Some things that I think have definitely made it much easier for me at least is that I've been able to work. In France, I was unable to work outside of the home. I helped a bunch with the family business but I really craved being able to have that drive of going to work.
Moving to Doha, I got started right away and got connected with the American School here. From March 3 on, I have been subbing in the Elementary School. For those of you that know me well, this was normally my worst nightmare. I couldn't handle elementary school students! but when the school called me, I was so eager, I jumped at the chance! I started off with a 4th grade class which was a great way to ease in to the lower grades. Day after day, the substitute scheduler and I have developed a nice rapport and she began scheduling me to work every day! I even got offered a job as a 2nd grade teacher! ---unfortunately, I had to turn it down...for a number of reasons the biggest one being that we just don't know how long we'll be here. It wouldn't be right to do that to the kids or me. The principal was ready to call the top dog of Eric's company to find out when we'd be leaving but I luckily talked him out of that! Since I've been subbing every day, I've become one of those permanent fixtures in the school. Most of the teachers and administration know me and it's just been a great way for me to get my "school fix" without being tied down to a full time job.
The American School here is just amazing. The facilities are second to none. I remember a conversation with my neighbor (he's 10) and I said, "wow, that swimming pool at the school is just so impressive." He responded with, "which one?" Seriously? Which one? There are mac laptops for all and the opportunities these kids are afforded is just incredible. Let's just say, there are never any problems because of budget or lack of money. It's a mix of kids from all over the world but mostly from the States and European countries. There are also some students who are locals and from around the Middle East but it is definitely and "American School" vibe.
My biggest concern with not having a job in the teaching field was that I was not going to keep my resume up to date so I have been searching for a part-time job that enabled me to keep subbing when I want because I really enjoy it, but also keep teaching ESL a few hours a week and still have time to help the family's business, of course wedding plan :) So, I recently took a job at a local language school for just a few weeks. Since I am leaving June 1, I am only able to work until then but the class goes until June 20 so they hired me for the first half and another teacher for the 2nd half. I was a bit hesitant about the school so I figured this was a way for me to try it out without having to commit long term.
So, I am teaching several hours a week a small (10 students) class of all male local students. All of the students go to a local school and are learning English as a requirement. They all speak Arabic and have been taking English for a few years. They are intermediate level learners so it's not terribly difficult to communicate but it's an incredibily different place than at the American School. They are all male and they're used to much more differnt style of learning than I am used to teaching. I am also required to teach out of a book that is provided by the school. I am trying to add my personal touches to the class and make it fun for them. It's a fine line here with females and males and it's still a reality that females are not as respected as males. It's definitely been an interesting experience thus far and I'm starting to build a relationship with the students which has been instrumental in getting them to open up to the idea of learning English.
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