Student Volunteers Oman Scheme
The Student Volunteers Oman Scheme is based at The Sultan’s School in Muscat and is open to British nationals, who are either school/sixth form leavers or University students who plan to take a gap year between graduation and first employment. The scheme is fully funded.
The Student Volunteers Oman (SVO) Scheme offers a unique opportunity for young people to spend around three months living and volunteering in Muscat, Oman. Delivered by The British Omani Society, the scheme places volunteers at The Sultan’s School, one of Oman’s leading bilingual schools, where participants become part of the school community and contribute meaningfully to school life.
As a volunteer, you may support teachers as a classroom assistant, assist with lessons, contribute to the CAS programme of the International Baccalaureate, or take part in extracurricular activities such as sport, music, or other areas aligned with your skills and interests. This hands‑on experience provides valuable insight into education while helping participants build confidence, independence, and transferable skills.
Life at The Sultan’s School
The Sultan’s School is a predominantly mixed day school, with around fifty male boarding students enrolled through a scholarship scheme established by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos. Volunteers may have opportunities to engage with boarders through their sporting and leisure activities. Further information about the school can be found at http://www.sultansschool.org
What the Scheme Includes
The SVO Scheme is fully supported to ensure participants can focus on making the most of their experience. The programme includes:
- Accommodation and meals provided by the school
- Return UK-Oman flights
- Visas, travel insurance, and DBS checks
- A small weekly “pocket money” allowance to cover day‑to‑day expenses
- Shared car hire (subject to full licence holder)
- The optional extra of Arabic language tuition
The weekly allowance is also intended to cover meals during short periods when the school cafeteria is closed, such as school or national holidays.
Cultural Experience in Oman
Alongside volunteering, participants have the opportunity to explore Oman’s rich culture and natural beauty. The scheme includes organised excursions and outdoor trips, such as trekking and camping in Oman’s mountains, deserts, and coastal areas, as well as visits to historic cities including Nizwa and Salalah. Participants can also take part in Arabic language learning during their stay; prior knowledge of Arabic is not required, although an interest in the language is encouraged.
Scheme History
The Student Volunteers Oman Scheme has been running since 2007 and has supported over 100 participants. The programme aims to strengthen cultural understanding between the UK and Oman while offering an enriching and memorable experience for every volunteer.
Scheme Dates
The SVO Scheme runs two cohorts each year, with up to four students per cohort, each lasting approximately three months:
- September–December 2026: 11 September – 17 December
- January–April 2027: 8 January – 8 April
Eligibility and Applications
We welcome applications from British school leavers and recent graduates who have not yet begun their careers. Applicants should demonstrate:
- A genuine interest in Oman and the wider Gulf region
- Enthusiasm, initiative, and leadership potential
- Experience working with young people (such as teaching, tutoring, mentoring, or coaching), which is considered an advantage
An interest in Arabic language, culture, history, or the geography of the region is strongly encouraged. While knowledge of Arabic is not a prerequisite, current or intended study of Arabic is viewed positively.
All successful applicants will be required to:
- Undertake a Standard DBS check
- Become a British Omani Society member (annual membership fee currently £25)
Please note that applicants must be UK passport holders.
Applications for the 2026–27 SVO cohorts are now open.
The application deadline is 20 February 2026.
Please apply online via the below link. Please include all of the requested information.
Participants who successfully complete the scheme automatically become BOS Alumni members.
You can learn more about the scheme through the experiences of our recent alumni, including Najma Elmi, Clara Anderson, Bo Wakely and Tom Mcknight.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact enquiries@britishomani.org.
Learn more about the Student Volunteers Oman scheme experience by watching highlights from our September 2025 cohort!
Webinar Intro to the SVO: