Teaching in Qatar, International School.
Hi there,
I have been thinking about getting a job in a secondary school in Qatar. I am 22 years old and just finishing off my first year teaching as an Newly Qualified Teacher in London, UK. I have applied to a few schools in Qatar for September 2014 start and I would just like some advice on what it is like teaching in Qatar. What are the schools like, what are the pupils like and what its like living in Qatar. Also information on what I should expect the schools to be like and also how friendly other staff are and how easy it is to make new friends. Also what the accomodations that schools provide for single teachers is like and what pay should I be expecting. Also I have read somewhere that you need the schools permission if you want to leave the country, so i would like to know more about that too and how it works. I am really interested in the culture and would like to move there to be more exposed to it.
Thanks, any comments/ information will be much appreciated.
NB18
If you are a Teacher who love your Job any Country any Students will come your way. However understanding your concerns, please contact me for links to know more about Qatar Schools and Teaching and Living in Qatar.
Making new friends is too easy ... good luck ... nb.
Sun , 23.02.2014 ,08.12 hrs ...
In Qatar, a "British" school may not necessarily be British. The best ones will be well-known to QL, though. Why is an exit permit needed? Because it's the law! You will need an exit permit for every vacation, trip etc. Some employers give them easily. Other expats haven't been out of the country for two years. You must read your contract carefully and get independent verification - some employers will not let you out of your contract until you pay back all expenses involved in your recruitment, etc.
Thank you for your advice so far. I have applied to around 3 schools in Qatar, all of them are British schools. I have been trying to look for more information about them but havent seem to found much apart from the schools own websites which look pretty decent, but I would like to have suggestions. Im not sure about moving there for the long term yet, but right now just thinking of one year's experience. Also can you please explain to me why is an exit permit needed from the sponsor to leave the country? and if you are not happy there, how easy/hard would it be to get an exit permit?
Glad you're doing some research! The schools in Qatar vary widely, from excellent opportunities for teachers to slave-plantations/sweat-shops. You must be very careful, obviously. If you have only one year of teaching experience chances are that you will not be hired with one of the top schools, sorry. Dave's ESL Cafe can be a good resource. Keep asking questions because if you get the wrong facility your life could be a living hell. For example - shared, unsafe, monitored and unhygienic living facilities, unheeded contracts, very low wages and the inability to even leave the country. If you are not at the top of the food chain in Qatar life can be pretty miserable, especially for a single woman.
Try American school of doha,British school of Doha.Avoid schools which have Locals.Expats are ok.80% population is Expat.Pay should be equal or more to what u are getting.Here salary is tax free.Exit permit is needed from the sponsor(read the school) for leaving the country. Hope there are some "school" forum in net/QL which you can read for knowing the experiences of teachers in qatar.