I teach English in Oman

It’s no secret that contracts in the Middle East are some of the best in the TEFL world. We asked Indian national and Global English course graduate Anju Charanjith to describe what it’s like to be an English lecturer at a university in Oman.

Can you introduce yourself and briefly describe your journey to where you are now?

My name is Anju Charanjith, and I have been a resident of the Sultanate of Oman for over two decades. My journey as an Indian educator who has relocated to the Sultanate of Oman has been exhilarating. I’ve adored teaching my students and Oman's rich culture and quality standard of living has kept me here for the last 22 years as my second home. Oman is one of the gulf states in the Arabian Peninsula which is the land of harmony and unity. Educators and academics from many backgrounds work here.

What do you need to work in Oman? How about at the university level?

English is widely used in the service industry, and it plays a starring role in Oman’s modernisation and development process. To teach English in the Sultanate of Oman, it helps to have either a PHD, Masters or degree with two-years post-degree experience in teaching university or college level students with a TESOL, EFL, ESL, TEFL/CELTA certificate. University educators should have extensive experience in course delivery, student assessment, and record-keeping.

The Middle East is widely known to have some of the best pay and conditions in the TESOL industry. Can you comment on that?

TESOL teachers are in high demand in this country and teaching is one of the most respected and lucrative professions in Oman.

English is taught in both private and public schools, as well as colleges and institutions. Most of the teaching opportunities are concentrated in the capital city Muscat  -  one of the safest cities in the Middle East. Benefits include: a very attractive salary, a visa, medical insurance, dependent allowance, paid vacation with round trip airfare, and an end-of-service gratuity. Salary may vary depending on the candidates' qualifications and experience.

How did your Global English TESOL help you in your career?

I took my accredited online TESOL course in 2008. This was instrumental in helping me switch from a teacher-centred approach to a learner-centred one. My classrooms become more lively with interactive and integrated skills, using the communicative approach. The Global English TESOL course was a great experience for me as I was trained by highly qualified, well experienced, and incredibly cooperative faculty. I’m so grateful for the guidance and training I received.

What’s it like living in Oman and the rewards and challenges of teaching students here?

Oman is one of the top five safest countries in the world for expatriates to live and work in. Oman is full of history and a proud heritage. Omanis are very cordial, warm and welcoming, displaying generous hospitality and broad-mindedness. I find the people extremely compassionate and respectful.

Challenges are many as the first language interference influences English understanding. Lesson plans are prepared and taught carefully as there are some strong cultural norms to follow. Implementing critical thinking, comprehension skills and teaching receptive and productive skills are real challenges for both teachers and students in the classrooms where English is taught as a foreign language.

Over the years, all the teaching challenges have become opportunities and I feel so proud to be a part of the education system in the Sultanate of Oman.

Thank you, Anju. Every success to you. 

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What next?

• Read about living and teaching English in Saudi Arabia, another Global English graduate’s Middle East story
• Check the UK government’s foreign travel advice for Oman before you go