Profile Country – Qatar
What’s it like to live and teach in Qatar?
In this interview, I will speak with Sally to gain insights into her life in Doha, Qatar.
Please tell us a bit about yourself?
I am twenty-five years old, and I am from Ireland. I taught in Belfast before, and now I have been here in Doha for one year. I am a secondary PE teacher at an international school. My school is international, and there local Qatari children here also.
Did you move here with anyone, and how did you settle in?
HR helped me set up my Qatari ID and other necessary paperwork. I moved here alone but quickly made friends with other teachers at my school.
What’s the best thing about Qatar?
The people I have met. There are so many expats here from all over the world. You can find most things here that you would find back in Ireland. There are many places to choose from to eat and food from around the globe. I also love the weather. It’s only too hot for a few months of the year, and the rest of the time, it’s great. There are some great pools and brunches to attend.
What are some of the biggest challenges?
The flights to and from Doha are very expensive relative to the distance travelled. We are in a great hub for travel, but it is very expensive, and most flights are with Qatar Airways so there are not many other optipons. Sometimes the air quality in Doha is poor.
What’s it like to teach in Qatar?
I have to get up very early here, but my school finishes at 2 pm, and teachers can leave after 3 pm after clubs. School is from 6:45-2 pm. The behaviour can be challenging, but I am well-supported by my team leader. Overall, I find teaching here harder than back at home because of the behaviour. Things change here frequently with little notice. For example, the timetable may change, or a holiday period. The Ministry of Education visits schools here to check on things. School is from Sunday to Thursday. The staff in leadership are much younger than at my school at home. Qatar imposes an age limit for allowing visas for education.
Can you save and what are your benefits?
My school provides shared accommodation for singles and medical insurance. I get a yearly flight allowance. I can save about thirty percent of my salary. I could save more but I spend a lot at brunches and on travel. The salaries in Qatar vary a great deal.
What do you enjoy doing on your weekends?
I go to the mall and desert camping, which I love. I get lots of invitations to brunches. I also go to the beach and for pool days with my friends. You can drink here but only in certain places like hotels. If your employer gives you a letter to apply for an alcohol license you can buy it at one of two shops allowed, but you must only drink that at home.
What is medical care like?
Private and public medical care I found to be excellent. My school provides private medical insurance.
Do you feel safe?
I do feel safe. Qatar is a safe country overall. However, I don’t feel safe on the roads. I personally find the way people drive here very scary. I have been in two crashes. There are police, and I hope they work to try and fix this issue.
Is it easy to get around Doha by public transport?
Yes, Ubers are affordable, and there is a metro.Can you give some good advice to anyone coming to Qatar?
Research your school well. Also, be aware that if you are not in Doha, you may feel quite isolated. I have a friend on the other area of Qatar, and she is single. It’s okay for families, but she feels a bit lonely there. I guess it depends on your community. Check your medical cover carefully. My insurance did not cover scans. Respect the local culture and follow their rules. If you don’t then you may be deported or get into a lot of trouble.
Thank you, Sally, for helping teachers around the world gain insight into your life in Qatar.
