OMAN
Oman in the Middle East has
emerged from its hermit shell, revealing a land of friendly people and dramatic landscapes peppered with forts. Although it
remains, in many ways, the most traditional country in the region, it's often more outward looking than it's given credit for.
The best time of year in Oman is between November and mid-March, when the cooler air brings the mountain scenery sharply into focus and daytime temperatures average 25°C. If you are planning to do some exploring during this time, you can reduce your costs by sharing local tours with other visitors. For the rest of the year, much of Oman is oppressively hot and hazy, particularly between May and August.
More often than not we have an image of the Arabian Gulf as a desert landscape, but Oman is something different. Here you can find green landscapes, especially in the rugged mountain ranges in the north and south of the country. Waterfalls, rivers and streams abound in these regions, particularly during and just after the monsoon season (May to September) and the coastline features sandy beaches and temperate waters. Oman has always looked towards the sea for its livelihood.
Oman has one of
the highest ratios of young people in the world, and with that, comes the need for education. The state
requires English to be taught as a second language in all schools. Since 1970, the government has given high priority to
education in order to develop a domestic work force, which the government considers a vital factor in the country's economic and
social progress.
There is a
healthy demand for teachers in this region and a large expat community can also be found. TESOL qualified teachers are in high
demand in private schools and for private tuition. Salaries range from AUD$1900-$3100 depending on experience and qualifications.
Salaries in Oman are usually similar to those paid in Western counties and are tax free. Some schools provide housing allowances,
transport, medical insurance, educational allowances for children and other benefits including trips home each year. Even if the
salary doesn’t include any perks, it will still be designed so you can cover your own expenses and usually includes performance
bonuses and medical coverage at the very least.
Influences from its past can be seen throughout the country, especially in its capital Muscat which is often called a hidden gem.Ranging from 15th century Portuguese architecture to Indian and African cuisine, Muscat is a must see and where most of the work in the TESOL industry lies. There are activities to suit all tastes and, if your taste is for action, there’s no better place to be. Trekking the rocky mounta in terrains, scuba-diving the Indian Ocean, boating and sailing, visiting ancient Arabian markets - it all awaits you!
