Job Discussion Forums

hoppity1523 · Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Posts: 7

Hi all. After following this thread and reading all of the various Oman experiences contained herein, I have recently had an interview for a job with the MOHE to be based at the Nizwa College of Applied Science.

I should point out, I am not an esl teacher - I am currently lecturing in digital design at an Australian university. The job I interviewed for is teaching the same.

The 'Initial Offer' was a little bit less than what I was expecting. I have a bachelors degree in design (with honors) and a Masters degree in Animation and Interactive Media, and used the salary suggestions in these threads as a guide for salary expectation (thanks Very Happy

)

I replied with a nicely worded letter suggesting that we discuss a lecturer's position (not assistant lecturer as they had proposed) which is certainly supported by my experience and our discussions of the state of design education in Oman as compared with Australia. I assumed that this would achieve a higher salary and everybody wins. Yay!

Anyway, this was some time ago now. I received an immediate reply from the ministry rep stating that he would let me know as soon as possible. About a month has elapsed, and I haven't heard anything yet. I know that these things can take time, especially in the ME.

So my question is this: should I be worried? Should I be planning to relocate in August? Any advice on how best to re-open communication channels without causing offence?

Assuming all is well, does anyone have current info on Nizwa that they would like to share, or info about the state of the emerging design industry in Oman?

Heartfelt thanks for the valuable information you are all providing to the broader travelling teaching community.

Cheers,
Hoppity

windstar · Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 235

you may get bored in Nizwa. it is 147 kms from muscat, no shopping malls, no place to hang around. Good luck.

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

I'm not sure about this MoHE schools like this one, but many Gulf institutions are seemingly not much for negotiating (at least that's been my experience). It is quite possible that they are slow in moving on this. It's also quite possible that you'll receive a contract via DHL for the original position (as if your emaill never arrived). Have you tried calling them? You seem well papered-have you tried applying elsewhere in the Gulf?

On a side note: I liked Nizwa. Lots of natural beauty, outdoor activities like camping and hiking, but as windstar suggested it would be pretty quiet. Close enough to Muscat for a day trip, though.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I would contact them. I suspect that the holdup might be up the Ministry ladder, not your direct employer. Are you applying through an agent or direct with the college?

I agree with everything that MM said... and would suggest that with your credentials, you could consider other universities around the Gulf. The pay would be significantly better outside Oman... unless living there is a particular goal of yours.

hoppity1523 · Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Posts: 7

Wow, thanks for the super-fast replies.

I have considered other locations, but there don't seem to be a huge number of opportunities for my specific field. Maybe I should get an ESL certificate? hahaaha. I came across this opportunity by chance. If you guys have good leads for university postings in the ME, I would love to see them!

I applied directly with the MOHE. I will try calling my contact there (calling Oman previously regarding this was an...interesting experience).

While you guys are being so helpful - the initial offer totalled just over 1000 including all benefits. Does that sound right? Im planning on a lower salary than current, but not sure how low to go. (I do realise that this might be hard to judge as its a different course etc)

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

I'm not sure about your field of expertise, but that salary, if it includes housing on top of that money, is pretty good for Oman. Wouldn't you agree, VS? I would try the Higher Colleges of Technology in the UAE. My friend's husband teaches something along this vein in the Sharjah Women's College.

hoppity1523 · Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Posts: 7

Thanks, unfortunately that includes a housing allowance etc.

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

Ok, so I think a flat rental in Nizwa runs around 200 OMR (max?). I am told by a friend in Nizwa that there is a bit of a housing shortage. Good to iron out that detail before you accept (if you do). I think that the salary is low for an ESL teacher w/ a masters, so apply that to your own situation as you see fit.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

With an MA, that would be the absolute minimum - especially as your degree is very specialized and not that common - and I think it is very low. By all benefits, does that mean that you have to fly yourself there? What about medical? Gratuity?

That said, it would be a foot in the door in the Gulf. If you enjoy the outdoors, Nizwa could entertain you for a contract and you could check out the job situation in the rest of the Gulf. You can drive to the UAE easily from Oman.

I would look into HCT and ZU... perhaps UAEU too?

VS

hoppity1523 · Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Posts: 7

Thanks - and sorry for the ambiguity.
The figure mentioned is the actual salary (including housing allowance, utilities allowance and transport allowance). On top of that is the usual airfares and medical.

Appreciate the time - Ill certainly still consider, but also begin looking into the institutions mentioned.

windstar · Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 235

Normally they can provide housing if you opt in. MOHE has many other places to offer you the same job. Nizwa is a typical Omani town, formerly served as the capital. There is Hoota cave but you can go there for a few times, lots of oases, palm trees etc. You can rent, if you like, a small unit for about 80 rials and your monthly expense will not be more than 200 rials. You can always lease a car for 140-160 rials a month. Taxi to muscat is 1 rial to 1.5 rials. Good luck

flutterbayou · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 244

A few months ago, Duffy announced that MOHE would be hiring for academic placements for the 2008-09 academic year, and I think our OP has interviewed for one of these positions. If so, he'd probably be more interested in teaching his discipline than starting a new career.

MOHE should be paying well, considering their is no middle man absorbing commissions.

hoppity1523 · Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Posts: 7

Wow, mishmumkin got it spot on. I received a pro-forma approval email outlining the final steps involved for formally accepting their initial offer - no mention of our ongoing negotiation! Hahahaha!

mishmumkin · Joined: 01 Sep 2007 Posts: 929

hoppity1523 · Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Posts: 7

Hmmm, I don't think Ill accept the initial offer. I think Ill make contact and try to continue to negotiate a bit - the email I received said that I was 'approved for employment' so hopefully a change of position wouldn't be too bureaucratically difficult... The initial offer was for a lower position and a lower salary than my current one, so I don't think it would be wise to accept it just for fun.