sasha.p | ExpatWoman.com
 

sasha.p

sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 September 2013 - 08:47
Love: my job, many of my coworkers, the friends I have made, my students, sweet popcorn at the movies, the hardworking maintenance department at my compound who are quick to fix things and help out, the year round sunny weather (mostly), no snow in the winter, extra time with my husband, opportunities to travel to places we never would have considered while back in Canada. Hate: the occasional cockroach that we get (sorry - they creep me out), all the stray cats, and getting rain far too seldom (once a month would be nice.) :) There are cockroaches in Qatar? I didn't think it was the right climate for this.
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 September 2013 - 02:47
Dear Sasha, work email is already in public domain, [email protected] Drop a line and let me know when you are arriving, I'll send you my cell number. Good Luck Thank you. I sent you a message.
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 September 2013 - 08:10
Is there a way we can send personal messages to people on this forum? Or does it all have to be public?
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 September 2013 - 23:01
Dear Sasha, I am staying at Ezdan Tower-1, if your room is not facing the construction site but pool area you will be fine, but this problem is only with Ezdan-1, not with other 4 towers. A large number of new faculty is staying here and it is serviced by University transport in the morning and afternoon, also on saturday. City Centre is close by. I have done my medical and will do finger printing early next week, that would be all. I have been advised by colleagues not to rush for permanent accommodation, be picky and move when you know for sure you like what they are allocating OR once you get your RP sorted, find a place of your choice and take the allowance, which I am advised is not enough but having a good place to stay is again a matter of choice. Let me know if I can be of any help, email on QU website, would love to meet for coffee. I'm only in Doha for 1 year as visiting faculty so i think they're going to make me stay at Ezdan for the whole time. I discussed this with a colleague who also stayed there as visiting faculty for one year. What is it like staying at Ezdan? The reviews at Tripadvisor are appalling! Is it at all pleasant or nightmarish? I need to know to be prepared and not get too much of a shock so please be frank!
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 10:43
Well, friends I've now found out that I will be staying at Ezdan (don't know how long). What's the story with this building? It has the worst possible reviews on Tripadvisor. Tahminasaeed, you said you're staying there. What is it like? Have any of you been there? Any advice, warnings, etc? Thanks so much!
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 September 2013 - 01:18
How is health in Doha? Do you find that the weather and general living conditions are good or bad for health? Also, what are doctors/clinic like? Have any of you had experiences with these? Are there Western doctors and how does the medical system compare with Western countries? I'm scheduled to come next week and I now feel sick with the flu or something so I'm thinking about health issues. I wouldbn't want to get sick as soon as I get there. How awful would this be! Thanks so much!
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 August 2013 - 01:45
Dear Sasha, Most of us are in temporary accommodation and gradually will be moved, once Resident Permit is sorted out since the accommodation is provided by QU through the government.Different people are staying in different places, but university provides transport untill you are settled, that would cover at least first two weeks. My previous place had a children playing area right at the front of the house and a pool behind it, which meant that kids are playing till very late, and I do not have the ability to stay focused, so I moved to a hotel provided by QU, it is a one bedroom apartment - Ezdan Tower, has a good size bedroom and living space with a TV and free internet, a kitchen and a small sitting area next to the kitchen with a TV. I have not yet looked at the kitchen so cannot say what is there, I just dumped the stuff and came back as I had a meeting on campus. HR is very professional and helpful, and every place is different, there are hundreds in a similar situation and there is lot of support. It s a huge campus and one really needs a car to commute between buildings, but that's just my view. Campus is away from most of the residential areas but new buildings are coming up which in future would accommodate staff near the campus. People on campus especially HR are really helpful. A good number of us are without family here, frankly people with young children have more to worry about then those who are by themselves. Looking forward to see you on campus. Feel free to ask if you have any queries. How is everything going? How's life at Ezdan Towers? Also, have they given you a multiple exit visa so that you can leave the country freely? I know this is an issue in Qatar and I seem to remember reading somewhere that we get multiple exit visas at Qatar U.
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 August 2013 - 09:05
Thank you for the replies, everyone. They're very useful. I'm glad you're not posting any horror stories. Some people have scared me, especially by sending me links such as (which is for Dubai, but close), http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/05/13/horrifying-australian-woman-gang-raped-in-dubai-then-jailed-for-8-months-for-***-outside-marriage/ Tahminasaeed,what do you think of the QU campus? Is it nice? I hear it's quite far from the center of town. Is the accommodation close to town at least? I'm coming late, beginning of September, so I'm hoping they'll take me to permanent accommodation immediately. What kind of noise does you place have?
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 03:00
Hi there: Do your research and find out if it is a place where you think you can function. It is pretty ok here - they have stores with imported foods & clothing, international schools, movie theatres, shopping centers, lots of ladies groups where you can meet others in the same boat as you, I feel relatively safe here, but like being in any foreign country you should be aware of what is going on around you & be informed on events/dangers etc. The local people are ok, & really don't mix much with the expats, but can be a bit rude & drive badly but if you can find a way to deal with these things you will survive. Respect the country's rules for dressing etc. You will be fine, But Life anywhere is what you make it. edited by parkclark on 25/08/2013 edited by parkclark on 25/08/2013 Thanks - you're right, all places have advantages and disadvantages. The problem with Qatar is that it's quite difficult to research from overseas because people have opposing views depending on their experiences. I think a lot depends on who you meet and what work colleagues are like (given that we spend so much time at work). Do you find life stressful there (apart form the traffic)? Do people work hard? I lived for a year in Hong Kong and it was amazing how stressful and structured it was. It was impossible to relax and have a laugh. Everyone was also so busy - and the crowds everywhere...! I'm Australian and we kinda like our space and a bit of a laid-back lifestyle (at least on weekends!) This is why I'm trying to imagine Doha life. I wouldn't want to go for another year to a high-stress place.
