Job Discussion Forums

[the minister]

ELS is currently placing teachers for posts with Al Bureimi University College and Sharqiya University in Ibra. Information about the conditions extant at these colleges can be found elsewhere but it is of interest that ELS has secured the services of a new HoD of Foundation at Shariqya, an American gentleman, so it is possible that conditions will improve. As for Al Bureimi, it has to be said that teachers from English speaking nations shall be used to teach on (stupendously unimaginative, i.e., long hours, same class, same course book) Foundation programme only. These are not posts to aspire to. Higher posts are those occupied by Omani teachers and by teachers whose first language is not English. ELS has signed contracts with a number of teachers, many of whom (believe me, I know this) are now being told that all posts have been filled. They haven't been. People within the same organisation are still sending out e-mails entitled 'Urgent', asking teachers to either arrive in OMan to commence their duties or to indicate their airport of departure. ELS has been in possession of this information on all their contracted teachers since before the end of Ramadan. Now, many teachers who thought that they had a job are scrambling around to try to get another job before semesters commence and all options close. It is a shoddy performance on the part of ELS, a company for which contracts mean very little. ELS has performed the equivalent of over-booking a flight and has now found that only a few passengers have arrived. My earnest advice is to be very careful when dealing with ESL. It is likely that desperation will occasion the company to meet its contractual and moral obligations this time round, but don't exepct to arrive in Oman and be sure that the job really exists. Good luck

[Middle East Beast]

[Fernwood]

[madrileno]

[the minister]

Dear Middle East Beast, Loved your observation about being careful in dealing with ESL. It rather tickled me. Incidentally, to fellow teachers who are still hoping to secure a position with ELS at the previously mentioned locations, my inbox has communications this very day from 3 people within the same organisation. While it remains clear that they are not paying full attention to any communications which they receive and are certainly not communicationg with each other, they are each urging me to contact them and to arrange to travel to Oman at my earliest convenience. The same person who told me that all posts have been filled at Al Bureimi is now telling me to travel there. Essentially, he is telling me to travel to the town, arrive at the college and inform the appropriate persons that I have arrived. I was joking about this, in my previous forum contribution and have made it come true. To those teachers who are currently hoping to secure a post with ELS, I should refer them to my previous forum contribution and advise them that posts are available, but they shall have to be cautious: it is within the tradition of organisations working in Oman to leave people 'hanging', as it were. Also, I have first hand experience of life and work in Ibra (Sharqiya University) and Al Bureimi and can supply information as required. Good luck, and pay due regard to Middle East Beast's advice.

[Sleepwalker]

I answered an advert by asking for details of the locations of the posts.

I've had several phone calls saying that there are more students that expected in both colleges.

I'm wondering what the situation really is - can any teachers currently in either of these colleges tell us?

[lizziebennet]

There is a desperate need for teachers in both Buraimi and Sharqiyah. Classes start in Sharqiyah next week and in Buraimi a week later. At present the company may move some of the Buraimi teachers to Sharqiyah for a week to fill in while they are waiting for more teachers to arrive. This has caused some concern because teachers are worried they may be forced to stay in Sharqiyah. I am sure this will not be the case as Buraimi needs more teachers than the Sharqiyah project.

Anyone with experience in the gulf will know that you just need to be patient. If you have the relevant qualifications, with particular focus being placed on previous university experience, and you have been offered a position you should have nothing to worry about. It all happens rather quickly. Sometimes they only tell you about flight bookings a day or two in advance. Just be prepared to leave on short notice and it should all work out.

Be warned that the programs are only in their second year and so are definitely not as organized as some other places so if you are expecting a well oiled machine these jobs are not for you.

If anyone is considering moving to either Buraimi or ASU and you are welcome to PM me. I have worked at both projects. I do prefer Buraimi but mainly because I prefer being close to a city (Al Ain). If you are happy with a quite life in a small Omani town Ibra would be perfect for you, especially if you want to save money.

[Myrrh]

All teachers considering working for ELS ought to read the thread "Sharqiyah University yay or nay?" for the numerous comments made by teachers who previously worked for ELS. Please be very careful about coming to Oman to work for them! You can do much better in Oman, all the schools are still hiring.

[madrileno]

I can report that teachers who have signed contracts with this company are kicking themselves now.

Countless instances of unpaid vacation pay still exist, as well as unpaid overtime.

It's quite sad, really...

[veiledsentiments]

If you read the threads on ELS back to their arrival, you will have a hard time finding much positive. They have always been a problematic employer...

VS

[pret a porter]

The title of this thread is "Signing up with ELS".

A simple response that would save anybody from months of agony, unpaid labour, and stress would be: "Don't".

[Redcar24]

Well as I see it STAY AWAY ..........FROM THIS COMPANY avoid avoid aviod like the wind