Job Discussion Forums

[Haloolah]

First post on this board - take your pick from below what to answer -
thanks all in advance!
Background: interested in working in gulf/ME. Have two master's and a
TESOL Cert, 5 y's exp teaching in an IEP at a well-known univ. Have
been shot down recently for not having the MA ESL/TESOL. Looking now
at TATI (recently advertising on Dave's). Have lived in ME for 8 years in the past, speak decent Arabic.

1. General edu question: Should I stay stateside and get my MA ESL or just head to ME and get my foot in the door there and stay? **The on-line/distance MA is getting bad posts more and more - what is your view on the gulf states' treatment of on-line/distance degrees?

2. Anyone now at TATI to provide comment on how things are there: Do they pay on time? Problems in general?

3. Pay is $3600 per month - what's the going monthly apt. rent for a safe neighborhood - nothing fancy - 1 or 2 bedrooms? Is a car necessary?

4. Schools: The American School is out of my price range - looking to the British School - any other English-speaking "western" type schools you would recommend? I have one elementary-aged child. (Just us two - husband passed away).


5. How easy is it to get parttime maids/babysitters? In Bahrain they were very easy to hire and find - but in Qatar you must sponsor one...how is the situation in Oman?

Thank you again for your assist - just want to get back to the sun.

[cam]

Answers to your questions:

1. Your qualifications are more than adequate to work for TATI or any of the other recruiters in Oman. Do not waste your time or money doing a MA (ESL/TESOL). It is not necessary.

2. TATI pays on time and are well organized.

3. Pay is indeed $3,600. In smaller cities such as Ibra and Ibri you can find a flat for under 250 OR. The flats are more expensive in places like Nizwa or Muscat. Additionally, you will have to buy your own furniture. Public transportation is limited so having a car is essential.

4. Smaller cities like Ibra/Ibra may not have "western" style schools.

5. No sure about maids.

[Haloolah]

Thanks for your reply, Cam. Getting on a plane by myself is one thing, but relocating with a young child is another. Want to make sure I'm not getting into anything I'm going to regret - I've read horror stories where you're hired one month and fired the next. Can't take that risk. I take it you're either still/recently there. Does TATI at least help you find a place and point you in the right direction for furniture? Your post was informative, thx again.

[urbanversion]

I am with Tati and can agree with much of what has been posted, no problems with being paid on time, very organized and to the point. Send a PM. Where is the posting though...as reading on these boards can show you may literally only have pebbles, Indians, camels and drunk expats for company...not much fun...