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 August 2013 - 00:27
What are your first impressions? I'm due to come in a couple of weeks and I'm terrified. I've had such mixed reviews, some very bad about the conservatism, restrictions, racism, etc. Did you find people helpful and friendly, or...?
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 August 2013 - 00:57
With all these traffic problems you mention and the building that's going on in Doha, is it a very noisy place? I lived for a year In Hong Kong and I was constantly stressed by the noise, crowds and traffic - hardly anywhere to relax. Are there any nice parks or places to relax?
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 August 2013 - 00:28
Sasha, I'm a community college instructor, so in the academic world although maybe not quite as academic as yourself... what do you teach? If you want to hook up let me know. I'm not over there yet but will be soon. Yes I will let you know. I should be there in a couple of weeks. Do you teach adults? What are the students like compared to western countries? Going back to the media, does anyone here know if there's censorship of movies and news on satellite TV?
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 August 2013 - 00:16
Is this a Qatar U compound? If it's Qatar U one I may be living there but I don;t know yet. However, I came across this, http://blogoftheunknownwriter.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-doha-rants-y-village-doha.html
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 August 2013 - 00:31
My biggest surprise was not having as much culture shock as I thought I would have. It is 2 years here for me, and when I leave for long times, I am happy to come home. By the way, I live in a compound of Qatar U profs, Y Village, and it is awesome! I highly recommend it. Good luck I don't know where I'll be staying. I'm not even sure if they'll put me in a compound with singles or families or if the compounds are mixed. I know the student accommodation is segregated but I don't know about staff. The HR are not very forthcoming in their communications. Are you a Qatar U prof too, or how did you come to live there? Is it a mixed families/singles compound? Do they have good security? By the way my students will be females only. In some ways I guess this is a good thing. But I wonder if these girls aren't going to be a lot of work for university education given they'd probably be very sheltered from the world. Anyone here have any experience with adult females students? Thanks for bearing with me: forewarned is forearmed...
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 07:28
Oddly I don't mind the driving. The amount of traffic on the roads and the stop and go that results in some areas, is a pain, and the sometimes obnoxious behavior of some drivers is... well, something I have learned to just ignore. I don't mind being super assertive behind the wheel. Maybe it comes from the years I lived in Italy. The driving in Qatar isn't a heck of a lot different from Italy. What bothers me the most is the lack of ability to show affection. I am a person who likes to show my affection/appreciation for others by giving them a hug. (A very American thing.) I was told I could not touch the kids I was teaching. Sometimes when I was really pleased with one of them, I wanted to give a hug. Sometimes, as someone living alone without even any pets, I would have felt more human if I could have had a sense of affection. But it's frowned on there. In fact I heard that a British couple was arrested for showing some affection in public. I totally get that it's a different culture and I totally respect it...it's just that for me that piece of it was hard... it left a bit of a non-human, void-like feeling in my existence there. Yes the affection thing sounds harsh (although I wouldn't have anyone to show affection to unless I get a pet - maybe I'll bring some teddy bears; teddy bears are allowed, right?!) At least, are the people friendly and hospitable?
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 03:17
So, if you had to give one thing that you found the hardest to get used to and one thing that you really like about life in Doha what would they be? (just one of each...I'm curious). Also, those of you who are working what are your colleague like and work conditions like? I know this depends completely on the kind of job, but it would be good to see if there are any patterns. For example, have you made friends at work, or is the workplace super-serious and strict too?
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 02:00
Thank you for the responses everyone. I read them carefully. In all, it seems like a livable place but not a wonderful one. So, it's obviously not for long.I guess different people have different experiences and you never know until you're there what your perception will be. I'm surprised the university doesn't have campus visits - even a short visit would give me an idea if the place is for me or not. I just hope that communications are good and I can feel connected with my friends and family abroad. So, I need to make sure that skype, internet, satellite TV and the like are working adequately.... I also hear that you need permission from your employer if you want to travel, so on the whole, it sounds pretty restrictive.I guess the only thing that works to its advantage is the high, tax-free salary.
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 04:51
Thanks Fiorentina. Can you go out on your own without being stared at? Also, is the weather unbearable or are most places connected so that you don't have to be outside more than a few seconds? I have contradictory information on this. Some say they never feel the weather because everywhere is airconditioned but I know some people who actually left because they couldn't stand the weather. As for the TV, did you have satellite? From what I hear they have movie channels and so on.
sasha.p
19
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 00:01
Hi All, I'm an academic coming to Doha for a job at Qatar University. I'm single and will be coming alone, so I'm very anxious about the lifestyle. How easy is it for a foreign single woman to live in Doha? What would be some possible problems? I have the impression that it will be a bit like a golden cage, but I could be wrong. I'm a professional, so I'll be working most of the time. I need to do some writing, so I'm hoping that my home (provided by Qatar U.) will be comfortable and quiet so that I can work after hours and weekends. Are compounds usually quiet? What are some common problems with housing and getting settled? Also, I want to make sure I keep in touch with the outside world and with international social trends. What's satellite TV like? Do you get the usual international channels or is there censorship? I have heaps of questions, but for now I'll leave it up to you to give me some advice about things I should know. I would really appreciate any tips you may have for me. Many thanks in advance!
 
