Job Discussion Forums

[catweasle]

Hi, I have been busy reading past posts regarding Uni of Nizwa. I am in process of applying as it seems the past troubles are behind and good new things happening. I know about the usual stuff that goes on in the hot house atmosphere of teaching ESL with ex-pats. Always an adventure Can I ask anyone who is there to give me an update? How about materials? Do the students get their own copies of books? If not, is there good access to unlimited photocopying? I find it a bit hard teaching EAP with NO materials....LOL

[Nuslim]

If it's an "adventure" you are after, you won't be disappointed! And if you want to rely solely on photocopies, you'll definitely have an even more exciting adventure. Good luck!

[lostdegaine]

A link to a blog from a teacher who has been teaching at the University of Nizwa for the past year:

http://catbirdinoman.wordpress.com/2012/03/

[7168Riyadh]

But do yo really want to go to work on a bus?

[catweasle]

I can drive... Guess it's better than a bus!

[veiledsentiments]

Most teachers in Oman, who plan to say more than a couple years, buy a car. You might try leasing for the first year (or a few months) until you see if you like it...

VS

[Turbster]

Agreed VS. In my experience here, few teachers actually rely upon the bus. Those that do are the folk who do not or can not drive. Being reliant upon the buses to take you to work and back also makes you reliant upon taxis and minibuses, which, while relatively inexpensive, are not everyones cup of tea.
Renting a car is, by international standards, not expensive and usually proves a sound alternative until you have been here long enough to buy a car.
Second-hand cars are cheap enough to buy, but new cars are cheap, and have very good warranty and service deals, especially if you buy during the month of Ramadan. Insurance is also very inexpensive.
I hope this helps.

[catweasle]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated. (Interview today!)

[veiledsentiments]

Good Luck!

VS

[7168Riyadh]

I meant that instead of a 10% travel allowance, they're going to provide a bus to work, according to info. I received. If they're not offering a transport allowance, forget it, because you won't be able to get/rent a car.

[veiledsentiments]

The allowance is not meant to cover the costs of buying or renting a car. That is a lifestyle choice that one makes and pays the price just as one does wherever one lives.

VS

[7168Riyadh]

[veiledsentiments]

Gulf "transportation allowances" have never covered even the cost of a taxi, no less buying one a car. One is living in a fantasy world if one thinks it will or thinks that the employer was suggesting that it would.

Perhaps it has been meant to pay for a portion of your gas, service, and insurance... nothing more.

As I said, purchasing or leasing your own vehicle is a lifestyle choice that employers don't concern themselves with... though some will assist you in getting a bank loan to pay for one.

VS

[7168Riyadh]

The fact is that 10% of your monthly salary is a significant amount of money, and it does just about cover the cost of renting a small car, if not a decent car, in most Gulf countries. Buying a car is obviously another matter. There is a world of difference between being offered a 10% transportation allowance, and your school busing you to work like a high school kid. Prospective Nizwa employees please note.

[johnslat]

Dear 7168Riyadh,

"If they're not offering a transport allowance, forget it, because you won't be able to get/rent a car."

"The fact is that 10% of your monthly salary is a significant amount of money, and it does just about cover the cost of renting a small car . ."


10% of even one's basic salary seems like an unusually hefty transportation allowance. In Saudi, it's usually a maximum of 5% or even less. Do they really offer that much?

Regards,
John