alee | ExpatWoman.com
 

alee

alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 December 2013 - 23:14
No public holiday, no fireworks, no celebrations for New Year in Qatar :(
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 December 2013 - 17:29
Qatar is forever changing it's rules,especially recently.However that said Yes you do need original and certified copies of your education documents from country of origin.
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 December 2013 - 00:46
Hi Sassi we spent 3 National days in Doha.We never found it scary, the first year we went to the Corniche and watched the fireworks and the Qataris driving up and down the road hanging outside there four by fours ,sitting and standing on the roof etc it was a real sight. We also watched the parade on National day, you have to be there early and be aware the crowds are big. There are various other things to see ie Darb al Sarb. The main nightmare is the traffic it took us 2 hours to get from corniche to al rayan.The driving is also more ridiculous than usual as you can imagine maybe that's what people are referring to. I would never have wanted to miss the sights we saw over the National day celebrations.That been said be aware of the crowds and the chaos
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 December 2013 - 17:41
P.S I so understand why you would want to go back Doha drives me crazy !!!!
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 December 2013 - 17:38
No we haven't heard anything bad about life in Bahrain which is amazing since it's only 30 miles over the water, to be honest it can only get better after Doha ( we hope):)
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 December 2013 - 17:34
Definitely, Doha is not Dubai. Life is no holiday for all in Doha, work hours can be really long, driving a nightmare, really expensive to live there, accommodation poor unless you have a great allowance and going up Seriously make sure you get a big salary to cover your costs. I don't want to appear to negative , just make you more aware of some of the things people find hard living in Doha. Living in the sun may sound great and it can be , for some its definitely experience and others just hate it. We never really settled in Doha ,mainly because my husband hated his job. Also factor into your costs trips home and where ever else you want to travel and remember your husband will need an exit visa from his company to leave Qatar even for the weekend.
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 December 2013 - 17:15
LOL !!! Kimbo61 exactly my sentiments;);)
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 December 2013 - 23:10
Thank you so much kimbo61, Lady Penelope, BEDH and Rachel A for all the positive feedback. I think there's quite a lot of people who want to fit in my suitcase LOL :) Goodbye to Doha, you have certainly been an experience!!!! and Hello Bahrain
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 December 2013 - 23:56
BEDH I love your memory of your sons RP stamp expiring LOL
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 December 2013 - 23:54
Thank you so much for all your replys we are now quite excited about the move to Bahrain and just hoping my husband likes his new job :) :)
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 December 2013 - 15:27
Thanks so much kimbo61 that's such a big help, we are so looking forward to better traffic and driving conditions.That combined with husband working less hours it seems like a done deal.
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 December 2013 - 13:11
Thank you kimbo61, most people we speak to say the same thing and to be honest after 4 years will be glad to leave Doha.My main concern is the schools do you have an experience of them ?
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 December 2013 - 00:09
Ha ha ha Where in the world, totally agree
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 December 2013 - 00:05
Oriental Carpets, sells a great selection and cheaper than the souk
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 November 2013 - 14:02
It closed at the beginning of July due to poor sales, it was supposedly going to become a cheese cake factory restaurant. Not sure if that's still the case
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 October 2013 - 19:07
PuppyLove2 LOL LOL LOL :)
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 October 2013 - 22:28
Puppylove let's not even go there !! LOL <em>edited by alee on 22/10/2013</em>
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 October 2013 - 00:38
II presume you have not managed to secure a place at Doha college, park house or British school which would be the usual first choices which is why your considering these options. I would not have thought Qatar International school and I really cannot give an honest opinion about Compass except I know lots of people who used it as a stop gap till they got a place at school of choice.Obviously this is not ideal situation for a Yr 10.I would strongly recommend visiting the schools if you havent already to get an idea of the student mix and faciltys etc. To be honest the problems with SEC are not always a reflection on the school it could be a whole range of things which have nothing to do with the children's education or well fair.
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 30 September 2013 - 15:56
I think you need to update things to do in Qatar as the Zoo is no longer open :)
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 September 2013 - 12:34
In 4 years the traffic has got steadily got worse and it wasnt good in the first place.Not only because of the amount of work going on but also due to the increased volume of cars on the road, unfortunately this is not going to get better quickly as more people arrive. I very much doubt it's gonna get better soon
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 September 2013 - 14:39
To be honest I would take a lot of these results with a pinch of salt, a good school has more to it than that. I think you will also find that they are not giving the full picture, ie students taking retakes,obviously this can be said of any school in the world. Personally the whole school thing in Doha drove me crazy, while I was happy with sending my daughter to DESS there were to many other issues that made us make the decision to return to the UK for secondary. lalala get used to children not turning up for school in Doha this also seems to be the norm even with expats,on a regular basis children missed the significant time at school especially at the beginning and ending of term as well as being regularly late for lessons.You may find that those children who didn't turn up on day one will do in about 2 weeks time
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 July 2013 - 12:32
NO, sorry I wouldn't probably for reasons not best discussed on this forum and not to do with her education.