 
Top 5 UK curriculum online schools for expat families and kids abroad

Top 5 Online Schools For Expat Families in the Middle East

How expats in Germany can get German pension refund

Bye Bye Germany - Hello German Pension Refund?

UAE Emirati Lawyer Awatif Khouri in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Meet the Emirati Woman Breaking Grounds in UAE Law: Awatif Khouri

Mashreq NEO NXT Account | Why Kids and Teens Need Financial Education

Why Teens Need Real-World Financial Education?

International university transition tips

How to Make the Transition to University Life Easier

How to apply for Germany VBL Pension Refund as an expatriate | Germany Pension Refund

Bye Bye German Public Service Job - Hello VBL Pension Refund

Tourist SIM cards in Dubai guide

Tourist SIM Cards in Dubai: Where to Get One and Package Prices

World's most expensive cities to live in 2024

These Are the World's Most Expensive Cities To Live in 2024

Dubai ranked as one of the best cities to work in 2024

Dubai Ranked Among Top 5 Cities in the World to Work In

What are the signs that your online date is a fraud

8 Warning Signs Your Online Date is a Scammer

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Repatriation

10 Expat Experiences You Should Check Off Before Leaving For Good

Best and Worst Countries to Get Started Abroad for New Expats

Best and Worst Countries for New Expats to Get Started Abroad

Under the Mango Tree by Robyn Fok | Expat Books

Expat Author Robyn Fok's 'Under the Mango Tree' Deals With Pet Grief & Loss

Expat Wife, Happy Life: Interview With Expat Author Florence Reisch

(Images: Supplied)

Expat Interview: Meet Florence Reisch, Author of 'Expat Wife, Happy Life!'

Remembering Queen Elizabeth II: A Tribute by UAE Expats

Remembering an Extraordinary Woman: A Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

10 reasons why expat women love the UAE

10 Reasons Why the UAE is a Popular Choice for Expat Women

6 Common Fears of Moving Abroad By Yourself and How to Overcome Them

Moving to the UAE Alone: 6 Common Fears and How to Overcome Them

Ultimate Babyshop Baby and Toddler Travel Packing List

These Baby Travel Essentials Are Must-Haves For Your Next Family Getaway

Requirements to apply for a UAE Golden Visa

How Do I Obtain a UAE Golden Visa? Requirements, Eligibility, and Process Explained

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

5 Tip for Expats to Survive Long-Distance Relationships

Opening a bank account in the UAE

A Newcomer to the UAE? What to Consider When Choosing a Bank for Opening an Account

Culture shock in the United Arab Emirates for expats

14 Ways You Will Experience Culture Shock in the UAE

Why you shouldn't upload your resume on your LinkedIn profile

5 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Upload a Resume to Your LinkedIn Profile

10 Secrets to Happiness as an Expat

10 Secrets to Finding Happiness as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

4 Ways to Network as an Expat

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

8 Expat Problems That Are Just Too Real

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

How to Make New Friends in a Foreign Country

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

Top 10 Countries with the Best Quality of Life

The best European cities for new expats

Pictured: Prague

The Best Cities in Europe for Expat Arrivals

House in Husavik

10 Amazing Things To Do In Iceland

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

How to Make Your Own Life as an Expat and Why It’s Important

The Labriz eforea spa location

Why Seychelles is One of the Best Holiday Destinations

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose

The Real Expat: Chasing Your Dreams to Find Your True Purpose