Teach English in Qatar
Please keep an eye on our Job Board for positions opening in Qatar.
Image Source: Christine und Hagen Graf
Qatar, officially known as the “State of Qatar”, is a small country in Southwest Asia located on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. The peninsula shares a border with Saudi Arabia to the south, and the rest of the country is surrounded by the Persian Gulf.
Following the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Qatar came under British rule in the early 20th century until it gained independence in 1971. Qatar’s unique history and geographical location are ideal for the history buff. As one of the most rapidly growing economies in the world, this modern Middle Eastern country is sure to keep you entertained and wide-eyed. From beautiful futuristic skyscrapers to ancient mosques, this country offers an array of different cultural attributes to appreciate.
To teach English in Qatar, you must have:
- A full University degree
- A certified teaching license from your home country
- A TEFL certification (120+ hours) is preferred. Click on the link for more information about TEFL courses. Many schools lean strongly towards classroom based TEFL certifications or combined TEFL certificates that include online and classroom hours. If you are unsure about a TEFL course, go with a TEFL provider that will provide you with a certificate that does not have ‘online’ stamped across the front of it.
- Two to three years of ESL teaching experience
- Criminal background check
Teach English in Doha – Qatar’s Modern City
Doha الدوحة (which literally means “big tree” in Arabic) is the capital and economic center of Qatar. Over 40% of the population lives in Doha, and it has one of the most rapidly growing economies in the world.
While in Doha, you can see: one of the many old architectural forts, go shopping at the Souk Waqif market, visit the Museum of Islamic Arts, embark on a desert safari just outside the city, visit the Al Maha animal sanctuary, or visit one of the various new construction projects currently being built in preparation for the 2022 World Cup (the first World Cup to be held in the Middle East). If any of these activities have peaked your interests, then teaching in Qatar is the right choice for you!
Your Journey to Teach English in Qatar Starts Now!
Image Source: Shaun Dunphey
With lucrative compensation packages, high standards of living and numerous exciting things to do and see, most people are bound to look back fondly on their time teaching English abroad in Qatar.
Perhaps one of the most highlighted areas of Qatar’s capital is the Doha Corniche. The Corniche is a waterfront promenade that gives expats access to a nice walk along the sea and a beautiful view of the downtown’s skyline.
One can start out at the Museum of Islamic Art and a take stroll to a great viewpoint of the downtown.
Image Source: Aitor Garcia Viñas
Expand Your Horizons in Qatar!
The best way to meet people with similar interests of adventure and travel is to teach abroad. Teaching English abroad in Qatar will give you access to a bustling population of expats. With almost 90% of the population being comprised of expats, one is bound to meet a diverse array of people.
Qatari people are fairly hospitable– it is not uncommon for a foreigner to receive an invitation to have tea, coffee and food in a cool place to rest.
Since Islamic tradition is deeply embedded into this country’s culture, it is important do some preliminary research and maintain a respectful approach to social situations that will abide by that of the locals. This respect for a more culturally conservative interaction will bode well with the locals and help to make your time spent teaching English in Qatar both enjoyable and enlightening.
What to Do and See in Qatar
Souq Waqif
Image Source: Erik Hersman
Souq Waqif (Arabic: سوق واقف) literally translates to “the standing market”. This open air market features countless stalls where you can buy beautiful clothing, spices, handcrafts and more. There are also many shisha lounges and restaurants dotted around the market, with different cuisines such as Malaysian, Indian and French.
This market is over 100 years old but was renovated in 2006 to preserve its traditional architectural style. When the market was originally founded, Bedouins and locals would trade a variety of goods. Today, one can come here to purchase some of those same kinds of spices and handicrafts that were being traded over a century ago.
The Museum of Islamic Art
Image Source: Omar Chatriwala
The Museum of Islamic Art (Arabic: متحف الفن الإسلامي) is located on the famed Corniche of Doha, where one can catch a spectacular view of the downtown skyline. The museum contains Islamic art from three different continents with dates of creation spanning over 1,400 years. It’s beautifully designed architecture (courtesy of the famous I. M. Pei) and location on Doha’s waterfront makes it a delightful sight to behold.
The various artworks contained inside range in medium from metalwork, ceramic, jewelry, woodwork, glass, textiles and more. The museum itself boasts a mix of ancient Islamic architecture with a modern twist. The collections feature artworks from various private collections, from the homes of royal families to those of ordinary people. Each piece has a unique story behind it, so be sure to plan enough time to fully experience the rich history of the entire collection.
Khor Al Udaid
Image Source: Land Rover MENA
This magical place (known as “خور العديد” in Arabic) is known to local English speakers as the “Inland Sea”. It is a part of the desert country which features beautiful white sand dunes and a nearby beach. During the day, a stream of water advances inland to form a kind of tranquil lake which recedes by nightfall. During the night, bright moonshine illuminates the beautiful scenery. Some of the sand dunes here even reach as high as forty meters!
There are several things that one can do to entertain themselves once they have arrived. One of the most popular pastimes here is a sport called “dune bashing”. This is when one rents a 4×4 all terrain vehicle and goes driving all over the sand dunes, taking huge leaps and plunges in an exhilarating expedition. One could also go swimming in the inland sea, or go sand skating down one of the taller dunes.
Reach To Teach Resource List
Looking to do more? Try the Qatar tourism website.
Looking to get around? Try the “Getting Around” page of the Qatar Tourism website.
Credit – Eric T. Adams and the International Business Class at University of Northern Iowa.
