Job Discussion Forums

[Tiffany Spangles]

Sorry, don't know Tim. Who was he?

Tiff

[Beachee]

Tim was the previous country manager.

[Sleepwalker]

Tim was a gentleman and a true professional.

[patience]

Does anyone out there have any more current info about CfBT? Contract renewal? New Manager?

I have signed a contract to go to Salalah COAS. Is anyone there surviving and/or renewing their contract with CfBT?

I'd like to think that I'm not going straight to Jail without passing Go.......

[Tiffany Spangles]

Please read previous postings by ZX20 and myself. I had hoped the new operations Manager might improve things at Cfbt. Alas, this has not happened. Someone told me recently that he was doing interviews for college-posts. This guy isn't even a teacher, as far as I know! My advice to you is to be very wary....................Cfbt say you have to be qualified and experienced but at the end of the day they'll take anyone from anywhere!

Tiff

[patience]

I had read your previous comments which was why I was asking for news of any more recent developments.

Thanks for replying.

[Tiffany Spangles]

I have heard a lot of teachers are leaving Salalah COAS. It would be helpful if people who have decided to renew their contracts there replied to you. I only know what I hear on the grapevine. Regarding the Manager, she is staying, unfortunately.

A word of warning about accommodation in Salalah : as it's a tourist-resort, landlords usually issue contracts for the academic year, which means you have to get out pretty fast so that Saudis can move in for the summer! Make sure you check your contract carefully!

Tiff

[patience]

Thanks again for the information. I'll keep it in mind.

As for responses from the folks actually working at the COAS, yes it would be helpful to hear from them. Maybe they're too busy working! Or having fun! Who knows?

Cheers.

[Duffy]

Ok, as most will know I am a big fan of "LalaLand". I have lived and worked here for the last five years, nearly all that time at the COAS.

Though I have been directly employed by the Ministry, I do have an in-depth knowledge of CfBT as my wife and many friends have worked for them for the last four years. Tim came, set up CfBT in Oman and left for other places. As a poster said "He is a gentleman". Of the current Country manager, I have never met her but have heard of various matters pertaining to her managment style, but it is not for me to comment further.

All I know is that all the teachers who came to Salalah COAS last year seemed to have a positive experience. ALL those that have left have done so of their own free will and have just adhered to the good old TEFL motto "T & A" (Travel and Adventure). Except that is a couple of teachers who had problems with certification. Nobody was fired ( in fact those two were merely told that their contract was not being renewed).

If any of you have accepted a position with CfBT for Salalah this year you will find the accomodation of a high standard. Trish is tryng desperately to find 12 month contract apartments, but as a previous poster mentioned landlords like to let out their properties at hugely profitable rents for the Khareef season.

Duffy

[patience]

Thanks so much for your response - it is much appreciated and highly informative. I remember some of your earlier posts and your enthusiasm for 'Lala. It's good to be reminded that the news is not all bad.

So far the dealings I've had with CfBT have been very positive.

I'm looking forward to the job whilst being realistic about the challenges that inevitably come up.

Thanks again.