Job Discussion Forums

[newbienicki]

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]

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]

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]

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]

[santivalle]

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]

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

[veiledsentiments]

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]

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.

[veiledsentiments]

Did you look at the many positions that get advertised for the colleges around Oman? They are all recruiter hires and each place has its own eccentrics and eccentricities. But, with an MA+5, you should get an offer somewhere between $2500-3000 a month plus a housing allowance and paid ticket. But, it will be students between 17-20 years old. Another option might be the University of Nizwa which direct hires. It could be that one of their new hires won't show up as commonly happens. If you are interested in them, PM me for an email address there.

VS

[newbienicki]

Thanks for the advice. I did get college offers for Ibri and Sur, but I thought those locations were both too isolated. I know I need a foot in, but I don't want to commit to an isolated location and then quit two months in. I turned down both, I know I don't have to be in Muscat, but I'd love somewhere like Salalah or even Sohar. Veiled, you have good advice and call things as you see them, am I being too picky? Do you think I should just get a foot in? The Ibri contract was for two years with Globnet, really didn't think I would last there. Any advice is welcomed; I will PM you , still have to make a few more posts.

[veiledsentiments]

You've made it to 5 now!

Yes, you might be too picky... depends on your CV, of course. But, I'm not one for working too far out in the sticks either.

VS