Job Discussion Forums

[Roslagen]

I am considering EFL teaching in the Persian/Arabian Gulf area and have heard good things about Sultan Qaboos U., especially that it has links to outside universities in the English Commonwealth, thus its standard of teaching/curriculum is higher than average for the area.

I also hear that salaries are lower than average for the area. $38,000 per year excluding free housing, is what someone has written. How much of a raise would come along with that each year?

I'm also intereted to know how likely it is for instructors to have the opportunity for release time to work on testing/materials/etc. Or is everyone expected to slog away in the trenches for the most part?

I'd be interested to hear from current and former instructors there if the lower salary is made up for in professional develoment opportunities.

Any info appreciated!

[Atassi]

Roslagen,

You're better off posting into the correct forum for Oman. You'll get more responses. A search will turn up some information as well.

Atassi

[stoth1972]

Since I stumbled upon the question here, I'll answer it as best I can. SQU would be the best gig in Oman for university teaching. $38,000 will go a good bit further than in neighbouring Dubai. I think this is actually a very good tax-free salary. You should get the accommodation (or allowance for it) and likely a furniture allowance. I can't speak about the raises at SQU in particular, though I would not expect a raise until your contract is up for renewal-usually two or three years, and even then, many uni teachers in the Gulf will tell you that there is no guarantee.

Omanis are lovely students...kindest in the region, IMHO.

[CJF]

Did you by chance study geography in the US ? It figures.