Job Discussion Forums

[USAMATHMAN]

Hello all,

Currently work as a math lecturer (6 years of experience). Have a good job in states but looking to make move to middle east for 2-3 years to pay off student loans, fund a 2nd Masters, and travel a bit (egypt, dubai).

I recently applied to an newly developed international school associated with Qatar Foundations and have been offered a position as a School counselor/ P.E. Instructor. Pay is competitive with full accomodation, flights, etc. But position is not in my content area. I do have coaching experience and would not have any issues with counseling responsibilities.

My question.... Will future employers look down on this experience? Will it negatively affect my chances of obtaining a math position once I return to the states?

Thanks for responding.

[sharter]

I think the job market being what it is, I'd take it and explain clearly at future interviews that you saw it as a sabbatical after studies and quick way to pay off debts. Anyone with a noodle between their ears will understand that. Also, I'm sure you'll find well-paid work in Qatar teaching mathS.

[veiledsentiments]

[USAMATHMAN]

VS & Sharter.........Thanks so much for the suggestions.

I remember someone mentioning the heat factor in a previous post. I have heard that from May to October it is almost unbearable.

My hopes are that the school will only ask me to coach indoor sports such as basketball. And I sincerely hope for the sake of the students and myself that the gym is airconditioned.

I have a skype session with a school representative on Saturday. Will definitely let you all know how things turn out.

[veiledsentiments]

Good Luck! It sounds like it might be fun... or at least a change.

VS

[millie18]

This is interesting, I've only known the Qatar Academy to be associated with Qatar Foundation - so they've opened another, competing school? Is it located in Education City as well and is it an IB school too like Qatar Academy?

Most schools here do indoor activities in the hottest months for PE, although some international schools may try to do some outdoor ones with large sun screens in place in the open areas of their campuses.

There are some schools which freely use "international" "British" "Monrovian" "Upper Clydesdale" "English" "American" in their names but have very little to do with the country named and are international in that most of the students and staff are from the subcontinent and follow curriculums from that part of the world.

People from the West are sometimes confused by the name and the actual curriculum followed.

[USAMATHMAN]

Yes, the name of the new school is Qatar Foundation Community School and it will be located in Doha. I believe that the school will begin with K - 5 the first year and then add grade levels each year. Not much information out there right now. I do know that they are recruiting through the search associates group.

[millie18]

Thanks for the info but I haven't been able to find a school by that name under search associates or the Qatar Foundation. To be honest, the Qatar Foundation usually hires people who are qualified in their particular field - ie, PE teachers for PE positions.

I'm not saying this school doesn't exist (goodness knows there are a lot of things that aren't necessarily public knowledge here in Doha that do indeed exist) it just seems strange because this would usually be an item in the local news.

Hope everything works out for you.

[USAMATHMAN]

Turns out a mistake was made concerning the counseling/p.e. position. I interviewed for a content position. Hoping to hear good news soon. Sounds like an interesting opportunity and Qatar is on my top 3 list of countries to work. Millie I pm'd you a couple of questions about daily life in Qatar.

To all....Thanks again for responding.

[sharter]

Millie is there but I enjoyed my 3 years in Doha. There's plenty to do but make sure you sort a car out....preferably a 4x4. Loads of sports clubs, beaches, gyms and pools and a lovely, long corniche for walking/jogging. There's a sailing club, diving club and rugby club. There are loads of malls for coffee etc and bars. It's much better than KSA, Bahrain and Kuwait.

You will enjoy it. At work get the students on your side by being flexible. Never lose your rag with them. Watch your colleagues and be guarded until you've figured out who's who.

Good luck.

[USAMATHMAN]

Sharter....

Thanks so much for the reply. My biggest worry was that Doha would be extremely boring and lifeless like many describe Saudi to be. I turned down an offer in Kuwait & Saudi for that particular reason. Your comments are exactly what I needed to hear.

May I send a you a pm once the hiring process is complete? Would love to hear more about your experiences.

Thanks and have a good one!!

[bulgogiboy]

[USAMATHMAN]

Bulgogi,

Thanks for the additional insight. I am very excited about this opportunity. Now, just playing the waiting game with the employer. Hopefully will hear good news soon. Will definitely be in contact. Be safe!

usa

[Geronimo]

Hello USAMATHMAN,

I guess that you've done some netsearching already.
Nonetheless, these links might still be of interest to you...

Qatar Foundation's online magazine:-

http://www.qf.org.qa/discover-qf/about-qf

and for the social events in Doha...

http://www.timeoutdoha.com/

Geronimo

[millie18]

Time Out is not necessarily authoritative. It's good as a general reference but several articles I've read are misinformed/mistaken on details for different specific items - not for the city/country as a whole.

Pick and choose wisely.