Job Discussion Forums

[tiger_down_under]

I've just accepted a position in Muscat at one of the new tertiary institutes. I'm going alone and need to sort out accommodation. Any advice for an Antipodean female in her late 20s on finding a place or meeting people?

[veiledsentiments]

Hi Tiger,

Strange that a tertiary institution is not providing housing or at least a bit of assistance along with an allowance. Since this is rather specific info, you could send me a PM. I expect that KAW can help you out more on the social situation for your age group. That is rather out of my realm of experience, I fear.

VS

[kaw]

Hi Tiger
Sorry but can't help you much with the social scene in Muscat. I'm in the middle of nowhere and as such we tend to hang out with each other/ by ourselves during the week and weekends everyone does their own thing.
I do know that there are a million and one things to do in Muscat - sports clubs, amateur dramatics etc which would be one way of getting to meet people you don't actually work with.
The bar at the Intercontinental hotel also seems a popular place for "young" ex-pats to hang out. I personally don't really know anyone in Muscat - as am not there often enough. I'll be pretty easy to meet people I guess.
There's a pretty good publication out - which comes out every 2(?) months I think called Oman today (at least I think that is what it's called) - it basically tells you whats on and where. I'll try and find a copy for you and give some more info.

I agree with VS about the accommodation thing - the college are surely providing an allowance and surely there is someone there to help with finding somewhere decent.

Anyway must dash - level meeting to attend.

[C76]

Hi Tiger,

They're not giving you any housing?!?

I haven't started teaching yet...But these days, if I see a job posting that doesn't include housing...I just say "no".

My reaction may sound snotty. However, I think it shows a company's courtesy.

You, my dear, are braver than I am. I don't yet have the nerve to go anywhere without everything set up for me.

[veiledsentiments]

Hi C76,

I think your response in sensible in your position. As a newbie, not knowing the ropes, it is a good idea to go to the places who will help you with it all.

One problem with many of the smaller private colleges is that providing housing for people can be such a headache. Everyone likes the other people's flat better than the one they got - or they whinge constantly how this one's furniture is better than mine. It can be endless aggravation for the person trying to please a batch of teachers (someone on here compared managing EFL teachers as similar to herding cats). Thus many of them have changed over to housing allowances and letting the employees handle it themselves. Actually I prefer that system but I have been around the area a long time and know it.

Finding your own accomodations is fine if they have hooked you up with other teachers who can help you out - that you can discuss it with before you arrive - and that they put you up in temporary housing for a certain amount of time before you have to get your own place - at least a month I would think.

VS

[zakiah25]

Hi Tiger
As a suggestion, you could stay at NHI (National Hospitality Institute) temporarily while you're looking for a place. NHI is a vocational training college but it runs it's own accommodation like a hotel to give the students some "on the job" training - I think they have a reasonable weekly or monthly rate and the rooms are fully furnished and self contained with kitchens. In Muscat, their telephone number is 7712139 and they are situated at Wadi al Khabir which is fairly close to the major shopping area of Ruwi. If you phone, ask to speak to the housekeeper and tell her that you're a new teacher - I know that there are some teachers staying there, from Muscat College, I think.
Kaw is right, there are plenty of social clubs in Muscat and the Intercontinental Hotel is a popular meeting place for expats. There are cinemas in Muscat that show the latest films (censored), lots of shopping places/malls and a new shopping centre at Seeb.
Where is your place of employment in Muscat - I'm asking because Muscat is very spread out and it's quite a distance from one end to the other?
best wishes
Zakiah

[veiledsentiments]

Ya Zakiah

Is that phone number correct? Doesn't it have an extra digit or have they lately switched to seven digits?

Whereabouts is this located in Wadi al-Kabir? Not an area I know very well. Rather at the opposite end of where I spent most of my time. (I could check out my AZ Street Atlas and Gazetteer -- only in Oman are they so organized to have such a thing!!)

This is great information. What kind of rates are they offering or is all negotiable?

VS

[zakiah25]

Dear VS
Most telephone nos in Muscat have 6 digits but some do have 7, that is the correct number for NHI Telephone 7712139 and their fax number is 7717125. Also Polygot Institute has 7 digits and their number is 7731261.
NHI is good for visitors, for overnight stays they used to charge RO12 which included a light breakfast. The teachers at Muscat College stayed there on a long term basis and were on special rates but I'm not sure of the current rate.
Wadi al Khabir is on the new road to Muttrah, you will see signs as you go through Ruwi. It's also the road that takes you to the Al Bustan Palace Hotel and to the Yacht Club. NHI is near the Sri Lankan School. Also, they have built a new covered fruit and vegetable market just 100 metres up the road which is surrounded by a large open market. So, it's an interesting place to wander through.
regards
Zakiah

[C76]

Since we're looking @ conditions in Muscat and the surrounding areas...Can someone please pm me the names of any recommended organizations?

Will go back now and re-read your messages to see if I missed anything.

I've been stuck in a fog lately. Trying to prepare my passport application.