Job Discussion Forums

[lall]

Amen to that!

[flutterbayou]

When one gets down to the basics, it's usually the students who make our vocation worthwhile. I've also met some pretty interesting language teachers, too, and from all corners of the world, which I wouldn't have had the pleasure of meeting if I were in the States.

The odd thing, though, is that people usually write in and ask about the money and what there is to do at any given locale. Few people spend time weaving threads on the good feelings we get from our jobs and the positive ties we bind with students.

Your responses made today even more pleasant - thanks to all.

[RAHMA.Alfoori]

I am teacher at Rustaq College of Education. I have been teaching here for 2 years and I am truly enjoying teaching the hard-working students here. I don't pay much attention to who works with me of teachers or of college staff members because my thinking, time and efforts are directed to my students who are in need to constant support.

It's all about attitude and how people see things. We could be too extreme and judgemental and we could also choose to be more objective and understanding to difference. I am Omani and I believe that the key to success in living with Omanis comes from 'respect to difference' of culture, religion, language and overall people.

No matter what the difference is, we always need to be reminded that we mustn't expect to have a place that meets a perfect criterion!

Rustaq could be a great place to teach active and creative students! As well as it could be the town that is only one hour distant from Muscat by car. It is also close to other areas like Al Sawadi and Barka where you can get access to facilities.

Teachers at Rustaq College are very understanding and cooperative!

Rahma

[grahamb]

According to my map, Rustaq is about 159 km from Muscat. If Rahma can drive there in an hour then she's definitely Omani!

[veiledsentiments]

Yes, Rahma... do drive a bit more slowly!! Oman needs you!!

Neil said 90 minutes and since part of it is likely to be still only 2 lanes (?) I'd have taken even longer.

Of course what we may have is a difference in what part of "Muscat" we are referring to. The port and old city or the sprawling 'capital area.'

VS

[RAHMA.Alfoori]

I also thought that it's only Omanis who drive madly! When I went to the USA, New York City, I just realized that madness is everywhere!

Muscat is not just Qurm, Matrah, etc.. On your way from Rustaq, the first muscat-town you meet on your highway is As-seeb! Traffic, the time you travel to Muscat and many other factors may make it even longer.

It's a great concern that Oman is rated the second of the Gulf Countries in having massive number of deaths because of accidents, mostly by young Omanis! Oman is a young country and the majority of the population is young who tend to risk their lives and others' just for the sake of feeling stronger and suprisingly, 'more muscaline'! Best driving is the quickest one! More awareness campaigns are urgent to address that issue!

[grahamb]

Road traffic accidents are not all caused by boy racers; there are plenty of mad adults out there as well.
The vast majority of my Omani friends and colleagues are remarkably averse to wearing seatbelts, citing the example of "someone who was in an accident and was burned alive because they had their seatbelt on and couldn't get out of the vehicle," etc, etc.
Using a mobile phone whilst driving, and overtaking when approaching bends and blind summits are additional hazards. The risks are multiplied by the actions of lunatics from other Gulf states who drive south during the Khareef. Negotiating your way through the Dhofar mountains at that time is not for the faint-hearted!

[veiledsentiments]

Definitely Rahma, the Washington DC area is even worse than New York!!

And as to the recklessness of the Gulf drivers, the Omanis are better than the Kuwaitis or Emiratis. I think that the reason that there are more fatalities in Oman is because there are so many 2 lane roads.

VS

[Geronimo]

Flutterbayou asked, "Why do you choose Oman over other placements?" Well, in addition to the politeness of the Omani students, referred to above, I would add the hauntingly beautiful mountain scenery. It is captured in the photos of a friend and fellow English teacher , Kieran Walker....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kieran-oman/page5/

Sadly, Kieran won't be taking any more photos. He was knocked down by a speeding motorist whilst he was arranging for a taxi ride to Sohar. Kieran was standing off the main expressway - closeby the Carrefour mall, in the Seeb district of Muscat at the moment of impact. He never recovered and passed away on 11th November, 2007.

Recessed pick-up points are required for taxis and mini-buses plying the main expressway into Muscat. More footbridges should be constructed, too.

By the way, the Omani police are preparing manslaughter charges for the speeding motorist.

[007]

I am sorry to hear the sad news about Kieran Walker.
My condolences and sympathy are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time of loss.

I think the Omani government and police should educate their citizens about road accidents by arranging awareness days for such events, and should impose tough penalties against careless drivers.

[flutterbayou]

Geronimo,

Thank you for forwarding the photos.

I'm sorry you have lost a friend.

Flutter

[helenl]

Until it begins to "hurt" in the pocket book (or one is affected personally by losing a friend or relative) the poor driving habits will persist. I can't count how many campaigns have taken place at the various educational facilities I've worked in. The students listen very carefully and go out and behave as usual behind the wheel.

I'd hate to count up how many students I have lost or were seriously injured in car accidents.

Higher insurance rates (for poor drivers) and traffic fines (imposed immediately - don't wait for registration) have to be fully and equally imposed. Unfortunately, lots of "locals" don't have insurance to start with so that's not much of a deterrent. One story I've heard is that they get insurance in order to register the car and once that is accomplished, they go back to the insurance company to cancel the insurance to get their money back. There is no mechanism for the insurance company to report this to the police/motor vehicle department. I don't know if it's true but it seems 2 of every 3 people I know who've been involved in an accident with a local, the local didn't have insurance