Job Discussion Forums

[Ally951]

Hello --

I have received an offer from Al Buraimi U recently, without an interview. It doesn't seem like there's much information on this university based on a quick search. I'm wondering if anyone out there has worked there and could comment on their experience. I'm a little wary of a job that offers positions without an interview (I have an MATEFL and 5 years experience), but open to working in Oman.

Cheers.

[veiledsentiments]

Do a search for Buraimi... there were some comments lately about this place that are likely buried in another thread. They were negative.

I too would worry about a place that hires without an interview.

VS

[happyroofus]

[Beast]

There are two universities in Buraimi. The University you are thinking of has made several offers to teachers around Oman and then disappeared with no further communication or returning of phone calls or e-mails. No explanation, Nothing.......
It's probably not that bad of a place to work but common decency and respect for teachers should be in evidence. Most likely, it's just growing pains from a new program.

Your choice

[sabaiidee]

I was also offered a position at Buraimi university. The person hiring me Mr. Ali (MOD edit), had all of my documents for 5 weeks. Then after sending me an offer letter which was more contract than letter I received an email saying that the relevant experience he required must be at the univeristy level. His original advertisement on dave's, Sept. 20, said a BA was needed and 2-3 years relevant experience. It mentioned nothing that the experience needed to be university experience.

Now, before you go off about how it should be obvious that relevant experience to teach at a university must be university experience I will mention some things.

1) I am a Communications major and there are two fundamental laws in Communications

2) Communication requires 3 things: A sender, a message, and a receiver

3) Good communication means the receiver receives the message EXACTLY the way the sender wishes it to be received. Anything less is not good communication and the blame is the sender's not the receiver's.

I wrote back to Mr. Ali and suggested he put in the word "university" in his next advertisement.

By the way, I never had an interview, nor was I going to get one. But the job did sound good and I am sad that I appear to have missed out on something I am sure I would have enjoyed.

(MOD edit for names - Do not use full names)

[veiledsentiments]

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]

[ESL Guy]

Your instincts serve you correctly. This 'Institution' and the company hired to provide it with teachers and a 'Foundation Program' are to be avoided at all costs. The situation is worse than I can detail on this website. If the ESL Blacklist was still online - this little gem would shimmer proudly at the top of the tree. Buraimi itself is a lovely city, and the Omani students are wonderful as always. My heart goes out to them. Feel free to PM me and I will disclose on a need to know basis.

Best of Luck people.

[eslbear]

Just a response to ESL guy and his remarks. I know the deal with this person and can verify that he does indeed fall into the category of " disgruntled ex-employee" who, having been let go, decides the only way to get on with life is to fire parting shots, unsubstantiated and without merit.

I am no blind supporter of employers in the GCC having had my fair share of headaches and bumps along the way including in start-ups like this Buraimi U but the only thing I dislike more than poor or disagreeable management are the childish and negative employees who make everything worse. Even decent departments suffer from these types who try to bring the rest of the staff down to their level.

Good luck ESL guy but keep your venom to yourself. This forum is a valuable resource and should not be abused for petty vendettas.

eslbear

[veiledsentiments]

[eslbear]

Well said VS and I couldnt agree more - the problem with forums like these is that comments are generally permanent and so the format favors the mudslingers and gripers who have an audience when otherwise no one would care to listen.

I consider my attitude to be one of 'devils advocate' with the employers because in my long time in the region, the crazy employees, social misfits, xenophobic loners and outright jerks and curmudgeons (sp?) have far outweighed the number of managers / supervisors / programs which are negligent, immoral, nasty or abusive.

Oh, yes, there are problems aplenty but many of them can be managed and tolerated if people would give even half a chance - somehow, people forget where we are and expect everything and everyone to work to their liking. Frankly, I get tired of the griping and pessimism.

so, there's 2 cents worth !

eslbear

Nobody takes the time, usually, to post positive remarks unless in response to someone.

[veiledsentiments]

[ESL Guy]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks ESL Bear for your kind remarks. Anyone here reading the PM's I have received from this gentleman would soon realise that this fellow has his own axe to grind. I have offered nothing but helpful, positive and polite communications with this gentleman, however ESLBear seems hell bent on casting his own negative slant on my every remark. Seems to me he has a vested interest somewhere folks. I suspect he's part of the problem there, and is trying to foil my remarks. Why else would he leap to defend this place when I haven't even publicly divulged any of the issues or people concerned (for ethical reasons - AND to not sound like a disgruntled former employee, funnily enough).

Not interested to be honest. Just thought I ought to offer a friendly caution to anyone looking for a positive career move to UoB. Sadly it ain't to be found there. For people looking to work in the lovely city of Buraimi, I would suggest checking out the College. Reading over their program - it seems legit to me.

As for ESLBear esq. There are plenty of posts here for you to try to discredit with your negative antics. Knock youself out sir. Goodluck with your career. I have a feeling you're going to need it

All the best fellow genuine TESOL'ers.

Genuine PM's on this subject welcome. Check with the moderators if you wish to verify my remarks. Cheers.

[eslbear]

Ok, it seems necessary.......since you mention our PM's.


If you would like to read our exchange in the PM's I will gladly post it here. You will see that when asked for any specifics, ESl Guy has nothing to offer, only to let the very negative suggestions about the place hang there in the forum post. ESL blacklist? There are legitimate horror stories on a list like that and it is highly prejudicial to make the association that Buraimi should "top" the list. Then, to use the PM's to further promote negativity is just as bad, probably worse. The problem is, there is nothing to report.

Yes, I have an agenda as explained above. I also know people there. And I know who this ESl Guy is - if you want specifics, I will share them. I won't let the backbiting go unchallenged.

[ESL Guy]

Here we go.

You're as predictable as the setting of each sun. You know I know who you are sir.

This response was posted as predicted.

Ok people. Seems I must make a statement here..

My postings and all communications to date contain...

No names or specifics, neither posted or in private messages for 'Ethical and Professional' reasons.

Nothing but Clean, Polite (but strong on this thread) and to the point Nondescript caution for the benefit of people currently wishing to work at UoB.

FACT.

My intention is for nothing more than to caution teachers wishing to go there. I am at loath to mention details here for ALL concerned. It's a horrible situation there. That is however the extent to which I wish to remark on this matter. It's stark, but it's an appropriate balance to any comment made on this thread currently or in future, with regards to said workplace at this time.

This I believe is my basic right, and further more I have not attacked anyone else's by naming names or examples.

Consider that a professional courtesy. It 'IS' the least I can do.

My conscience tells me that a gentle caution of this type, is by far better than sending anyone unwarned into the lion's den.

This I believe meets with a fundamental spirit of the website, from which I have refrained from posting on, over the years of having enjoyed and appreciated its content.

As discussed previously on this thread, distortion between sender and receiver are always an issue. This gentlemen 'ESLBear' as you can see, is clearly attempting to 'highjack' this thread with personal abuse, name-calling, smear and invariably, distortion.

I invite interested readers, to go the top of the thread, and make a note of the points made in regards to the specific contents of this thread.

What is the thread about?

Which points have contributed to the direction of the thread both initially and latterly?

Draw your own conclusions.

What is Distortion?

I really don't want to contribute further and offer more fuel for a certain member to continue to highjack this thread and persist with negativity and abuse.

Anyone want to shoot the messenger? I've kept it civil and minimal.

I am but the light house folks.

Your move ESLBear.

My points have been made.

I've nothing more to add at this point.

Sorry fellow TESOL'ers.

So where were we?

Oh yes, no interviews (etc) at UoB.

Wonder what it's like to work there.

It's a lovely place. Why not check it out folks?

All the best.