Job Discussion Forums

[bedewi]

I've been offered a job by CECNE in Oman and would like some recent feedback from forum members regarding them. I've read some older posts, but wondered if anything has changed. From past posts it seemed that individuals were upset because of matters that typify working in the Middle East in general, not so much CECNE as an organization. Is this a fair assumption? I'm familiar and comfortable with the Middle East and have taught ESL in the US, however this will be my first time working in the Middle East. Should I accept the offer without hesitation?

[veiledsentiments]

I'd say that your assumption is fair as far as the problems described, but whether this situation will cause difficulties for you depends on your ability to cope with them.

Just have low expectations of management abilities and student levels; and don't expect either the teaching or life in general to be much like the US.

VS

[flutterbayou]

I've accepted a position through CECNE because they allowed me to change the assignment to an area I'd like. They processed the work visa quickly, and sent me its jpeg to confirm that it is official.

My contracts reads clear as can be and I think if a teacher reads closely, (s)he will find few. if any, ambiguous terms. Caveat Emptor.

In general, we all earn from traveling abroad, so I hope you grab this opportunity. As VS put it, working in the Middle East or Asia is nothing like teaching ESL at home, but even at worst you will probably meet interesting people who will have an impact on your views and teaching methods for the rest of your life.

Might I add that if you glean through the threads, you will note that a majority of EFL teachers prefer Oman to any other Gulf country.

Hope to see you in Salahlah.

[harry the hobbit]

[veiledsentiments]

I think flutterbayou just chose to support his opinion with a weak example. I have found that over the years, people leave Oman with regret and look back at it as a pleasant experience - unlike many other places where the number of absconders is high (like Kuwait and KSA). But, it is overstatement by FB just because Oman hires so many fewer teachers overall.

Hardly a misstatement worthy of causing anyone to be 'aghast' though I think he could have more accurately stated that a majority of EFL teachers who have taught in a number of Gulf countries will say that they preferred Oman. Even many of those whose only purpose was money. Over my 13 years around the Gulf and on this board, I found that to be pretty consistent. Never did I hear anyone say, 'don't go to Oman, it is awful' - whereas I have heard many say that about KSA, Kuwait, and Qatar - although they may have all had different reasons for not liking those places. Even those that had a bad employer experience in Oman will usually praise the country and the students.

VS

[harry the hobbit]

Harry the hobbit is agast-he thought VS was a relative newbie.

[bedewi]

I'd like to thank everyone for their replies. I've gained some confidence in the path I'm taking.

[flutterbayou]

Hobbit Harry,

No need to be aghast. Harry, you might follow threads but you haven't read my PM's, from which I've received candid insight as to why many people preferred teaching in Oman to other countries in the Gulf. PM's I've received are most often candid due to the non-pounce upon environment, and most have been thoughtfully presented. PM's are a nicer venue for gaining information on this particular Forum. Not sure why, but it seems the Gulf veterans often seem to have attitude issues.

On the bright side, I've heard from many, many folks out there for well over a year, who claim that although classroom discipline remains a major issue, the daily life of living peaceably in Oman appeals to them more than some of the constraints found elsewhere in the Gulf.


Newby Flutter has been teaching and managing EAP for well over twenty years now, in several Asian countries, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the United States.

Peace.

[harry the hobbit]

Candid insight? Well, that is a different matter then.

Sorry for sounding like another TEFL slag.

[flutterbayou]

Harry the Hobbit a slag??? Neva!


I am aghast

But let me add one little note to all - I see here that I signed my contract with CECNE on September 10 . . . and the airline ticket . . is . . where?

Sign me 'still waiting',

Flutter

[simrishamn]

bedewi
Did you accept the position offered by CECNE? I have recently been offered a position - and I would be curious to hear what has been your experience so far