We are Sonya and Travis, originally from Perth, Australia, moved to Doha, Qatar.

1. Why did you move abroad?
Travis was sent to Qatar on a project, initially on a fly-in fly-out arrangement.  We had always wanted to experience living abroad and saw a longer term opportunity with Qatar. After a few months into the project, Sonya looked for work and eventually we decided to relocate to the Middle East.

2. How do you make a living?
Travis is an engineer, Sonya works in consulting. There are many challenges as professionals working in Qatar, from language/communication to different working cultures.  However, as Qatar is going through rapid growth and development, it is an interesting and unique experience being part of (and observing) these changes taking place.  Both of us have met and worked with people from all over the world which has been a fantastic experience.

3. How often do you communicate with home and how?
Mostly through emails.  Once a week we will talk with family on Skype, it is a little difficult due to the time differences, so we usually do it on a weekend (which is Friday and Saturday in Qatar).  We also update our blog with our experiences which allows for our families and friends to catch up on what we have been up to.

4. What's your favorite thing about being an expat in Qatar?
It’s location on the Arabian peninsula in the Middle East. Being from a geographically isolated city such as Perth, we love being based in a country whose location allows us the ability to travel to different cities, countries and regions within a just few hours.  Also as part of the country’s vision for growth and international presence, there are many sporting events, cultural and art exhibitions and all sorts of other activities which takes place regularly - so we’re able to see and experience things we wouldn’t back home.

5. What’s the worst thing about being an expat in Qatar?
Unfortunately, there is still a lot of discrimination in Qatar.  Asian laborers who are involved in building and constructing the city don’t get treated very well and it is always visible in the malls and other public spaces.   This issue is discussed frequently in the media and we hope this attitude changes quickly and that these workers are able to enjoy a better quality of life here in Qatar.   The other thing is the crazy (and often dangerous) driving on the roads.

6. What do you miss most?
Family and friends the most.  After this, we also miss rain, trees, Sundays off and at times bacon (although pork has been recently available in Qatar).  

7. What did you do to meet people and integrate in your new home?
With both of us working full time, we were able to meet people through our work. As Qatar has a significant proportion of expats, we found it relatively easy to meet people in the same situation as us – working and living in a foreign country and keen to meet new people and share experiences.  Attending events and getting involved in activities is also a good way to integrate.

8. What custom/ habits do you find most strange about your adopted culture?
When Qataris celebrate their National Day, they will drive their 4WDs along the corniche, revving their engines, honking their horn, men and even children will sit on the roof dressed in traditional colors waving flags.

9. What is a myth about your adopted country?
That it’s dangerous. Qatar is a safe country and offers many, if not all, of the facilities provided in a developed country.  There are many expat families and children here and the country caters well for these families providing parks, activities and entertainment.

10. Is the cost of living higher or lower than the last country you lived in and how has that made a difference in your life?
Cost of living varies greatly depending on your lifestyle.  We found accommodation to be higher, though we did chose to stay in an apartment in the city, whilst we lived in the suburbs in Australia.   Fresh local produce is relatively inexpensive which is great, and fuel is significantly cheaper at thirty cents a litre.

11. What advice would you give other expats?
Make the most of your time abroad in your adoptive country - immerse yourself in the culture and try and experience new things - food, languages, customs and traditions.   Talk to people around you, whether they are local or expat - share experiences and learn from others.  

While it can be challenging being away from families, friends and familiarity - being abroad provides many invaluable life experiences and unique memories.   

12. When and why did you start your blog?
We started our blog a few years ago in 2007.  It started as a fun project we could work on together to capture our own memories and experiences and is now our channel for sharing our experiences with our families, friends and the wider internet community.

Sonya and Travis's blog

Find out more about being an expat with Easy Expat's

Qatar Guide

  To be considered for an interview (as well as other articles), add your blog to BlogExpat!

Recommended Partners