Job Discussion Forums

[the_thinker]

Hi all,

My wife and I are considering a year or two in the Middle East. We are both British EFL teachers with about 7–10 years of teaching experience, with relevant BAs (either English Language/Literature or Linguistics), both with MAs (both Applied Linguistics – gained after several years of teaching) and CELTAs (gained at beginning of teaching career). I have several academic publications, some ELT publications with major ELT publishers, experience teaching at universities in Europe, and also, most recently, experience lecturing in linguistics at university. My wife's experience is all in private language schools, mostly teaching adults. We have a one-year-old daughter.

Would Oman be a good choice for us? Honestly, we would be coming primarily for the money. Would it be possible to find work at the same institution, and be able to arrange some kind of child care? What kinds of salaries could we aim for?

I'll also post this question in the Saudi, Qatar, UAE and Kuwait boards.

[CANDLES]

Hi...

Well you won't make so much money in Oman as in KSA, Kuwait and UAE.

As for 'child care', haven't seen much of that about. You would have to have a private nanny from an agency, or unless the universities you apply to have a creche, but unfortunately I've never heard of that.

Apply to Sultan Qaboos University in Muscat and see what happens. The other universities are okay, but SQU is the most established one.

Good luck.

[the_thinker]

Hi CANDLES. Thanks for replying. I've had a look at SQU and it certainly looks a possibility.

Why do people end up in Oman if the money's not so good? Presumably there are other compensating factors?

[rollingk]

Oman isn't as repressive as say, Saudi Arabia. Women aren't as likely to be harassed by religious police in public places if they are alone or if their hair is uncovered in Oman as in Saudi especially. There is more freedom overall between the sexes in Oman, and the public, although not as urban as other gulf countries, is generally easier going and less likely to take a negative interest in foreigners.

This may be because Oman was such a nexus for trade for such a long time between Persia and North and East Africa. and the consequent tolerance that comes with this has somewhat eroded the typical tribal outlook and it's take on religion. So you get a more relaxed view to difference there as opposed to say, UAE's and Kuwait's rather conflicted, newly arrived at "tolerance". And of course,, Saudi Arabia is more or less intolerant.

Also, decent housing may be less expensive in Oman compared to the other countries you've mentioned in the gulf, and so saving may be easier there.

[stanggg]

Hello,
There is child care in Buraimi so I would assume there would be in Muscat and other places in Oman. Oman is a nice place to teach and many people come to get experience before moving on to other places in the Gulf. From what I understand many people end up coming back. The pay is ok but pay is usually much better (twice or more) in the UAE. The UAE, from what I have seen, is the least conservative, or at least the expats are.

If your goal is to make money I would suggest going to the UAE to a public university. They usually offer housing and then your salary will be good too. You certainly are qualified, but it might be a little late to make if for the fall. Make sure to go to all the university websites and apply.

I think it would be difficult to both get a job at a place like SQU, if you went to other universities in Oman it would be possible. With a double income you would be able to save a lot anywhere you go in the Middle East.

[the_thinker]

Thanks for all the advice.