Job Discussion Forums

[coco chanel]

Hello all

This one is really for those who know about the housing provided by Qatar University for teachers in the Foundation Program. Do teachers have a choice as to whether they live in an apt or a villa? Can teachers opt for an allowance and use it towards a villa? Are the villas that most teachers would live in on compounds as in Saudi? And, for those who know about the allowance, is it usually enough to rent a small villa in a good area within a commutable disatnce? And what are the good areas?

I'd appreciate any information about QU housing in Doha. I've read the horror stories about the driving there and was also wondering if the university provides a shuttle service for Faculty in the mornings/afternoons. If not, is it expensive for teachers to hire a driver?

Finally, my last question is about utilities. What might the average couple expect to pay per month for electricity/water/phone/internet?

A lot of questions, but thanks for any replies - much appreciated.

C C

[millie18]

QU does have compound housing for some faculty - have heard complaints from some about how others' children run wild. Know one couple who live off campus about 10 minute drive from campus. They are happy there - I assume QU has provided them with an allowance and they were able to find/afford their own housing. I believe the university also provides transport from their own housing units.

There is no affordable housing within walking distance of the campus. I know I said 10 minutes but that's at 80km/hr on very busy roads. Qatar is not pedestrian friendly and the temperatures are 40-50C plus and VERY high humidity for 4 - 6 months of the year. You either need a car or a reliable driver which I would guess (and it is a guess) cost about 150 Riyal/week

[FunGus]

PM sent

[thursday12]

Da cost 'o livin here jest keeps gettin higher & higher. Hundreds of unoccupied buildings which means everything costs more. I ain't bin here fer a coupla years but I see empty building after empty building - something's not right. New airport arrivals nice tho. Gotta hurry up & catch my flight out.

[veiledsentiments]

[Desert_Dweller]

How is the salary?

[veiledsentiments]

As I recall, a related MA is required and the pay is between US$3500-4000 to start.

VS

[wilberforce]

Don't even think about this place, pal. They have to downsize big time!!! What are they going to do with all the teachers? Foundation is no longer compulsory for more than 60% of the students, so how many do they need to teach the other 40%? If I was you, I'd be looking elsewhere. ZU is head-hunting - get in there. This is where the QU guys should be looking.

They should do the decent thing and let as many as possible break their contracts without penalty. This news beats all!!!

[veiledsentiments]

ZU is looking for Education profs/teacher-trainer types... not that many TEFLers. They only hire a handful of those every year.

VS