Teaching English in Oman

Teaching English in Oman

Oman Overview

Main Cities/AreasSalary range (USD/month)
Muscat, Sur$2000 – $3500

Oman is yet another great place for TEFL teachers who want to save money and live in an interesting country.

Teaching English in Oman can be very lucrative, whether at a language center, university, or with the British Council. Experience is essential and many employers require at least two years.

Oman is located in the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the west, the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Yemen to the southwest, and the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman to the east and northeast. The Musandam Peninsula, which is separated from the rest of Oman by a strip of land belonging to the United Arab Emirates, juts into the Strait of Hormuz.

Oman is a relatively small country, with a total area of 309,500 square kilometers. The capital and largest city is Muscat. Other major cities include Sohar, Salalah, and Nizwa (more on where the best places to teach there later).

Oman is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture. The country is home to a variety of landscapes, including mountains, deserts, and coastlines. Oman is also home to a number of important historical sites, including the ancient city of Qalhat and the fort of Nizwa.

Oman has become a popular tourist destination, and the country’s tourism industry is growing rapidly. This means there is a growing demand for English teachers so that the natives may communicate with some of the tourists now rolling through.

The local people are said to be very welcoming and respectful to those who respect Islam. Many people, particularly Western women, will find the harassment and inward culture stifling, to say the least. Many teachers complain that Omani students feel as if they deserve great results without putting in any effort so motivation problems may be an issue.

There are plenty of beautiful places to explore in Oman but bear in mind that the culture is strict and conservative.

Typical Requirements and Tips

Degree?TEFL Certification?Experience?
YesYes1-2 Years

Experienced teachers and examiners are advised to look for openings at the British Council as they are one of the most trusted employers to work worldwide.

August and September are the best times to find work.

Be sure to negotiate with potential employers regarding the availability of free or subsidized accommodation, plus medical and flight allowances.

Work permits must be arranged before you arrive in Oman. This can take several weeks and must be done in conjunction with your employer.

The cost of living in Oman is moderate. Accommodation can be expensive but is often offered free as part of your contract package. The decent tax-free salaries will still allow you to save money each month if you wish.

Your salary is tax-free. You should receive your salary on a monthly basis unless otherwise stated in your contract.

Pros and Cons of Teaching in Oman

Pros:

  • Fascinating desert scenes and coastline
  • Excellent tax-free TEFL salaries
  • Decent infrastructure

Cons:

  • Few paid openings for those without previous experience, contacts or postgraduate qualifications
  • Some teachers complain of low student motivation
  • The cultural differences associated with living in a Muslim-majority nation may be a shock to the inexperienced