Teaching English in Oman: Qualifications, Salary, Jobs and More

Oman may not be the first country ESL teachers think of teaching in, but it is a beautiful country with a high standard of its teachers. It is a great option for those with experience to teach in, with an added bonus of incredible architecture and a beautiful coastline. 

This Arabic speaking country is more traditional than its counterparts. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, both oil rich countries, have evolved their culture into one of wealth and extravagance – both wonderful places to teach and visit if that is your preference. Oman also has great wealth from oil, but has maintained its culturally traditional way of living. If an adventure in teaching and travel in a traditional Arab nation is your goal, Oman is the country you want to head to. 

If you’re a native English speaker and interested in teaching in Oman, continue reading to learn all you need to know about teaching in Oman, and the bonuses that go along with it. 

Want to find out more about teaching in this region? Be sure to check out: Teaching English in the Middle East or you may also want to consider teaching in Morocco.

Teaching English in Oman

Demand for English teachers in Oman is considerable. Most people in Oman speak a minimal level of English, while it’s neighbouring countries speak far higher levels. Therefore, English proficiency is in demand as the country expands its horizons, while maintaining its culturally traditional nature. 

Although there is less money to be made, Oman is a beautiful country to explore. As mentioned above, it is one of the more traditionally Arab countries in the region. The culture is rich and its citizens welcoming and friendly. A monthly teaching salary in Oman between $1500-$3000USD, which covers living expenses with a small amount to save, depending on lifestyle. 

The considerably smaller salary (when compared to other countries) can usually be offset by the fact that airfare to and from the country is covered, and oftentimes furnished accommodation is offered. 

If a culture-rich, traditional country like Oman captivates you, read along to find out more.

Requirements for Teaching ESL in Oman 

Given Oman has few native English speakers, your expertise is in high demand. With this comes higher requirements from its English speakers. There are several Government requirements to be aware of:

• Teaching license from home country;
• BA or BS holder.

In addition to Government requirements, schools can set out several secondary requirements as well. These depend on the school you want to teach at. 

• Prior teaching experience;
• TEFL certificate;
• Citizenship of English speaking country;
• Academic transcripts;
• Criminal record check.

You may also be asked to complete a full physical exam and an HIV serology test.

Salary and Benefits for ESL Teachers in Oman

Although there is high demand for English teachers in Oman, salaries do not quite match up. You can generally expect to earn around $1000-$3000USD a month. University professors earn more. See below:

• Training Centres: $1000-$2000USD
• Preschool/Kindergarten: $2000-$3500USD
• International schools: $2000-$3500USD
• Universities: $2000-$4000USD

These salaries may not be as appealing as other countries. It is important to consider the type of experience you want to have while travelling to Oman. Oman is a very welcoming country and is traditional in its culture. It may be a culture shock to some, while others will thrive. It is a great opportunity to explore another part of the world while opening yourself to a culture you may not be accustomed to. 

Besides the salary, there are numerous benefits while working in Oman:

• Salary is tax-free (potential to save more);
• Airfare to and from Oman is usually reimbursed;
• Most contracts include free furnished accommodation, or heavily subsidized;
• Health insurance;
• Some schools offer paid vacation;
• End of contract bonus, depending on school.

Generally speaking, your lifestyle will dictate the amount of money you save while in Oman. It is not a flashy country – you may spend money on clothes here and there to expand and adhere to local norms and requirements, but the cost of living is not high. Drinking alcohol is also discouraged, as you must have a permit to carry alcohol, and no public consumption is allowed. If you watch your bank account closely and pick low-cost options to travel when you have time off, you could be saving some money while teaching in Oman.

Teaching Opportunities in Oman 

If you’d like to teach in Oman, you have several options for where you could teach.

Training centres

These schools are primarily for kids and adults and are English language instruction. These schools operate on the evenings and weekends. The curriculum is often pre-determined for each training centre, so your time will be less spent on planning. These schools are year-round and are always hiring, so your experience is usually in high demand. Don’t forget – training centres operate on evenings and weekends.

Pre-school and Kindergarten

These schools are attended by pupils 18 months to 6 years old. Given the age group of the students, it’s a less-stress, more fun environment. Preparation time is low. You usually will have a teaching assistant in the classroom. These schools operate on weekdays, and your classes will be under an hour in length.

International schools

Given Oman is oil rich, there are a fair amount of wealthy professionals. They send their children to these international schools, where tuition is high and competition for enrolment is high. Teacher salaries are higher than other options, although these schools often require a teaching license and graduate-level degree. These schools operate on a two-semester long school year and are taught mostly in English. Most of the time, teachers are expected to commit to a minimum two year contract. They operate on weekdays. 

Oman Universities

In terms of salary, universities have the highest opportunity. Foreign teachers usually teach only English classes. Jobs here are competitive, so you’re going to probably need a Masters or PhD to stand away from the pack. The curriculum is flexible, and you are responsible for creating the course content. These schools usually operate on weekdays. 

Things to consider for teaching English in Oman 

If you want to teach in Oman, you need to be aware of some specifics about the country before diving in. 

• Salaries are not much more than cost of living. If you want to live an extravagant lifestyle while teaching here, save up before travelling.
• Oman is an Arabic country and is very traditional. It is unlike Saudi Arabia or UAE. Be prepared to dress appropriately to adhere to local norms. 
• It is extremely hot in the summer. If you can’t handle extreme heat, consider teaching in the winter months. 
• Alcohol consumption requires a permit, and public consumption will get you in trouble. Be aware and be careful. 
• You will usually be asked to commit to a minimum one year contract. Keep this in mind when deciding whether or not to teach in Oman. 

Teaching English in Oman FAQs

There are some common questions people have about being an English teacher in Oman. Here are some answers to some of the most popular questions.

How much do English teachers make in Oman?

Generally speaking, you can expect to make anywhere between $1000-$3000USD tax-free per month teaching in Oman. In training centres, salaries are the least lucrative. Universities pay the highest, but require the most education. 

What qualifications do I need to teach English in Oman?

You need to have a BA or BS and have a teaching license. Most times, you need to be from an English speaking country. There are some secondary requirements set up by schools. You will need to check with individual schools to determine which secondary requirements are necessary to meet: TEFL certificate, criminal record check, academic transcripts, passport from English speaking country, and most times, prior teaching experience. 

Is it hard to teach English in Oman?

It’s not especially tough to teach English in Oman. Most people speak a little bit of English, so they have a baseline of knowledge to which you can help expand. It is a very welcoming country, so you can expect to have friendly colleagues and students from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart. Chances are, you’ll make good friends and have a circle of support for your time while teaching in Oman. 

Can I save money while teaching English in Oman? 

It is possible to save money while teaching in Oman. It all depends on your lifestyle. If you plan on travelling lots, expect to be able to save less, as it can be difficult and expensive to travel in rural and remote parts of the country. If you plan on sticking to a budget and staying close to your home-base, you should be able to save funds while you’re teaching. 

Have your Say about Teaching English in Oman

What are your thoughts about teaching English in this amazing country? Is it the right option for you, or are you considering teaching in another country like Japan? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

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Last update on 2021-09-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API