Job Discussion Forums

newbienicki · Joined: 08 Aug 2010 Posts: 28 Location: the coast

Hi, I'm curious if anyone out there has heard of Alkhwarzmi Private School in Sohar. I have been offered a job with them, but can't seem to find a web page, or anything about them in Sohar. I was contacted by a Mr. Yalfarsi, and I originally found the ad at another esl site. Any word on this would help.

Thanks, Newbienicki

Tamara123 · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 8

Hello Newbienicki,

I came across something online saying that this was some type of scam. Here's the link for you to have a look yourself.

http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/scamalerts/index.pl?read=1018

Tamara

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

You have to be kidding... 385 OR?? That is half of what I was paid in Oman over 20 years ago.

You will know it is a scam if they ask you for any money for anything. There should be no upfront charges for any job in Oman. Your credentials need to be certified, but that is done in DC and paid to any independent visa/credential servicing company or you can do it yourself (for less than $100) if you are near DC. Watch out for requests for money via Western Union.

VS

newbienicki · Joined: 08 Aug 2010 Posts: 28 Location: the coast

Thanks for your help. Something seemed odd about both the offer, mine had no salary stated on the contract, and the person I spoke with. He was offering US$1300 per month and no airfare. I thought this ridiculous and insulting to a woman with both a B.A. and an M.A. in English and over five years of teaching ESL. Nothing compared to the experience of many but not too shabby. Again, thanks for the help.

santivalle · Joined: 04 Sep 2010 Posts: 10

santivalle · Joined: 04 Sep 2010 Posts: 10

http://www.eslteachersboard.com/cgi-bin/scamalerts/index.pl?read=1027

Came across this on the same site that referred to a scam. So, I am inclined to give the guy the benefit of the doubt, that he just doesn't know what he's doing. But I wouldn't work for that salary even if he was a saint, anyway. LOL

Tamara123 · Joined: 02 Aug 2010 Posts: 8

I'm not so sure...that comment looks pretty dodgy itself - especially from somebody who teaches English for a living.

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

To be honest, there was nothing in the ad listed at the first link that made it an obvious scam. Normally scams offer outrageously high salaries with no requirement for any experience or credentials. It is highly unusual for a scam to offer a laugh-out-loud low salary. The hotmail address often occurs with Omani institutions because the national internet system - omantel - gives them such small inboxes that they fill up and kick back any more emails if they get more than 2 or 3 applications.

So, it probably is legit... it is merely that it is offering local scale contracts, not foreign hire contracts. This is the kind of money that is likely offered to teachers from the sub-continent or other Arab countries with high unemployment.

VS

newbienicki · Joined: 08 Aug 2010 Posts: 28 Location: the coast

Ladies, thanks for all your help. Santivalle, I got you PM, thank you. I am going to pass on this offer, even if it isn't a scam. While I didn't become a teacher to become rich, I don't plan to leave my job in the States to work for this kind of money. If I really was in it only for the cash, Iwould have taken one of the two job offers I got for Saudi. I'm looking for a place where I can contribute, experience living in new country and culture and be relatively happy. Yes, I would love to make lots of money, but I think quality of life means more to me right now.