Teaching English in Doha, Qatar
Report submitted on 29 February, 2024 by Dee.
Teaching English in Doha, Qatar:
How can teachers find teaching jobs in Doha, Qatar?
I primarily work with homeschoolers who are available during the day. Reach out to homeschool support groups. For after school programs, reach out to schools and your community. There is a great need so word of mouth will grow once you get started.
The main English teaching jobs available are:
I believe all teaching positions are available. However, I am a private tutor.
What are the minimum teaching requirements?
Teaching certificate from any bona fide teaching institution.
What teaching requirements would you recommend?
Schools will also prefer experience and an ESL certificate.
What are the levels of payment?
It varies with experience. As an experienced and fully citified private tutor, I earn about $50/hour. Most tutors charge $30/hour but the cost of living is high here.
How many teaching days a week is normal?
1-5 days per week.
How many face-to-face teaching hours a week is normal?
1-1.5/class hours per week.
What is the normal arrangement for holidays?
As a private tutor I set my own hours. School teachers follow school holiday schedules which are usually a mix of their home country’s holidays plus required local holidays. (French school, American school, Dutch, etc.).
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Doha, Qatar to teach English?
Everyone either speaks English or wants to speak English. There are many opportunities. But Arab culture likes to bargain for the best price and whittle down benefits over time. Negotiate up front for the highest amount. Get a contract. Consult public forum message boards like facebook to know if your arrangements are solid.
What are the positive aspects of teaching English in Doha, Qatar?
There are many people and cultures here from around the globe (80% are expats). It is fun teaching kids and adults who want to learn English and have so much joy in sharing their cultures and diversity.
What are the negative aspects for teaching English in Doha, Qatar?
You must be sponsored by a company or individual to be here. Switching sponsorship is difficult and often not allowed. Good sponsors are fine. But others have terrible experiences. You must do your homework before coming.
What are some of the teaching challenges for English teachers teaching the local people in your area?
I tutor in my home so construction and traffic on the roadway poses a problem for my students. Getting print materials like posters can be difficult or expensive if shipped in.
Living in Doha, Qatar:
Are there any visa or other legal requirements to live in Qatar?
Visa requirements vary by country.
What is the cost of living like in Qatar?
Qatar is a wealthy nation. The cost of living is generally high, particularly for housing. But many employers provide accommodations. Petrol is reasonable. Food varies but is on par with the US. Imported items are high. Entertainment costs vary with many free or inexpensive options. Qatar is a sports hub for the region and world. There are many amazing sports viewing opportunities like FIFA football, professional tennis tournaments, and Grand Prix Auto. Tickets can be pricey.
What are the usual accommodation arrangements and how can you find accommodation?
Most schools or employers provide housing or a housing stipend. Be sure to negotiate those details BEFORE coming. Sometimes schools rent an entire compound which means your coworkers may be your neighbors too.
Other than teaching, what positive aspects are there for living in Doha, Qatar?
The people are friendly and hospitable (except on roadways). English teachers are wanted so pay and benefits are attractive. There is much to do from sports to museums, to nature, to shopping and food. The weather is absolutely beautiful for half the year (winter season)with lots of sunshine. Most architecture and roadways are new.
Other than teaching, what negative aspects are there for living in Doha, Qatar?
The summer season is brutally hot with little rain and lots of dust. (But there are many air conditioned malls with covered or underground parking to compensate.) Air quality can be poor due to the lack of rain. When it does rain heavily (about once a year), everything closes down or leaks. While most things you may need are available here, you may not find them all in one place.
What advice would you give to someone considering coming to Doha, Qatar?
Read, read, read and prepare first. The culture is different. Depending on where you are coming from, there are likely many differences. But there are also many similarities. Most people are in your same situation as an expat and are willing to help. The first year is an adjustment so be patient with yourself (and your family).
What things do you miss most (other than family and friends) from your home country?
I miss the four seasons and lots of naturally green areas. I miss finding everything I need in one shopping location. At first I also missed pork.
The workweek is Sunday to Thursday. I miss Sundays off. Church is on Friday here. And being from Texas, I miss the plethora of Mexican food.
What do you think you will miss most when (or if) you leave Qatar?
I will miss people mostly. There are so many people here from around the globe. I with miss the delicious Arabic food including shawarmas. I will miss clean bathrooms with fully enclosed stalls. I will miss covered parking. I will miss seeing all the amazing architecture.
What things would you recommend to new teachers in your area to bring with them from their home country?
Posters and teaching materials in English are in short supply. Basic school supplies are readily available though.
About Me and My Work:
My Name: Dee
Nationality: American
Students I’ve taught in Qatar: pre-school / kindergarten (4-6 years), elementary (6-12 years), junior high school (12-15 years), high school (15-18 years), university, adults
Where I teach: I teach privately out of my own home. But some patrons prefer teaching in their own homes. Teaching for 3 years (ESL) / 12 total years.
My school facilities: Good. I have created a space that works for me. It has taken some adapting, but now it runs smoothly.
Do you teach English in Qatar?
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