Job Discussion Forums

Jonas · Joined: 09 Oct 2006 Posts: 1

What are the benefits of moving to SQU from the UAE? Is the salary generally lower? Is the workload generally heavier? Or do other benefits outweigh any downsides?

Jonas

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Depending on employers, but generally salaries in Oman are lower. Workloads again depend on employer, but probably the same or lower.

Benefits? The students are lovely, the scenery is starkly beautiful, and the outdoor activities certainly outweigh the Emirates...

VS

Duffy · Joined: 29 Oct 2005 Posts: 449 Location: Oman

Err, excuse me for asking VS, but when were you last in Oman?

It seems to me that you are offering advice to newbie English teachers from a 2 year old perspective?

You have the advantage of sitting back, letting your "petrodollars pension" work for you whereas folks who are new ( I mean really RAW) flounder in a mire of expat's well meaning advice. Which is not always helpful.

YOU on the other hand,seems to be the the font of all wisdom pertaining to the Middle East, especially Oman.

I am not asking for credentials as it is plain that you have been out here before. What I am saying is, how can you give advice to someone who is here, now, based on your out of date experiences??

Duffy

(there is no "smiley" for this ) so just answer the question please?

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

You can feel free not to read... and please be so kind as to point out what I said that was incorrect?

Otherwise... MYOB...

VS

omani_chick · Joined: 27 Sep 2006 Posts: 6

Well said, VS. I have been following the various threads about Oman on and off over the past couple of years with interest. As a teacher working in Oman for the past 3 years, the advice and comments made by VS are surprisingly accurate - not much has changed over the past couple of years. You've heard the saying, "The more things change, the more they stay the same?" All too true here in Oman. I, for one, shall continue to read VS's comments. Cheers!

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Thanks for the kind words Omani chick. Of course the changes that I have seen in the last ... soon 20 years... have been both positive and negative. But, since I still have friends there, they keep me informed too. One big change in the last few years is how many employers there are now... and how few of them are good employers. Crying or Very sad

But, the core realities are the same as they were in the mid-'80s.

VS