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 July 2013 - 23:05
Hilarious , Wherein the world your list looks like mine and that's after 3 and a half years !!! However had to edit 1. Doha airport departure lounge <em>edited by alee on 12/07/2013</em>
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2013 - 20:57
A regular driver would I think be best, there a few companies who will do this , fox limos and pick quick are the ones I know other people may suggest good drivers
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 July 2013 - 16:08
HobbitGirl , no one I know uses public transport here in Doha , it's possible but honestly he may get a bit of a shock if your from the West. I think a driver would be a better option :)
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 July 2013 - 18:16
Whereintheworld not Qatar Academy, I think correct me if I'm wrong Banathypie is referring to DC. Oh dear !!
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 June 2013 - 20:28
DESS is closed tomorrow
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2013 - 17:43
I havent judged the school my comments regarded any school in Doha I am sorry if you took offence, as I said in my first message I asked What is good about DC?? there are obviously happy parents there and unhappy ones , however you do have to admit its in poor condition with poor facilities .
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 June 2013 - 16:14
I am glad you are happy with your sons education to date at DC kimmc3. I have been waiting for some positive comments regarding the school.Finding the ideal school is not easy as I'm sure you appreciate, I'm not sure why in Doha it is accepted that you have to pay the earth for poor standards after all if you paid for something in a shop that was poor quality or broken most people would be quick to complain. BanathyPie you are not the first I have heard say this and while I agree it is a parents responsibility to teach manners I do think a teacher should be teaching sportsmanship and good behavior. Obviously when children are on trips etc people get an impression of a school good and bad,this is the schools responsibility to manage
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 19:18
Thank you RobeyC
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 17:03
I have become very familiar with accepting things in Doha and don't expect amazing.At least at DESS its a nice environment and has been kept well. Not sure what DC s excuse is
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 16:33
What they say and what they are is a different matter in Doha .I would take a lot of convincing that DC secondary is not for profit
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 June 2013 - 15:57
We have been here 3 and a half years , and my daughter is about to go to secondary and I am trying to decide if I should take her back to Uk . She has been offered a place at a very good independant girls school but it would mean leaving my husband here :( We have to pay our own school fees so almost 40,000 QR for first term including deposit etc at DC which seems like a lot for something that's not great.We have already previously been through the experience of a school for profit when we first arrived in Doha and I am very reluctant to do it again To be honest so fed up and stressed with the combination of what I've heard and what I have seen which is so depressing. Definitely Doha days !!!
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 June 2013 - 18:22
At last !!! I thought I was the only one.Moving to Doha knocked my confidence big time. I have been here 3 and a half years and struggled all the way. While I have not lived in Dubai and can only compare with the UK. I have found very few people who were friendly or welcoming, but plenty who were obnoxious and rude? Especially westerners.What happens when they arrive in Doha ???
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 May 2013 - 22:26
sandy82 my husbands company did the same thing,it' was nothing to do with not being able to get visa. It was more to do with the company deciding if they liked my husband and if my husband liked them, hence the 3 month probation period.However when we did arrive it didn't take very long to get our residents visa, approx 3 weeks,although this was 3 years ago. Lots of people do visa runs, it's not ideal but use it as an excuse to have a weekend trip in Dubai or Oman
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 May 2013 - 21:24
Dubaistars we live at the compound next to the American embassy.It is called Q Bel Air complex.There are 5 bedroom and 3 Bedroom villas. Leafy green it is not.However the facilities are good .Shaded pool ,minion golf course , gym etc and villa well maintained.We live her because the journey to DESS is so quick. We have done it in 8mins with no traffic.About 20 -25 on a busy day.We leave the house at approx 6.50 which most of the time gets us to school at the latest by 7.10. I can tell you that you will find it difficult to negotiate any discount in this area ,accommodation prices are on the rise as demand is going up outstripping supply (sounds familiar LOL) Originally our daughter went to Sherborne and the compound was in a good location for there also
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 May 2013 - 18:24
You will find that in Doha at the schools currently providing the British curriculum, many will be very reluctant to help the children who require a lot of learning support . At the end of the day the schools here are more intrested in making money and the costs of supporting pupils are not in there interest.I would ask Sherborne if there is a pacific problem before moving her ie is it Low ability or behavior, As you may find the same problem happening somewhere else and again be in the same position. The best of luck in finding a solution which works. I would also speak to your daughter about the school and what is happening in class <em>edited by alee on 19/05/2013</em>
