TEFL in Sohar, Oman

Date posted:2004-05-10 | Writer: Sohar University | Email: [email protected]

We need teachers/lecturers for both our University Preparation Program (UPP) and for the EAP/ESP courses given to the students in the three faculties (Business, Engineering and Applied Sciences.) You will be required to teach 20 hours a week in a team/cohort arrangement and spend a total of 37 hours - including class contact time - on campus. The students are pleasant and friendly, and the staff is very welcoming and supportive. Although we have syllabi and resources in place, you will also be expected to contribute materials and ideas and work closely as a team.

The UPP is a one-year program designed to prepare Omani secondary school graduates to study in the university's academic faculties (Engineering, Business
and IT) where the medium of study is English. UPP class size is approximately 20 students. All classes are coed: both male and female students are in the same classroom and may be taught by male or female teachers. The level of English of students entering UPP is generally quite low. The number of students annually enrolled in the UPP ranges from about 300 to 400. Presently, there are some 30 teachers in the UPP variously from the UK, USA, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, India, Sudan, and Jordan.

REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES:

* A degree from an internationally recognized university and recognized
professional EFL teaching qualifications.
* Experience in teaching EFL with a minimum of two years overseas. Middle East
experience is a plus.
* Ability to work in a team with high-level communication and interpersonal
skills.
* Native speakers preferred.

PACKAGE:

Applicants should note that all personal income is tax free in Oman.

* Basic monthly salary: from 500 to 700 Omani rials (commensurate with
qualifications and experience) + 125 housing allowance + 75 transport
allowance. 1 Omani rial = US $2.6
* Seven weeks paid annual leave.
* Annual paid airfares to home country for staff, spouse and up to 2 children
below 17 years old.
* Medical scheme for staff, spouse and up to 2 children.
* 37-hour workweek - maximum 20 hours contact time (class hours are 50 minutes
each).

Please email your CV to the following addresses:

Email: [email protected]

Copy to: [email protected]

Important: We regret that due to the high number of applications that we receive, only those applicants who are short-listed will be contacted for interviews within a week. If you have not been contacted within a few weeks of submitting your application you can assume that you have not been short-listed.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Sohar (population: approx. 80, 000) is on the coast and is located equidistant from Muscat and Dubai (driving time: approx. 2 hrs.). High mountains are nearby. Sohar's coastal desert climate is excellent from October to April and oppressively hot and humid the rest of the year.

There are no cinemas or large shopping complexes in Sohar. Currently, the economy of Sohar depends on agriculture and fishing. Just outside of the city, a large commercial port facility is being built. At present, other than the 30 plus English teachers, there are few western expatriates living in Sohar although that number is increasing as the new port nears completion.

There are no international or western style schools for children in Sohar, and English medium education is limited or unavailable. There is an acceptable nursery/pre-school in Sohar for children up to about 5 years old. There is nothing for older school age children.

Accommodation in Sohar is good value. A spacious 2-bedroom modern flat can be rented for no more than 100 rials. A large 3 to 4-bedroom villa is 120-150 rials. These are almost always completely unfurnished: no AC's, stoves or refrigerators. The employee must purchase these appliances, as well as any other required furnishings. Sohar University does not provide furniture or moving in allowances, nor does it offer any type of subsidy that covers settling in costs.

Upon arrival in Oman, Sohar University will provide temporary accommodation for you and your family. Although finding permanent accommodation is the employee's responsibility, you will be assisted by Sohar University administrative staff and fellow teachers in locating a suitable place to live.

There are many taxis in Sohar but no regular bus service within the city. Most teachers own their own car. It is possible to get around or to and from work by taxi, but it is sometimes taxing and can be frustrating. Taxis do not have meters and passengers must negotiate fares or be overcharged.