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Teachers' advice > Qatar
teaching english in qatar
"Teaching English in Qatar can be a rewarding job. The entire country is in the
middle of major education reform. They are moving into a mode of instruction
where the basics are taught in English from K on up. There are plenty of
jobs for the native speaker. Although traditionally there was a preference
for British teachers, the educational model that is being adopted is more and
more American and the hiring is more and more American friendly, so even if an
advertisement specifies British teachers send your CV and see what happens.
(Note: as an American I found it odd that my employer requested my photograph
with my CV, but that is common practice here; as is a potential employer asking
about marital status, family and religion.)
There are three basic types of K-12 education: private schools, public /
government schools, and independent schools which seem to be a hybrid of the
American Charter schools and magnet schools. Every year the number of
government/public schools that are being switched to Independent schools grows.
FYI: a modern educational system only started in Qatar in the 1950s. The old
ways of teaching by rote memorization are actively being replaced by more modern
methods of more learner-centered
interactive classrooms. There is a paradigm shift underway. It is a dynamic
time to teach in Qatar. It is also rewarding to be a part of positive change in
educational practices.
There are also universities and language centers
where you can teach. Qatar University is the local university started in 1972.
There are also several American universities with branches here, one Canadian
University that has a reputation for only hiring Canadians, as well as a famous
Dutch university for hospitality.
Qatar is a lovely Gulf country. Most of the population of Qatar lives in Doha,
the capital. Qatar is small (and easily adapted to). There is a modesty of dress
but it is not strict. You find women outside in relatively normal western dress
- no bikinis yet though, unless at the western hotels. Women drive - one of the
most common questions I am asked. Getting a Qatari driver's license as an
American was very easy - no lessons or tests other than an eye test. I am told
Brits get them easily as well, but most other nationalities have to take a
driving course, pass tests and then they are allowed a Driver's license. Do not
even bother to get the International Driver's License because it is not
recognized here.
There are numerous malls; one that is five stories tall and rather enormous.
Shopping is a main past-time here. There are also some more traditional type
suqs as well.
As far as cultural events, there are major sporting events year round. A pro
men's golf tournament, pro men's (ATP) and women's (WTA) tennis tournaments, pro
squash, pro motorcycling, sailing, speed boating, horse and camel racing,
soccer/football, table tennis, and the list is longer than I can imagine.
Other cultural events include famous European musicians, rock bands performing
outside on the seashore, plays and numerous international expositions. There are
numerous groups to join. The Qatar Natural History Group has great lectures at a
yearly nominal fee for membership. There is a Ramblers group for walking in
various areas in Qatar, no membership fee, open to all. There are Toastmasters
groups, Doha Singers, the Doha Debates (as seen on BBC), Doha Scientific Club,
Stamp collecting (Philatelic), petanque, AA, various women's groups, clubs for
French, German or Spanish speakers, sailing and scuba diving lessons and clubs,
centers to learn about Qatari culture and Arabic if you like (contact QCPI),
scouts and brownies troops, ice skating, ice hockey, tae kwon do, even a Harley
Davidson Club. Moreover, if you have the necessary income you can join all sorts
of social and sporting clubs that offer nice activities.
I recommend picking up a Marhaba guide for 20 Qatari Qiyals (convert
your currency) at your first convenience to know the current local
happenings (available at Al Jarir Bookstore as well as other locations.) This
English language guide is geared to ex-pats offering cultural tidbits of
information as well as suggestions on what to see and where to eat (to eat, may
I recommend Al Bandar and Star of India as two musts.)
Alcohol is not currently allowed in any restaurants excepting those in the big
western hotels. Qataris do not drink or eat pork and these will not be found in
restaurants or store shelves.
The following is some technical information you may need to realize, but do not
let it frighten you away. There is a huge ex-pat community here and numerous
societies to join to make your stay here lively and not all about work.
As a foreigner in Qatar, you have to have a work visa (iqama). At the time of
this posting, this is linked specifically to your employer and can potentially
make switching jobs on a whim, or higher salary offer very hard. Some employers
are nicer than others about letting you switch your work visa from one employer
to another. Others are not and you may get kicked out of the country for up to
two years. So be aware. Recent legislation has been passed for certain sectors
wherein the iqama is no longer linked to a specific employer, but that is not
yet the case for teachers.
If you find your employer did not fulfil his or her contract once you are there,
you can go to the Labour Ministry and they will help you mediate with your
employer. Sometimes foreigners win, other times they don't.
Working in Qatar is not difficult. The majority of the workforce is not Qatari.
On the whole, the country is used to foreign workers. It is just that foreign
workers are viewed as workers and often as less human. This classicism is
usually not the case for Western ESL / EFL teachers. It is just a sad reality
you should be aware of, and one that we ex-pats lament as a problem found in
most of the Gulf where overnight excessive wealth has led to a new generation of
idle rich who feel entitled and somehow erroneously better than others who work.
Please note that this is not the case with all Qataris by far. Most are
kind-hearted people."
Fatima, 10/02/06
"My advice is firstly to maximize the student learning experience. Also, the
main objective in child education is mostly about morality and personality
development, not only teaching English. It is my belief that an educator's
mission is to enhance student confidence. Remember, we must never lose sight of
the fact that our work is the education of individual people."
Sabrina, 24/06/06
"I have visited Qatar and stayed in Doha. I found it to be a lovely place. It
was quiet and serene. I am furthering my education and am one class away from
obtaining my TESOL certificate. I would like to move and find a job there
teaching English. I am an experienced teacher, and am currently working as a
elementary teacher. I know there are a lot of opportunities for Americans as far
as work is concerned and I hope I am able to fulfil my wish!"
Kristin, 22/12/06
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Qatar Explorer
Packed with vital information and advice, the
Qatar Explorer
is the
essential guide for residents, short-term visitors, business people and
tourists. It's an insider's guide to the administrative hurdles of living in
Qatar from visas and driving licenses to setting up home and opening a bank
account.
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