Qatar Teaching Tips

How to Avoid Cultural Disasters when Teaching in Qatar

Article by Yousra Samir, images by Julie Lindsay.

Also see: Teaching in Qatar | Qatar Schools | Qatar Nurseries | Qatar Universities | Qatar Visitor Jobs

Teaching in any country is a tough, as well as a rewarding job, which requires a lot of tolerance and patience. Many teachers who come to Qatar feel a little lost when they first start out. Here are some pointers which might help expat teachers or potential expat teachers in Qatar.

Religion

All Qataris are Muslim and a large proportion of them are religious. It is crucial that any teacher coming to Qatar reads up on Islam and always takes religion into account when teaching.

Nursery/Kindergarten teachers, for example, must never make name tags for seating the children on the floor for children that have the name “Mohammed”, as parents will complain that the name of the Prophet Mohammed is on the floor and that people will step on it.

In art work, never use a six-pointed star which looks similar to the Star of David, as it is considered a Jewish symbol and offensive.

Be careful when discussing pigs. Many Qatari parents do not like teachers to talk to their children about pigs, or show them pictures of pigs, or display pictures of pigs in the classroom. Pigs are considered unhygienic animals in Islam and Qatari parents are sensitive on the subject of them.

Make sure with your school and with Qatari parents about using music in the classroom. Some more religious Qatari parents do not allow their children to listen to music and may be upset if you play music in class without asking them first if it is okay.

During the holy month of Ramadan, many children will be fasting. This can make them tired, restless, and lethargic and perhaps a little more naughty than usual. Take this into account and try to be patient with them. Do not eat or drink in front of students during Ramadan.

Prayers are obligatory in Islam and so try to accommodate any children who wish to pray. The time of noon prayer is nearly always around their lunch break time.

Special Treatment

Some Qatari children may have the attitude that they are better than non-Qatari students, or because they are from rich, or well-known families they can get away with anything and deserve special treatment. Some Qatari parents may also have the same attitude. Do not give any child special treatment and do not feel threatened or intimidated from any children with this attitude, or parents.

The best approach in teaching local students is that of “tough love” - be firm, but kind. They do not respond to shouting or screaming; this makes things worse. The key to communicating with local students is being assertive and explaining why things are right or wrong.

Topics That Are Off-Limits

If you do not want to get into serious trouble, never talk about sensitive topics such as religion, politics, or sex. Do not talk about or encourage Western norms which are not acceptable in Qatari society such as boyfriend-girlfriend relationships. Do not talk about alcohol, clubbing etc.

Gifts

It is normal for many local students and parents to give teachers gifts as an expression of their gratitude and appreciation. If this does not conflict with your school’s policy, graciously accept their gifts; they will be very insulted if you reject them.

Finally, a small number of expat teachers in school in Qatar do and say things which if they did or said in their native countries they would be sacked for. Students here tell their parents everything and sooner or later teachers get found out - sometimes losing their job and, even worse, getting deported.