Teaching English in Oman

The following comments are from teachers who have taught, or are currently teaching, in Oman. If you are a teacher and have some advice to share, please add it here.

Vanita on 23 May 2008

quote Oman is a very clean country. The religion is Islam and the national language is Arabic. There are plenty of expatriate communities. Omanis are quiet people and they do not interfere in other people's lives. They like expatriates and lately English Language awareness has increased. Omanis like to speak in English with expatriates and are excited to know about the way of life in other countries. Although there is awareness of healthy food, Omanis love eating fast food and fizzy drinks. Omanis are sensitive about their dress, culture, traditions and language. They are friendly and helpful and like to be approached nicely and politely.

Some younger generation Omanis are very fond of watching Hollywood, Bollywood and Kollywood movies. While in Oman for 10 years I realised that Omanis don't know much about geography and history of other countries. They know India but they don't know the capital and languages spoken in India. Because Oman has mostly Keralites, that is India to them or even Mumbai. Being Asian, Omani traditions are close to other Asian countries with slight differences. If you consider them as your own, they will be the best people you will ever know!

Vanita on 18 Feb 2012

quote Omanis are very difficult to work with. Omani students have no motivation to learn as they are GIVEN an opportunity to study and the government pays them to come to college! They believe that they DESERVE to pass without any effort on their side, just because they are Omani. They are in general lazy and interested only in passing time with their friends at the college. A book is just a nuisance, a pen/pencil - unnecessary gadget. A very lenient (or non-existing) educational system allows them to slide through levels and when they get to specializations, suddenly it hits them that they don't understand their subjects because even after 4 semesters or a Foundation Program they STILL CANNOT SPEAK/WRITE/READ English!!! The very few that actually want to learn are laughed at and ridiculed by their peers!! Working here as a teacher is not rewarding and the only two things that make it worthwhile is a tax-free salary and nice weather in winter.