Job Discussion Forums

[jamboy]

I applied for a job at OMC but have not heard back from them yet. From all that I have read in this Forum, the comments about living in Oman seem quite positive. Does anyone know what the OMC is like? Do they have good accomodation close by? Any special issues to be aware of? Any type of feedback will be appreciated.

Boards like this are really helpful....a similar one alerted me to some problems in another country and I turned down the job there.
Thanks

[veiledsentiments]

Which branch of OMC? There is one in Muscat and another in... I believe... Sohar? It is a relatively new organization which is working with a university in the US. There have been staffing problems and the usual teething problems of new colleges. I am not familiar with the Sohar branch, so my comments relate to Muscat - and were true up to last spring...

They do not provide accomodation. You get a higher than normal pay scale and you are on your own to find and furnish a flat. That said, there are flats available in a range of prices and locations. But, it can be intimidating for a new person to the Gulf. In the past, the administration has been quite good about assisting people in their search. They are also offering a rather short summer leave because of a required summer school - only 6 weeks I believe. By law, you have health coverage and a gratuity on completion of contract.

Generally speaking, Omani students are a pleasure to work with and I believe that this college also allows other expatriate kids to enroll. I feel safe in saying that the teaching itself is probably the most pleasant part of your job. And Oman provides an interesting country to explore on your weekends and holidays.

So, I would say that this is neither the best nor the worst place to teach in Oman. It is a good 'foot in the door' job... and perhaps spend a contract or two.

VS

[jamboy]

Thanks for the input. The one to which I have applied is in Sohar. It's good to know about the accomodation. From the other comments on the board it does sound like furnishing a flat could be a challenge. I would only need a small apartment so it may not be too bad. I am hoping to hear more (in addition to your helpful comments) about the work environment or any special issues to be aware of.

[pharmacyprofessor]

Dear Friends,

Any of you have heard about the new pharmacy program offered at OMC.
I have applied for a teaching position in pharamcy program and been asked to submit my references.

Could you please provide me some insight regards to a salary structure at OMC or a similar Instituition offering a professional degree?

Is there any other issue/concern that you would like to suggest to me at this time?

Though its very premature to say anything and I'm not there yet to negotiate my salary and other benefits.

Any response will be highly apppreciated.

I know very well that my request is not relate to ESL. You are the only source I could able to extract out after a very intense net search.

Thanks again,

[veiledsentiments]

I fear that we will be of little help to you. OMC is relatively new and there has even been little info here about their English program, and nothing about their other programs. None of us are professors and don't know what the pay scales are.

The only thing I know about them is that they do not provide housing nor a furniture allowance. Their salary for EFL looks good until you realize that housing is your own responsibility. That said, the rental prices in Oman have been pretty stable and are affordable.

The good news is that there have been no tales of woe printed here about any major problems.

Good Luck

VS

[pharmacyprofessor]

Thanks VS,

I appreciate your quick response to my query.

I would still appreciate any insight on functioning of OMC in general and pharmacy program in particular.

Regards to all.