TEFL Testimonial - Jonny in Qatar

Posted by Amy Hanson - 14:49 on 14 February 2011

| |

TEFL Testimonial - Jonny in Qatar

 

My name is Jonny, aged 27, and I'm currently a full time PE Teacher in Doha, Qatar. My story of how I ended up here simply derives from my need for 'change'. Change of culture, change of scenery, change of lifestyle. I sought change in a massive way due to all elements of my life becoming tedious and repetitive. Fortunately I had opportunities to do this. I qualified as a PE teacher in 2008 and enrolled on an Online TEFL course in 2010. I had developed many skills associated with the teaching and learning of PE, yet I wanted to be better equipped due to the prospect of moving thousands of miles away in a country where English is not the first language. This is the prime reason I took a TEFL course as the experience has helped prepare and educate me for the demands of teaching overseas.

Qatar is vastly developing, best exemplified by its recent Football World Cup bid success. The country has a big Western influence and boasts a respectable expatriate community size which continues to grow every year. This has made the settling in process a lot easier. The main attractions for my decision to work here - new culture, new lifestyle, good weather, tax free salary. Another appeal was the location as it allows me to visit other areas of the world more easily and cheaply (i.e. I spent my Christmas in India).

Regarding the School itself, it does have its problems particularly regarding the management (schools tend to be run like businesses). However the children are fantastic and all originate from different backgrounds (Indonesia, Egypt and Sri Lanka to name a few) making the job more interesting, challenging, varied, fun and rewarding. No day is the same in Qatar, one week I am riding sand dunes in the desert on a jeep safari excursion and the next I am watching Roger Federer win the Qatar Open Tennis.

It has now been approximately 6 months since I started work in Qatar. I wouldn't change anything that has happened. I believe the experience you gain is unmatched in any walk of life you lead at home. Back in Scotland, everyone I speak to lives the same life doing the same things, living in their comfort zone - this isn't me. I can't understand why anyone would want to live this way particularly now as there are so many opportunities such as TEFL readily available.

Will I stay for another year? No, I wish to further my experience in a different country in a different environment. My summary of the experience to date? It has been challenging, exciting, difficult, stressful, you name it. Do I regret my decision to work overseas in this country? Most definitely not, and I'd do it all again tomorrow.

Click here to see more stories from our students teaching English abroad

Inspired to head out yourself? Click here to see the latest TEFL jobs from around the world.

Add your comment below





spam code filter image - if you are having difficulty leaving a comment please contact us Enter this number in the box below and click Send - why?

 
“I really loved all the interaction the big group had altogether. I loved the laugh and the fun. I think Joe was wonderful; very committed, passionate, very funny and positive.” Alexandra Caio, Nanny, London

Course funding

If you are unemployed or a student then you could be eligible for funding of 20% off all courses. Get more info ...
  • TEFL England
  • TEFL England@pandpvolunteer unable to DM as you need to be following us! Hopefully you got last tweet :-) Thu May 17 15:24:40 +0000 2012
  • TEFL England@pandpvolunteer Jenny's email is jennifer.mccann at http://t.co/jgPruvq3 Thu May 17 15:22:54 +0000 2012
  • TEFL England@pandpvolunteer Hi, why not contact our sales and marketing manager Jenny to see if we can help you. I'll DM her details. Thu May 17 15:18:41 +0000 2012
  • TEFL EnglandA TEFL story from Hong Kong. Teaching English is not challenge enough for Natasha who also did the worlds highest... http://t.co/CgrEj0cX Wed May 16 08:46:39 +0000 2012
  • TEFL EnglandA TEFL story from Hong Kong. Teaching English is not challenge enough for Natasha who also did the worlds highest... http://t.co/3dL1cHYV Wed May 16 08:46:38 +0000 2012
  • TEFL EnglandTEFL England launches guaranteed jobs in China: http://t.co/SBFguvch Fri May 11 15:47:34 +0000 2012
  • TEFL EnglandAn amazing opportunity to work in stunning Sri Lanka: http://t.co/52WIfMoB Fri May 11 12:33:39 +0000 2012
  • TEFL EnglandAs it's Friday, you get to choose an inspiring image of the day. What would you like to see? Fri May 11 09:10:44 +0000 2012
SQA Approved Centre ODLQC Logo IATEFL Logo Investor in People
We're open Mon - Fri, 9am - 5.30pm, call us or drop us an email. Email: sales@teflengland.co.uk Call: 0800 988 8200     |     Sitemap