Job Discussion Forums

spillthebeans · Joined: 10 Jan 2013 Posts: 27

I started a thread on this subject on the Oman board...okay, this is quite a complex subject, but I've noticed a number of newbies to the Gulf asking about this subject and getting the wrong answer. In essence, KSA, Oman, and the rest of the Gulf states are the same place. Sure, there are a few differences here and there, and if you're a woman these differences may be significant. However, in my opinion, by far the best place to work in the Gulf is Saudi Arabia, forget about Oman or any other place. This statement needs to be heavily qualified--you really do need to get into a decent institution; otherwise, forget it. In KSA you'll be making at least $1000 a month more than in Oman, or anywhere else in the Gulf, except the Emirates. But, crucially, getting hired in KSA does not involve you becoming some kind of career robot...FYI

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

spillthebeans · Joined: 10 Jan 2013 Posts: 27

@ nomad soul

It's a complex topic because there are so many variables at work. It's perfectly possible you'd be a lot happier working outside of KSA than in it, if you had the right job. Another issue is your sex. And so on. My argument is that, on balance, you'll be better off in KSA.

Why is KSA the best place to work? (I'm assuming my audience to be male westerners here, although many female western women might agree with me): 1) You get paid more and your social status is higher than in any other Gulf country; 2) You'll get far better accommodation if its provided, or can find decent accommodation with a 25% housing allowance; 3) The cost of living is low in KSA; 4) KSA is not as crowded as parts of Oman; there's plenty of space; 5) KSA's infrastructure is way better than Oman's...on and on. Contrary to what some people say, I found Saudis to be very respectful. This is not always true in Oman, or elsewhere in the Gulf. Much of this is subjective opinion, I'm not stating "facts".

KSA is not a great place to work if you are an Omani female teacher! Oman has its plus points, granted.

plumpy nut · Joined: 12 Mar 2011 Posts: 1652

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

A spell in KSA on your CV can be the end of you as a teacher.

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Not quite, oh sick one.

KSA
1970-1972
1990-1991
1996-2002
2003-2011

And then retirement on my island paradise in the Clyde Estuary !

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

johnslat · Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 12:27 am Post subject:

Dear scot47,

A word of advice if I may: First get some significant experience in the Kingdom before deigning to advise others about it.

Jeesh, some people. Very Happy

Regards,
John

sicklyman · Joined: 02 Feb 2013 Posts: 930

personally, I think a paragraph of advice rather than a word would be better, particularly from those with the wealth of experience that scot47 has.

For those new to Saudi, the reasons why it might be the 'the end of you as a teacher' are not clear. scot47 does not explain this reasoning. In fact, he goes on to post information that clearly shows that it can lead to a considerable amount of work as a teacher both in the KSA, and, it would be reasonable to assume, elsewhere as well.

To those without knowledge of the country, this obvious contradiction is confusing. Perhaps they should follow scot47's initial advice and be hesitant to take up work here early in their careers. Perhaps they should see it as it was for him, a foundation for a long and profitable teaching life?

It may well be that scot47 knows how to avoid it being the end of you as a teacher, but posting allusions to it rather than clearly sharing his experience seems an odd form of discourse to adopt in an online forum. I'm sure Grice would agree. Wink

johnslat · Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 3:58 am Post subject:

Dear sickleyman,

To be fair, scot47 does have a point. I guess you could call it "guilt by association" in that because of the generally poor quality of many Saudi students, a DOS who gets an application from someone who has spent some time teaching in the Kingdom is apt to dismiss the applicant as a "poor teacher."

I've heard it before, and while I haven't experienced any such difficulty myself, I know several colleagues who had a lot of trouble landing another job when they left Saudi after five or so years - and they were, in my opinion, at least, very good teachers.

I wouldn't go so far as to say that having job time in Saudi on your resume/CV is the "kiss of death," but I do think it can be a handicap for some.

Regards,
John

D. Merit · Joined: 02 May 2008 Posts: 203

MuscatGary · Posted: Wed Dec 18, 2013 5:09 am Post subject:

I work in Oman, 1505 OMR pcm (Masters rate) for teaching 7.5 hours a week, 30 weeks of the year, although this is usually reduced to about 26 weeks by various holidays, students traditionally not coming during the first and last weeks of the semesters, etc. So basically 18,000 OMR (nearly 47,000 USD) for teaching about 195 hours per annum! Gratuity is also paid at the end of the contract based on the base salary. There's 60 days leave in the summer and all religious/national holidays that fall during the semester. At least there is a social dimension to life here (although becoming slightly less so) with the Opera House and a variety of bars. The students are generally nice enough as long as you don't try to push them too hard. Women can drive and don't have to cover up too much, especially in Muscat where even Omani women don't always wear the abaya or even the scarf and can be seen drinking alcohol in the bars alongside Omani men and Westerners. Ok I do have some additional responsibilty for training other teachers but still quite cushy overall.