounds ok.......of course you can never tell...... How's their reputation?I did search for info but could'nt find much.

[carnac]

While I have no personal experience with Polyglot, Muscat is very much a "small town" where everyone hears just about everything about everywhere and everybody.
From what I am told, Polyglot has one of the best reputations of any private school in the Muscat area. The teachers I have met from there seem to have no major problems and seem to be qualified; the enrollment levels remain consistently good which says that satisfaction levels are ok; I am told that management is reasonable.
The school location is in Al Hail, which is a good way out in the suburbs, which means taxis to work until you get a car. Better to hire a private Indian driver to pick you up/bring you home. The school should be able to assist with immediate accomodations until you decide where you want to live.
Basic contract will probably be in the RO800 range (unless you are exceptionally qualified) plus accomodation and transport allowance. Usually 30 days leave plus once-a-year r/t home and end-of-contract bonus, usually one month's pay.
Polyglot is legit.

[kaw]

I don't know how much things have changed but I worked for Polyglot (Al Hail) in 2004 and they were ok. We were paid on time - very important - and the general atmosphere was pretty good.
If you work in Al Hail - you'll be provided with a flat in roughly the same area. I do suggest however that you think of getting a car as it is pretty much an esential in Muscat.
As for carnacs comment about getting around 800 OR a month - very very unlikely - even the universities don't pay as much as this and Polyglot - being a 'language institute' pays less. You'll probabaly be looking around the 650 mark.

I'd go for it - as well as anything else that's around - always good to have a back up.

[Caztro]

Thanks very much for the info on Polyglot I'm waiting to hear from them, they are offering 700 rials a month, it's not loads but still ok for Oman from what I hear. I was offered jobs in a couple of places in Oman, but I was a bit put off by the locations like Nizwa and Shinas maybe a bit too quiet for my liking!

[Aliskander]

They also have a large and very successful centre in Al Wattayah (near Ruwi) - an excellent place to work. Would definately reccommend it.

[carnac]

My previous guesstimate was based on a base salary of 650 plus 50 transpo and 150 accomodation. If they are also offering accomodation and transportation allowances on top of the 700, the offer is fine. 700 with no accomodation or transportation is low.
Part-time evening teaching in private schools for native speakers desiring extra income is easily available in the Muscat area, the usual rate being RO8/hour. Masters or Celta holders can ask for, and usually get, RO9/hr. part-time evenings. At least, this has been my (and my colleagues) experience. A not-too-difficult monthly boost of RO120 @ 4 days a week, 3 hours a night.

[omanized]

Too true, the part-time availability is usually very good, especially in the new year and all the way to the next Ramadan - 8 rial an hour, a 10 hour week so it's actually 320 rials extra per month for a 4 day, 2.5 hour day - friends and colleagues have worked regularly at ELS Language centers in MQ and Al Hail - low stress, good students and a nice bit of cash, paid on time ! It sure pays for vacations and whatever else you might indulge yourself with !

omanized

[carnac]

Looking at the post above (thanks, Omanized) it becomes once again painfully clear why it was a good choice for me to be a language major, and not math. Just about anything with numbers, I seek the sage counsel of my wife while I retreat mumbling to a corner.