Fermanagh native Eimer Maguire is currently living in Doha, Qatar. Moving to the Middle East was Eimer's first move away from home after finishing university in Belfast – which she says is a "big change from driving down the road every Friday!"

This is her second year in her new city, with hopes of another year to follow.

Here she talks to The Impartial Reporter about the highlights of her time living abroad, what she misses most about her home, and what Fermanagh slang she has introduced to those she has met in Qatar.

When did you leave Fermanagh and why did you originally leave?

I left Fermanagh in October, 2020, to pursue my teaching career in Qatar. I always planned on combining my goals of teaching and travelling. Qatar was the up and coming place, which allowed me to experience the best of both.

What are you currently doing (travelling, working, volunteering etc.)?

I am currently in my second year of primary teaching at a wonderful international school called English Modern School Doha.

I teach Year 1 students from 11 different countries, many with English as their second language. It's an extremely rewarding experience!

What do you miss most about home?

City life in the desert is a far cry from the green fields of Fermanagh, although Qatar is a beautiful country with endless sunshine and sights to see.

When I’m away, I definitely miss the beauty on our doorsteps at home – the fresh air, a walk around the lake, or as mad as it sounds, a cold, frosty morning.

Do you travel home often?

I’m extremely lucky that in the profession of teaching, we have fantastic holidays. I’ve been able to travel home three times, so far – a surprise flying visit, a long summer, and thankfully, just at Christmas there!

I’ve also been so blessed to have had my mum and one of my close friends out to visit in 2021 too, bringing a little bit of Fermanagh all the way to Doha.

What has been a highlight of your time living abroad?

The people I’ve met along the way. I have met people from all over the world, from all walks of life.

I have learned more about others and myself than I could have ever imagined.

I remember a family friend telling me about the "University of Life”, and that it would be the best degree you could ever have, and I couldn’t agree more.

Was it difficult settling into life in a new country?

Like all changes in life, it undoubtedly takes time to find your feet. From the smallest things – like finding your new local supermarket or new loop to run – to starting a new job and understanding a new language.

But for me, it was an exciting process; an adventure, all made a little easier by having an incredible support system out here – friends are your family when away from home.

The ex-pat community out here is very close-knit; everyone pulls together in celebrations and hardships.

Have you faced many challenges?

The major challenge I faced in my time here was the uncertainty surrounding travel restrictions due to Covid-19.

For the first time in 23 years, I spent Christmas away from home in 2020; definitely a tough one for all involved.

In day-to-day living, Qatari culture is a lot different to life as we know it at home. It took some time to get used to the changes, but it is definitely something to be embraced.

Have you introduced any ‘Fermanagh slang’ to the country you are currently living in? If so, what words/phrases have people picked up?

If my staff room walls could talk about Fermanagh slang, they’d tell some stories! I have managed to earn myself the title of “wee pet”. Apparently, 'wee' doesn’t need to come before any random word, and 'pet' is an animal you keep in the house.

How does the food where you live compare to food from home?

Anyone who knows me knows I am a very plain eater, so I used my 30kg suitcase allowance wisely coming back.

I have definitely been pushed out of my comfort zone to try new things here though.

As a Muslim country, we are very respectful of restrictions here, so a ham and cheese toastie is always first thing on the list when I get home!

Who do you miss most from home? How have you found communicating across different time zones?

My family and my close friends. Dublin Airport’s Departures and Arrivals have seen plenty of my tears of sadness and happiness, leaving and arriving!

But I am so blessed to have a family who are really supportive and encouraging of me being here, and who are always ready at the other end of the phone, at any time of the day.

With only a two or three hour time difference depending on the time of year, I can’t complain.

Do you think you will ever move back to Fermanagh?

I read a quote the other day which really resonated with me: “Once you live abroad, you will never be completely at home again. Part of your heart will always belong elsewhere.”

I definitely haven’t lost the travel bug yet, but I’ve always said I want to come back to Fermanagh, or Ireland at least, with experience and memories under my belt.

Home definitely is where the heart is, for me.