Job Discussion Forums

Turbster · Joined: 09 May 2009 Posts: 67 Location: UK

Here I am, currently making my final preparations for my move to Nizwa at the end of the month, and wondered if anyone, on this forum, is actually based there?
I have already recieved some info in respect of Nizwa, and its surroundings, but even google seems to have little to offer. I am really looking forward to the quiet environment, and this is a real factor in my enthusiasm to get out there, but the more I can learn about Nizwa itself, and of course, the University of Nizwa, the better prepared I will be. So, if you can assist, please don't be shy.

T

Mojoski · Joined: 03 May 2009 Posts: 170

Congratulations on your hire at Nizwa U. I guess the Ministry of Higher Education does not have a freeze on new hires, as the Ministry of Manpower (conrolling technical colleges) does. I'm still waiting for my offer at NCT.

Turbster, I'm hoping to be a new hire in Nizwa too, and I haven't been there (or Oman at all) yet, but I can pass along second hand info that I've been told by people who are there now or were in the past:

Nizwa is indeed quiet. As I understand the geography, it's a conglomerate of four villages close together, collectively known as Nizwa. The expat social life revolves around the two western style hotels, which have bars and swimming pools. Being a small community, the expats from the three colleges tend to become familiar with one another. I like a bit of socialization, myself, but I also don't mind that the lifestyle there is pretty quiet because I have some writing to do in my off time.

The community is surrounded by miles of date plantation. There are mountains nearby that partially enclose the area. It's hellish hot in the summer, but the good news is it's also hot in the winter. It's hotter than Muscat, but it's less humid, so equivalent discomfort, more or less. There is no public transport, so it's necessary to obtain a car, unless you don't mind walking or cycling considerable distances in 35-40C temps.

Again, this is all second hand, so depends on the accuracy of the first hand informants and possible misinterpretation by myself, but it should be close to the mark in general because it comes from more than one source. If I've got anything wrong, someone closer to it will no doubt chime in.

Pikgitina · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Posts: 420 Location: KSA

Turbster · Joined: 09 May 2009 Posts: 67 Location: UK

Thanks Pik and Mo, those are exactly the sorts of things I am looking to find out. I've got no doubt that I'll be looked after on arrival, but it is nice to have these little nuggets!
Does anyone know about getting a car, or opening a bank account before I get my labour card, or whatever they call it in Oman?
Dress code for teaching?
How long are we likely to be in a hotel before getting our own accommodation?
Again, appreciating this.....

T

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

Turbster... I got an email from a friend at the University of Nizwa (so not all of this may not be true for those of you who will be working in the Ministry jobs). UoN is a private organization BTW.

quote:

1) get bank account (if with bank Muscat, you will be paid quicker as it's the same bank the uni uses)
2) labour card next but this can take up to 4 months sometimes....2 months is the record since I arrived
3) can't get a car until you have your labour card if you are financing like me...maybe if you pay cash it's OK...don't know

The dress code is tidy professional, no jeans but some men do anyway. One horrible guy came his first day in his bedroom slippers.... tried wearing a dishdasha until they told him to stop...still wears the Omani cap.
Women, the usual drill...covered legs and arms, no cleavage or transparency.

Stay in a hotel could be up to 3 weeks sometimes. I should think this yr they'd be in their own place in a week or so...

Turbster · Joined: 09 May 2009 Posts: 67 Location: UK

Thanks VS.

It is all falling into place now, and the big job for us is getting organised at this end!

Its never ending!

Very much looking forward to Oman, and Nizwa, and will be sure to be a board regular once we get settled in.

T

papa_74 · Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 7

nizwa weather

papa_74 · Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 7

nizwa university

papa_74 · Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 7

nizwa life

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

What is that supposed to be? Have you never been on a discussion board before and have no concept of the etiquette?

VS

johnslat · Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2009 4:16 pm Post subject:

My guess was that papa_74 intended to post links but forgot them - however, if that's actually the case, forgetting three times in a row must be a record.
Regards,
John

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

No... he's a newbie... 5 posts... managed to form some vague questions in the other two...

Was I too hard on him, you think? Old meanie that I am... Cool

VS

littleoldlady · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 286 Location: knitting heaven

Yeah VS, you old meanie you Laughing

Duffy · Joined: 29 Oct 2005 Posts: 449 Location: Oman

L-O-L,

Did you get my email?

Duffy

littleoldlady · Joined: 06 Apr 2009 Posts: 286 Location: knitting heaven

I did indeed kind sir and I just replied. You are a great Ambassador Laughing