Job Discussion Forums

[jiyu]

[veiledsentiments]

[nomad soul]

[jiyu]

So these cultural events and festivals that you mention, can women attend them alone? Is it acceptable for women to wander around town, go to restaurants, movies, etc alone? Or are there restrictions to where and when they can be seen?

Also, what would say is the attitude towards academics? Do they get the respect they get in some Asian countries? Are there incentives and opportunities for research and publishing that would make coming there a good "career move?"

At this stage I still haven't accepted the position (I have a few days more to think about it). I'm trying to find an incentive other than the tax-free salary to attract me to the place.

Thanks for your patience with my endless questions!

[nomad soul]

[dragonpiwo]

I spent 3 years in Qatar and enjoyed it.

1-Get yourself a reliable driver-colleagues will help you. Driving isn't that bad just use your mirrors.

2-There's loads to do and see there from concerts, to camping to poolside life and it's a great place for sailing,fishing, scuba and so on.

3-There are loads of great restaurants there, so eating out is common.

4-I never had any probs with the net or sat TV.

5-The weather is fantastic for 9 months...of the 3 hotties, you'll probably be on holiday for half of it.

6-Don't trouble yourself with grand ideas like human rights and equality....enjoy your life and let them live how they live..you're the outsider.

[jiyu]

[dragonpiwo]

My route was house to car to office to bar to mall to restaurant or a variation thereof.......every link in that chain had an AC in it.

[jiyu]

How's the stress level in Doha? Can you find places to relax? I'm wondering with all the construction I hear is going on that everywhere would be like a construction site and the noise pollution would be unbearable (I've lived in such places...not nice).

[dragonpiwo]

It all depends on you and just how pro-active you are. I joined the Sheraton beach club and gym on my second day...it wasn't cheap....but was a great investment. I spent an hour in the gym most nights followed by a peaceful swim and then a few sundowners . I also bought a 4x4 and went down south from time to time. There is a beach resort at Sealine and the dunes beyond, perfect for watching the sun go down and the skies were amazing. The thing is this-once you've made the decision to stay a while, invest in things that will facilitate your good times. Some people go there and steal the tea bags and loo paper from work and complain there's naff all to do. There's loads to do, but life ain't a free lunch and things rarely come to you except students loans demands. I used to eat out a lot, which could mean a ritzy 5* affair or a delicious $4 curry. There were endless drinks parties and food nights at people's houses.

Regarding safety-just take all the usual steps and if you are a woman, never trust a local and better to take taxis with people, especially at night.

[jiyu]

Does anyone here work at Qatar U? I'd be working in a mainstream department as an Associate Prof, so it's not EFL.

I've tried to find forums for non EFL academics working in Qatar, but haven't found any. Please direct me to them if they exist.

I've been trying to get some info on housing from them (housing will be provided) but with no success. I've seen their site on housing but, again, there's too many compounds so I have no idea where they'd put me. Apparently all their faculty accommodation is 3 bedrooms.

If anyone on this forum works there and lives in one of the compounds I'd love to hear from you.

[rtm]

[veiledsentiments]

[sicklyman]

[johnslat]

Dear sicklyman,

Having lived in both, I'll take Saudi. No chiggers and the locals tend to be more open-minded.

Regards,
John