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 May 2013 - 18:21
Markar I don't think anyone's trying to frighten anybody.There are just trying to give there honest opinion. It is better I think to know what to expect. In our first year of being here the temperatures were hitting 50 plus in May . No joke. May and June can be the worst time for heat combined with dust storms.This year is unusual, that we had cooler weather up till now. Yes it can be frightening.This is not pleasant even with the cars AC stuck waiting in traffic with young children is no fun. I know when we first arrived my school journey was 45 mins each way that was equal to 3 hrs a day in the car just for school run.Honestly whatever you do consider your journey times and be close to school ,home or work if possible <em>edited by alee on 18/05/2013</em>
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 May 2013 - 21:44
The price you have quoted for DC primary markar is not inclusive of 10,000 returnable deposit ,or 5,000 capital fee due in the first term of the year ,or admin costs. All of this is extra outlay , for DC .Making it approx 45000 in the first yr. All of which if your company isn't paying ,you have to allow for.My costs were for Secondary i.e. yr 7 upwards again a consideration for the future which comes round sooner than you expect. Beware of extra costs not just the term fee. Also consider the standard of the school. If the fees are low what are the facilities and teachers like.Good teachers do not go to badly paid jobs .They do not come to Doha for love of the job. edited by alee on 17/05/2013 <em>edited by alee on 17/05/2013</em>
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2013 - 20:37
The cost of schooling in Doha is high in terms of value for money, and given that more and more people now have to pay there own fees. It can be debatable how worth while it is bringing your family to Doha as it often wipes out any chance of saving while your here. School fees for some schools are approaching 70,000. For example DC secondary 10,000 deposit, 20000 per term 5,000 capital fee and approx 3000 admin costs all payable before your child walks through the door.Do I think it's worth it, not sure given that the schools maintained poorly and teaching is of a very mixed standard.. Primary school fees are cheaper , however there won't be too many cheaper than 42000.
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 May 2013 - 15:44
No I don't get it , its not any different from Starbucks ,costa or any other big coffee chain
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 20:36
lalala absolutely agree and I know in this rare case it wasn't about money :)
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2013 - 16:30
Unfortunately there are definitely not enough school places in Doha at decent schools. There is also a lot of pressure to improve standards and while there are long waiting lists this gives the schools more options to be more selective while collecting extra funding. Yes it's very annoying, however unfortunately in the past despite being told the schools do not support special needs etc. parents have pursued places for there child often by not telling the truth. This obviously has an impact on the school with regards to learning support , teaching and other children in class. Testing children is never ideal.Unfortunately what you are experiencing is part of life in Doha its about the money !! Very rarely the child .The best of luck to you finding a school place I know it's not easy <em>edited by alee on 13/05/2013</em>
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 May 2013 - 21:06
Sorry not sure who Fiona Coutts is but I very much doubt it. The school places situation is a bit of a nightmare and appears to have got a lot worse in the last year. The only suggestion I have is keep calling,people leave all of the time and you may get lucky
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 May 2013 - 21:29
The schools have to have approval by SEC to put up fees. I know that most schools at the moment are asking to increase fees between 10 and 15 percent this year and they also put up the fees last year this is mainly because fees had previously not changed for several years. I would think that all schools are only going to become more expensive along with everything else in Doha.With regards to the bus service, my personal view is they are expensive, and poor quality there is no way I would allow my child to travel on one, however lots of people do.The other thing to consider is the time the bus would collect your child some pick ups are as early as 5 am
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 21:41
Or wait the next couple of days, as DESS have come to agreement re secondary school places. As ffor parents jumping ship I think you will find they are hedging there bets .Doha college maintains they take students first on ability. So in this case if you have smart kids it won't matter which school they go to.
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 May 2013 - 20:24
Hi although it dosnt guarantee a place right now it pushes his brother up the waiting list, so he is more likely to be offered a place much sooner. With regards to choosing schools, have you visited both? I would go with your preference. I have experience of both schools and can only recommend DESS :)
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 April 2013 - 18:25
Supreme Education Council HA Ha Ha !!! very much doubt they will be beneficial.
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 April 2013 - 21:10
They never fail to amaze me , I have not one good word to say about SEC. Full of big ideas but no common sense or real sense of knowing what they are doing!!!! Sorry that's no help, Im just ranting!!!! <em>edited by alee on 24/04/2013</em>
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 18:16
PS good luck with your move, Doha isn't that bad :)
 
 
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