Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Preparing to go Back

"Really? Are you sure?" These are the surprise questions the people I met here in Canada are asking me whenever I tell them that I am preparing to go back to Oman.

At present, I attended a program from the Toronto Catholic District School Board for Enhanced Language Training for Internationally trained ESL Instructors. ESL. I am not and never was I an ESL Instructor. So, what am I doing in the program? The Program Coordinator interviewed me before I was accepted in the program and asked me "Why do you want to attend this program?" I answered that I want to have other options in looking for a job here in Canada. Since I have been teaching for more than 10 years (not ESL), I am thinking to change my career. But in reality, my plan is to go back to Oman and teach English language. ESL teachers in Oman receives higher salary than specialization teachers. So it's a good start for me. My next move is to study courses for certification for TESL Canada. Perhaps after my certification, I can apply at SQU? I will ask Ate Alma.

So good luck to me. This is another journey in spite of having trouble at the beginning adapting and integrating myself here in Canada I guess I am going to like it here for a while...

19 comments:

  1. Hi. I'm thinking about applying for jobs in ESL in Oman next year. I wonder if you had any info about the hiring season, or when the university semesters start and finish?

    Thanks

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    1. I am working there and can tell you that the salary rates have been lowered in since the ministry took over. They are not giving the contracts to the agencies as before. A Master's degree in Education, Linguistics or a Master's degree in ESL is required.

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    3. How much is the salary now? How much is the salary then? Is it safe to work there as instructor especially if one is coming to work alone?

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    4. Check the agencies GLOBNET, BAHWAN Cybertek, TATI, CCNE. Email them and ask them the salary and try to compare between agencies... Goodluck...

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  2. Hi George,

    Could you please tell me ....what is the status of IT Technician position in those colleges...I have passed interview & waiting for offer letter...could you please give an idea about that post

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    1. I am sorry I can't possible give you the details since I am no longer working in Oman.

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  3. Hi George
    Is it true that some agencies take hold of the teachers' passports? Is it legal in Oman?
    Thanks
    Annie

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    1. Yes... That is true... But only Globnet Agency is holding the passports of its employees. ... Other agencies such as Bahwan, TATI and CCNE are not holding the teachers' passports. On the other hand, you can have your passport with you if you are under Globnet if you will let them hold your original credentials like your diploma certificate. The reason given by Goblnet is that there was an incident that a teacher left Oman without the knowledge of the College and the teacher has some items loaned to him by the College and he did not return those items before leaving.

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  4. Hey George,
    I have a Bachelor in Comp Sci, 3 years teaching experience ESL in Asia, and CELTA certification. Would that be sufficient do you think to apply for a job in Oman?

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    1. I am not sure about the qualifications the Ministry set right now but based on my previous experience, there were teachers teaching ESL with Computer backgrounds and yet holds TESL certification. I guess no matter what is your BS degree and you have a TESL Certification, you can apply as an ESL teacher. Try the CCNE agency because for me they are better than the other agencies... Are you a native speaker?

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  5. go to india and find job for your standard.

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    1. I would love to visit India in the future... I know and I learned from my colleagues how beautiful and magnificent is India... Someday my friend... thanks....

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  6. Is the ministry of health a good place to work as instructor

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    1. So far, I have known one instructor from the Ministry of Health and since teachers are directly hired by the Ministry, they provide great benefits. Comparing it to College of Technology by the Ministry of Manpower, teachers are hired by the agencies and cuts-off money from the teachers's salary.

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  7. Hi! I hope you can help me in this endeavor...

    I already applied for a teaching post for Oman. in fact, tentative interview daw is by december.

    as ko lang, when yung target departure ng mga Filipinos dito sa Manila? Kasi i researched na ang classes sa Oman starts August or September right? I have 2 months notice period kasi sa work ko ngaun, so gusto ko planuhin maigi yung pagreresign ko...

    also, ask ko sana panu yung selection process nila?

    Maraming Salamat!

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    1. As soon as na may visa na ikaw na issue from the agency, pwede na ikaw makaalis. Continuous naman ang hiring ng teachers, even sometimes in the middle of the semester may mga dumadating na mga bagong teachers... Yes you are were right, Colleges of Technology under the Ministry of Manpower has three semesters: Fall (September - December), Winter (January - April) and Summer(May - July). The selection process depends on your qualifications. Minsan tricky din ang mga questions nila like how do you handle problem students. O kaya related sa course or topic. To be honest with you, maraming mga teachers sa Colleges of Technology na hindi naman marurunong. Lalo na ang ibang lahi. I can prove to you na magagaling talaga ang mga Pinoy. Maraming mga Pilipino teachers sa bawat Colleges under Ministry of Manpower. I was assigned in Shinas and I can say to you that ang mga Pilipino doon nirerespeto dahil magagaling talaga. I was an Engineering teacher at pwede ko ipagyabang sa lahat na the best talaga ang mga Pinoy... Good luck to you...

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    2. magkano yung sweldo ng ofw teacher sa Oman?

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  8. Hi thanks for the reply! Btw, what does CCNE stand for? Can't find it. Thanks again :)

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