Job Discussion Forums

huntjuliehunt · Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 87

I saw a locked thread below about Abdul Majali. He is offering 650 for those with a BA. I have a BA and 5 years of teaching experience, but no tefl certificate. How good or bad is this offer?

Thank you.

Neil McBeath · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 277 Location: Saudi Arabia

It's certainly not a good offer. I would say that it's about the lowest that he thinks he can get away with.

A lot of people in Oman are on double that amount.

flutterbayou · Joined: 01 Apr 2006 Posts: 244

HJH,

I don't know about BA rates, per se, but I believe that the quote you presented is before allowances are added, which would bring your salary up to, perhaps, 900, and which would include housing.

Be sure to cjeck on those additional allowances.

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

With no MA or cert, you would be at the low end of the scale... and that is it. As Flutter says, you need to find out about benefits and allowances.

VS

temujinsky · Joined: 07 Aug 2006 Posts: 35 Location: Where I am

When Majali hired me last year I was on OR850 basic plus allowances which brought my MA based salary to OR1100. Seems there are many more applicants than positions vacant. Supply and demand. There was not much supply when I was recruited but plenty of demand. I was 'lucky'!!!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

So after UAE and KSA - third time lucky ?

huntjuliehunt · Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 87

You've got it wrong, Scot47. Dubai was a great experience. Saudi could have been, and I do not regret it, thanks to the good friends I made there. Have you had good experiences with every job you've had? And I don't know what business you think you have trailing me around the forums, when I'm trying to do something with my life - all you seem to do is spend your time on Dave's ESL Middle East with cynicism abounding.

huntjuliehunt · Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 87

Here is the offer. Again, I have a BA, no tefl certificate, and 5 years of experience teaching English. By the way, I don't understand what workplace allowance means. And I don't understand if transport allowance indicates that I'll have to travel for work, or if it's just a bonus for my own expenses (bus, or cab) during leisure time.

1. Monthly Tax Free Salary
a. 650 Omani Riyal, for Bachelor Degree Holders
2. Monthly workplace allowance of 100/-- Omani Riyal
3. Monthly Transport allowance of 60/--- Omani Riyal.

4. The Centre will cover Water/Electricity charges up to 30 Omani Riyal Monthly.

5. Suitable, furnished, air-conditioned accommodation. (List of furniture items will be sent to the candidates at later stage depending on the marital status and the number of children).

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

It is to for travel 'to' work. Workplace allowance is just to give more pay without raising the 'base' pay. Most people would just consider that they are being paid 810 OR. That is actually a good offer for your credentials and experience (which are limited by ME standards).

VS

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

So your salary is OR810. A bit on the low side, but as far as I can tell around OR900 seems to be the going rate in most places.

Try it out.

windstar · Joined: 22 Dec 2007 Posts: 235

I am working in Oman and getting almost the same amount, a little bit higher because I have an MA. This amount should be enough to save and live comfortably in Oman. You dont pay for anything except your food and car expenses.

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

If you are serious about teaching English as a Second Language in the long term, you should look into getting some legitimate ESL training. It will certainly improve your chances of finding decent work abroad; not settling for second rate outfits. It is my belief that employers look at your credentials first; experience second.

Neil McBeath · Joined: 01 Dec 2005 Posts: 277 Location: Saudi Arabia

I would agree with cmp45. If you want to make any money teaching in the Gulf then you have GOT to get some form of official TEFL qualification.

You've got a BA, so go for a Masters Degree.

So far as the package you're being offered is concerned. It's not bad, but do you know where you'll be teaching?

The Transport Allowance of OR 60 could be effectively pocket money if you are within easy reach of your workplace, or if you can arrange to share a car with a colleague. Otherwise, as a woman, you could end up paying MORE than the allowance just to get to and from work.

The electricity/water allowance is OK. You will probably pay less than that, but obviously in the summer months you use FAR more electricity just to keep the Air Conditioning going.

Zajko · Posted: Tue Jan 08, 2008 6:09 am Post subject:

I'm not sure, despite the name, that the poster IS a woman, Neil - going by past postings anyway. But the rest of what you say is spot on: you REALLY need to look into further qualifications if you're gonna work for any length of time in the Middle East in this business. Here, qualifications are everything, experience is a bonus but very much secondary.

840 OR with the utilities allowance is about average in Oman for your level of qualifications. It might even be a tad above average, presuming you're teaching the standard (in Oman) of about 20-22 hours a week.

huntjuliehunt · Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 87

Thank you all for your information. I appreciate your help.

It states 45 working hours per week (Geeze!) of which, 20 are teaching hours. Rustaq or Sur. I prefer big cities.

And a special thank you to veiledsentiments, who I was afraid might pull a switchblade on me for some reason, but didn't. Ha!