Job Discussion Forums

[JBrown]

I am looking into teaching abroad and would like some suggestions and information. I have a BA in English Lit and a MA in English. I worked for four semesters as the GTA of my department. Three of which I tutored international students (mainly Chinese and some SA); the other semester was research based. I plan on getting my CELTA in Jan in Denver. What do you experienced people think I could expect for job offers in Oman? I have read many of your posts, and while some of the posters seem quite rude (maybe because they are scared of people with actual degrees?) I think that this seems like a wonderful place to live and work. So, I suppose I am looking for:

1) where should I start applying at? Please don't just use abbreviations, because I am not sure what they all mean. Links would be very helpful!

2) what kind of pay can I expect?

3) what are the best cities to work in and why? (I'm not looking to be a tourist!)

4) what kind of Internet can I expect?

5) are there any other countries that I should look into with my specific qualifications?

[bertonneau]

I just got back after 6 disappointing weeks there. I found it well paid for sure but the Omani culture as compared to any other I have been to boring as all get out. I had a part-time job on the side and that combied with my real job I made 4,300 dollars a month tax free plus our free health insurance. With you degree Sultan Qaboos University might b one of the few jobs worthy of your degree. I taught at a College of Technology. There are seven of them aroudn the country. The one I taught at was a joke for the most part. I could elaborate but others have already written about this in teh past. In a nutshell teh pay is great teh students for the most part not so much. Nice kids chiildren really but not real students. If you go over there after a month you'll know what I mean. You want an easy job great go. You want a real work environment where students are serious and actually work for their grades. You migh be a little challenged to find that. As far as your degree no one is scared it's just overkill for the most part. I would say a rather academic high school graduate could teach at most of these higher educational establishments if they can really be called that. Liek I said before go over and you'll see what I'm talking about. It's ok but I found it a boring culture and sadly pathetic educational institutions. I was in Salalah so Ill limit my knowledge to that area, but from what Ive read it seems to permeate most of the country not, all but most. Id say work in Muscat and if you like it adventure to other places during you first year and if you really like one move there later. Dont do it in the other direction. Oman can be very rural and boring in the countryside. Id look in to UAE more modrne still better pay still lazy studenst but more forward thinking than Oman. Teh rest of the middle east at this point seems pretty screwed up so Id stick with one of them to start. Im in Colorado if you want to talk.

[It's Scary!]

Lotza burnt people in the ME nowadays, eh? It's too bad as they're not such terrible folk. It's just they they have no knowledge of Western learning methods/ethics.

It's just the way it is!

[Captain_Fil]

The way it is...

...it's scary!

[JBrown]

Could you guys maybe explain a little more in a PM? Lol it can't be THAT scary. I know several Saudis and the head ESL guy at my Uni was Irainian, so I may understand a little about the "culture" of "education" there, but I would really like to at least hear your horror stories! PM me!

[cam]

[StampLover]

I usually tell people I want 8 OMR an hour for privates. Not worth it otherwise.

Although, completetly illegal. I taught a 1 month IELTS course at the hospital here, three hours a week, four weeks. 600 OMR. I guess it depends who are are working for. They had money to blow.

[veiledsentiments]

For every person that you find who thought Oman was horrible and boring, there will be one who found it pleasant and has stayed for over 20 years. People who enjoy the outdoors and camping can certainly find plenty to do every nice week-end. Miles of empty beaches, wadis and dunes to bash... those interested in geology or photography love the place.

If you are bored with your own company and are into the bar/party scene, Oman is not the place for you. If you've been there/done that and are more interested in quiet evenings at home with a few friends or a good book, you will like it fine.

If you are looking for highly motivated students who just need their English polished a bit, Oman (and the Gulf in general) is not the place. If classroom management is not your forte, you might want to avoid the whole Gulf.

With realistic expectations of the job, students, and lifestyle, most do fine. Currently the recruiters for these Oman jobs are doing a terrible job interviewing, vetting, and informing their new hires of the conditions. It is sad really. The Omanis deserve better. IMHO.

VS

[JBrown]