Job Discussion Forums

[Piebald]

Hi there

A friend from the TESOL convention mentioned Sohar University was hiring last month. Does anyone have any updated information about Sohar University? I've heard housing is hard to come by there as well. What would be a fair salary in Sohar (for a M.A.) if there is no housing allowance?

Just out of curiousity...this board is littered with College of Sohar horror stories, yet I can't seem to find a website or info. about them...are they in any way affiliated with S.U.? Sorry for being so obtuse, but I'm seriously considering working in Oman and can't seem to find that much info. about Sohar...

Thanks!

[veiledsentiments]

What is affiliated with S.U.? a person, place or thing?

We don't seem to be seeing as many complaints lately about Sohar University, so things may have settled down. The pay will be low and the living conditions OK to poor. If they give no housing allowance, I would say the least to consider with an MA would be 1000-1200 OR.

It is one of those places that one goes with low expectations, but it will provide a paycheck for a couple of years and something to put on the CV.

But... if you have an MA, why would you be looking at Sohar?

VS

[windstar]

i know they recruit from within oman. a friend of mine left for SU and doubled his income.

[Piebald]

Thanks for the info. And the grammar lesson.

Yikes. That doesn't sound promising, though good to know now. I'm not looking to save gobs of money, but don't exactly want to be struggling either. I guess Muscat would be everyone's top choice city-wise then...?

[sliderama]

I've heard the package has a minimum salary of 1200 OR which includes 170 for housing (is this adequate for Sohar? other posts mention a housing shortage due to a boom in the town and port), plus the usual gulf benefits (flight, visas, medical, tax-free salary...). The annual leave is a bit less than most other GCC packages at 7 weeks or 49 days.

The housing seems to be the stickler, one must find their own, plus pay for the furniture (no allowance).

I did find some posts that said S.U. was a good place to work, good atmosphere, etc. (sorry, no link, try a search...)

[Geronimo]

Hi Piebald,

The new website for the Sohar University may offer up a few clues to aid you in your quest...

http://www.soharuni.edu.om/about.html#
As you will discover, it secures its quality assurance for its programs from the University of Queensland.

The Sohar College website needs to be updated.... See www.geocities.com/sohcoll . Again, there may be a few more clues for you. The College of Applied Science is part of a national federation of 6 organised by the Ministry of Higher Education. Sohar University is accountable in different ways to that Ministry.

Sohar's College and University are no more than 400 metres apart. The staff get to know each other socially, and, on occasion, a doctor from the College has been known to lecture at the Uni. And one or two College staff have attended Arabic classes at the Uni, too.

Most teachers without MoHE provision have been paying between OR200 and OR.250 per month for apartments in Sohar. Rents have stabilised, possibly as a result of increased supply.

If you look back through the pages of this forum you will find more background info relating to Sohar.

Happy hunting!

Geronimo

[Piebald]

Thanks for all the great info.!

I must admit I'm definitley concerned about the housing situation so will probably end up looking elsewhere...I appreciate everyone's insight, however!

[drunken sailor]

SU pays a package of about 850-1100 OR for MAs. Phds 1100-1400 depends on your negotiating skills, teaching experience and their need at time of hiring. Housing allowance in that is of about 160 OR which almost covers a v.basic apartment in town for one - the hassle is you gotta get yr own air cons, fridge, wash mach etc.

As far as work climate goes, its pretty average for the Gulf. think: spring board. not a horrid spot to be though.