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waterbaby2011 · Joined: 12 May 2011 Posts: 8

Hi guys,

I am hoping to move to Oman in January 2012. I have a CELTA, BA and MA ( English Literature not EFL). I also have 11 years teaching experience.

I would be grateful for any advice or information on the best places to apply for a single female. Also I would be grateful if you could advise me on my chances of finding employment.

Thanks

kuberkat · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Posts: 358 Location: Oman

With those qualifications you have many options open. If at least some of your experience is tertiary/adult, Oman's colleges and unis will welcome you with open arms.

My experience over the past few years is that Oman is becoming more tolerant of single females, especially in the larger centres. Muscat, Sohar and Salalah are most tolerant, and also have the facilities a girl might want. There are enough foreign females that you can blend in, have a community to connect with if you want, and won't be an oddity. As to clothing, behaviour and liasons, discretion will serve you well nonetheless.

Chances of employment, even in the middle of the academic year, are very good, since Oman's tertiary sector is expanding drastically. (MOD edit - remove advertisement). Good luck!

waterbaby2011 · Joined: 12 May 2011 Posts: 8

Thanks Kuberkat. That's very encouraging! Are there any universities/colleges that you would recommend in particular? Thanks in advance.

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

All in all, the pay in Oman is significantly less than the UAE because it is not as oil rich. That said, number one in Oman without peer is Sultan Qaboos University. It is also not easy to get a position there, especially at mid-year. Mid-year, those hiring will almost all be recruiter based hires for the Ministries' colleges in the hinterlands. The recruiters all tend to have some issues, and they seem to exchange them annually. Laughing

Things usually depend on the vagaries of management at the individual schools... not to mention, luck of the draw on colleagues. If you have patience and a sense of humor mixed with low expectations, these jobs can be tolerable for a year or two or three. They are a foot in the door to the Gulf and give you experience with Arabic speakers for your CV.

The University of Nizwa hires direct and may be hiring mid-year, so you might want to look at it. It probably takes applications through its website. The Ministry colleges have ads running here and everywhere most of the time.

There are threads on the next few pages about the pros/cons/and soap operas playing here and there in these institutions.

VS

kuberkat · Joined: 03 Jun 2005 Posts: 358 Location: Oman

With your background you could apply to SQU, although they do tend to finish hiring for the year around April. It is Oman's best academic option, with many benefits.

All other institutions are likely to hire year-round for the moment due to the dramatic increase in student intake.

The other universities are an option, but teachers often report that they are not administered in an orderly fashion.

The Ministry of Higher Education colleges (Colleges of Applied Science) have sound leadership in the English Foundation Program, and I believe they do some direct hiring. (Working for the Ministry has many benefits).

The Ministry of Manpower colleges (Colleges of Technology) have the unfortunate combination of a major leadership vacuum and some overinflated egos at the top of the English Foundation Program. However, this does not need to affect teachers. The opportunities are tremendous, and the job is highly doable. PM me for a recommendation of a good recruiter.