Job Discussion Forums

[bloggs34]

I've been offered work in Ibri from March-July (college of Technology) with Tati. I read all the posts but I'm looking for info on the following:

1. Is it possible to get decent furnished studio in Ibri WITH aircon, for under 200 OR per month?
2. When exactly are the summer holidays? If I leave end of term July and don't renew contract, will I get paid August holiday BEFORE I exit the country?
3. Do you get paid on time?
4. How are the students/teachers at the college?
5. Is there anything to do in Ibri apart from goat-watching/pebble-throwing?

Thank you and maybe see you soon!

[urbanversion]

I can shed a bit of light here,,,basically if you are outside of Muscat, or perhaps Nizwa, you better get used to cooking and eating at home or liking Indian food/shawarma sandwiches, you maybe right Ibri does sound isolated, I would expect goat watching and star gazing will be biggest activities, but then it is all what you make of it. A car is definitely essential, if you are able to drive.....

[Duffy]

Ah yes but, UV, did you know that there is now a Pizza Hut in Ibri?? Also my apologies to anyone living there because I once described the place as "a truck stop in the desert" Having been there I have seen that it is in fact a town that has lots of greenery and a fascinating "old town" to explore. But I would still rather be in Salalah than Nizwa.

Duffy

[bloggs34]

Thank you for your comments. Food's not a problem, but I cannot drive...am I genuinely doomed? Can goats be saddled? Any info on my previous questions anybody. Much appreciated.

[urbanversion]

Not genuinely doomed, just relying on taxis, who will cheat you if you are causcausian btw, becomes irritating....

Also a booze run to muscat is troublesome without a car, and fellow ft's may get tired of cadgers of lifts....

[March Hare]

[veiledsentiments]

Ignoring the spelling error, would you prefer he use "white"? I don't think most people would consider Arabs, in particular Omanis with the obvious effects of their strong ties to their past African empire, to be "white" ... ? Political correctness is so often a challenge and how to identify all the hues of humanity.

VS

[urbanversion]

Thks duffy for the support mate And yes I did make a mistake, I meant white...try and take a taxi anywhere if you look white and don't know arabic and you will see what I mean. I stand by this...

[veiledsentiments]

Have you noted that knowledge of the local language helps lower taxi fares the world over? I learned that quickly in Cairo where the rapacious taxi drivers are famous with the world's tourists. Which is why I refer to my language knowledge as "Arabic for taxis." The first month I was in Egypt was spent having my students teach me the language I needed to know during class breaks.

Arabic speaking taxi drivers are almost always so thrilled that you speak the language (even rather badly) that they forget to double the fare. Of course, if you are in many parts of the Gulf, you would probably need Urdu to speak to the taxi driver.

VS

[urbanversion]

[veiledsentiments]

Actually surprising considering how organized Oman is in so many ways compared to the rest of the world. Perhaps we could get the demonstrators to add this to the list of complaints.

VS

[cam]

Bloggs 34,

Have you already arrived? If so you most likely have answers to your questions. If not and for others thinking about Ibri, I will attempt to answer your questions.

1. Is it possible to get decent furnished studio in Ibri WITH aircon, for under 200 OR per month?

Most flats in Ibri are not furnished. It is possible to get an �empty� flat for 150 RO per month. (You will need at least 600-800 RO to furnish the flat.) Things are not exactly cheap in Ibri. For example, an AC unit costs from 150-180 OR.

2. When exactly are the summer holidays? If I leave end of term July and don't renew contract, will I get paid August holiday BEFORE I exit the country?

Summer holidays start on July 13th. If you decide not to come back, then I assume you would be paid your summer vacation pay before leaving.

3. Do you get paid on time?

TATI as well as the other recruiters pay on time.

4. How are the students/teachers at the college?

The students are not really motivated. There are a few discipline issues with some groups. Nonetheless, some of the students are quite nice and can be helpful. Additionally, according to the TATI ad, class sizes range from 20 to 25. However, the average class size is more like 30 students.

5. Is there anything to do in Ibri apart from goat-watching/pebble-throwing?

There is very little to do in Ibri. In fact, to be honest, there is basically nothing to do in Ibri!

[StampLover]

everything bloggs34 is right on the money.

one thing to note for future people coming to Ibri is that there has been a housing boom this year, so next year housing prices should come down since about honestly 100 flats are open or are opening up.

A good note about ICT. As far as I know, our college is one of the only colleges in Oman where students have not gone on strike. Students are generally happy here and good people. Yes, some lazy lazy ones, but with the right motivation from an active teacher they take part in learning.

[urbanversion]

Well if the fellow in question has accepted the gig, Oman, not just Ibri requires one to man up,both mentally and physically...

If you want gyms, parties, and soforth...perhaps Abu Dhabi or Hong Kong or Tokyo is more suited...?!

[DenUk]

Any info. on the College of Applied Science would be appreicate...

I gathered the city seems rather dull with little in terms of entertainment.

Are there any leisure recreation facilities, such as a gym, swimming pool etc?