Doha, Qatar Moving to Teach

I know this has been 'dead' for a while but what did you decide Neil and JP?

Sabis...not my cup of tea at all...

Hi I was wondering if you had a positive experience, or did you go in the end? Any advice or opinion would be greatly appreciated! You can reply to my email if you like [email protected]. Thanks a lot

Thanks guys, these are all great. Ben_130, your wife's situation sounds very similar to my own. I have already been accepted onto a PGCE course that starts in two weeks time, then I randomly applied for this and got accepted. I thought this was more of an opportunity than my PGCE and I am going to defer my PGCE by a year, complete this 12 month contract and then likely to return home, to either complete my PGCE or do my training through the GTP route. I think most people seem to be thinking I should take it, I am scared about it but I think I am going to accept the position by email later today then confirm with official documents tomorrow.

My wife worked for the same school in Bahrain a few years back just after finishing Uni.

Most of the teachers there were in a similar situation, young and just out of uni had a good time socially. Her and everybody else's contract there was 12 months so there was no issues with leaving after a year. Also everybody's salary went up a little each year and if you stayed for two years or more you got a pretty decent bonus.

My wife used it as experience to get onto a PCGE course the following year, which she did. After her course she did a year in the UK and starts her new job in a British school here this week.

SABIS pays on time. Their educational style is memorization and teach to the test. You can probably stand it for a year or two. Future employers may or may not look on SABIS experience favorably. It depends on their teaching philosophy.

Without an NOC you will not be able to work in Qatar again for 2 years even if you successfully complete your contract.

You can get a drink at the 5* hotels but need a license to go to the liquor store. You need written permission to get the licence from your employer. I don't know if SABIS does that.

I have taught internationally in China and am leaving this week to teach in Doha. My advice is to go for it! The experience you gain is your foot in the door for endless opportunities.

This is all great stuff guys, thank you. I am awaiting on a reply from my potential employer to answer a few questions. Then I will make my decision later today. Any more useful info would be appreciated. Thanks again

I know of some people that have worked there, and its a mixed bag really.

Salary isnt great, but you are coming in with no experience so no surprise there.

One thing to think about is that they give you the lesson plans for each and every lesson, which you must follow to the tee, there is no room for creativity in your teaching. Also, once you accept the job, you are tied in with the school, they do not allow you to transfer (no NOC) to another job, so it will be 2 years before you can work here again. They do have a good record of placing high percentages of their students into universities though.

The salary is low, but if it's your first job that's somewhat understandable. You can live on it. And there will be a social life, just not quite as lively as in the UK. You must compare it with your alternatives. The Gulf experience is not as good as a UK school on your resume, but it's better than nothing!

Mandi

It's difficult to get hired when you don't have experience, so go for it. Keep an open mind and don't come with too many pre-conceived ideas or expectations.

Life here isn't as strict as in Saudi and when you start making friends and socializing, it can be great fun.

Good luck.

To be honest, I have never heard of the school. I am more familiar with the American School (ASD), Doha College, DESS, Newton, Compass, etc. but I see it is not in a bad part of town, near The Pearl, West Bay Lagoon and the golf club. You need a car if you live in Doha, and check on the type of accommodation they are offering, is it near the school, are you free to choose your own location?. There is plenty of opportunity for taking part in sports clubs here. In terms of alcohol and socialising, the bars and restaurants in the International Hotels (Ritz, Intercon, W, Radisson.....) all sell alcohol, but it is not cheap at say GBP 9 or 10 minimum per drink. As mentioned, with a letter from your employer you can buy drinks from QDC for home consumption. My children have been in various international schools for the last 10 years, and from what I have seen, a career as an international school teacher looks a good choice if you are adventurous and want to see the world. Good luck with your decision.

For a fresh Graduate and single it is a good offer. We have Bars where liquor is served and QDC where you can get a permit and buy drinks to drink at home.

So I will be getting 90000 QR salary tax free, with my accommodation (including Bills)included in the contract, annual flight tickets, health insurance, and transport. The school is International School of Choueifat part of the SABIS® School Network in Doha, and they want an answer from me tomorrow, so its very last minute. I am viewing this as a stepping stone as it stands, I believe this could benefit my future career and be a great experience. I know it is a risk but you have to take a risk sometimes, I would just like it to be a calculated one haha. Any more info now I have said this? Is life out there really strict? What are the drinking policies actually like over there? Not that this is essential. Can I expect to see many people in a similar situation? Thanks for the quick replies and the info is really useful.

Where is the job for? and what are they offering? These are major contributors to making such a life changing decision.

the guy is a fresher....

YOu may not have a choice as to the time period. Many/most teaching contracts are 24 months, and if you leave or wish to go elsewhere in Qatar, you may face an employment ban of 2 years if you can't get an NOC.

you have made no mention of your package or benefits so it is difficult to comment

Would depend which institute you will be joining.

I suggest you check out the forums for some inside info on the school you are considering joining as I note varying standards of teaching and treatment of teaching staff. That said, if you are happy with the offer, keep an open mind and keep focused on gaining that valuable 1st year experience I know lots of teachers here who have found Qatar a good stepping stone in their careers.

I wouldn't admit that you are a Potters fan too often though... Just kidding!