As the current Student Volunteers Oman scheme draws to a close, we share a report from one of our volunteers Tom McKnight, a graduate from the University of Leeds. If you or anyone you know is looking for a fully funded chance to visit the Sultanate, learn about Oman's rich culture and developing new skills, then we hope this will give you a good idea about the scheme and inspire you to sign up in the future! The next call for applications will be opening in January 2025.
He talks a bit about his experiences in Oman, the connections he's made on the trip and what he's learned overall:
Earlier this year I graduated from the University of Leeds with a BA in Arabic and Spanish. Initially, I applied to the Student Volunteers Scheme so that I wouldn’t lose my language skills and develop my spoken Arabic fluency. To be honest, though, I wasn’t entirely sure where I wanted to take my degree after four years of study, and the opportunity to travel seemed too good to miss. What I didn’t expect was how much more I would gain from this experience — not just in terms of language, but in memories, new perspectives, and a sense of direction I never anticipated. 
Looking back, it’s hard to believe that three months in Oman can feel both like a lifetime and like no time at all. Landing at the crack of dawn after a long overnight flight, the mountains that stretch across Muscat’s horizon, and the nerves waiting at immigration with my visa paperwork feel like yesterday. Yet, at the same time, I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve been here for years. Whether that’s because of the incredible connections I have made, an abiding love for the vastly different landscapes, or just something indescribable that I never expected — I’ve come to see a future in Oman. It makes it difficult to get on the plane home, really.
I didn’t even know about the scheme until a friend sent me the link during my final year of university. Buried in deadlines and a dissertation at the time, I didn’t think much about it, but something in the idea of exploring Oman and photos of the canyons around Jebel Akhdar stuck with me. A few months later I applied, and now I’ve seen those canyons in person, swum with turtles, struggled up sand dunes and visited ancient cities in the interior. The landscapes of Oman are unforgettable for a reason. A particular standout is clambering up wadis to reach crystal-clear blue pools, caves, and waterfalls. The adventures belong on the front of the postcard, but it’s the moments with people I’ve met along the way that are worth writing home about.
Beyond the stunning landscapes, it’s the connections I’ve made here that have truly shaped my time in Oman. Teaching at The Sultan’s School has been challenging and rewarding in equal parts. Working with students and being part of a supportive teaching community has been incredible, and I find myself genuinely looking forward to each day. Outside of school, one of the best decisions I made was joining Muscat Rugby. Through the sport, I’ve met some amazing people who have helped make this city feel like home. I was even lucky enough to play in the Dubai 7s tournament, an experience I’ll never forget. Through rugby, I’ve learned an invaluable lesson: putting yourself out there at every opportunity opens doors you never thought possible. Whether it’s teaching, playing sports, or meeting new people, Oman has shown me that you have to seize the chances that come your way — because you never know how far they might take you.
Oman has taught me that stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to incredible adventures, personal growth, and meaningful connections. It’s given me time to reflect after university and find an exciting opportunity I didn’t know was out there. As I leave, I carry with me not just memories of breathtaking landscapes, but a renewed sense of direction, a deeper appreciation for the people around me, and an excitement for the future.
