alee | ExpatWoman.com
 

alee

alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 April 2013 - 18:13
We arrived in Doha 3 years ago and the road was just the same and sorry to say it is even worse during the manic school run. So can't imagine it getting any better any time soon!!!!
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 27 March 2013 - 19:07
Gonna be a bit of a nightmare for next years YR 6, getting into secondary !!!
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 22:16
DESS is the best. However if your child has specific needs,and requires constant support you will find none.It may be difficult to pass the assessments which take place to gain entry into a school in Qatar.This is of course if you get over the hurdle of the never ending waiting list!! Sorry it's not better news
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 March 2013 - 21:44
Now we know what happens to the capital fees, another school so they can make more money what ever happened to the new school for the present pupils??? I see they are reviewing there school fees, I'm sure they won't be going down.Sorry to be the cynic!!! Great for all the people needing school places
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 March 2013 - 22:11
As we are paying the fees, approx 19000 Qr per term plus 10,000 deposit plus capital fee , plus administration fee which totals approx 37,000 QR riyals before walking through the door I think it's a reasonable question. For that I can send my child to an excellent school in the UK. I have searched the forum and not seen anything which says much about DC secondary, good or bad.
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 February 2013 - 20:32
Hi Gem Nadine ,my husband is head of interior design, which sound very fancy but is extremely high pressured given the rate Qatar is growing and the demand for projects to be completed. He works on everything from shopping malls to restaurants and hotels plus more.At this time of year the weather is good and you can spend your days at the park,swimming pool and beach or having a stroll around the souk which the children will love.You can attend one of the many coffee mornings that take place.If I were to choose again I would live at the pearl where I could walk out for a coffee or to the supermarket without having to call a driver. I choose to find a job in the school which my daughter attends as I Needed more of a focus for my days especially as it gets hotter. The months May to end of October are the times when I like many struggle the most, the heat is your dictator and limits any time outdoors.Even driving in the car can be unbearable depending on the time of day. You have to get used to being inside be it at home or the shopping mall. My daughter went to Sherborne ( which I cannot recommend) when we first arrived and then we moved her to DESS as soon as a place became available. Sorry I don't know a lot about compass except that the school fees are a lot.Hope this helps. The one thing I will say is moving to Doha has certainly being an experience!!!
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2013 - 23:03
It all depends on what your used to and your lifestyle when you arrive in Qatar. I come from quaint old York in the UK was used to walking everywhere , my husband worked reasonable hours and got decent holiday and my daughter was in a great school.We came to Qatar as there was work and for that we are grateful.However I cannot say it's great or we love it as we don't it's just not our thing . My husband now works 6 days a week 7.30 am to 6.00 is exhausted and stressed most of the time. If you have children as we do the school issue is a nightmare as school places are at a premium ,the cost is crazy and not that great and for at least 6 months of the year the heat prevents outdoor activities other than swimming. However Iif your working for an oil company everything should be easy ( except school places )as the package will cover everything plus more
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 February 2013 - 22:42
Sorry this is little help, but I wouldn't consider doing this with my 11 yr old and certainly wouldn't do it with a six yr old. I work in a school as a TA and would second DebK reply. I also use a driver and sometimes there driving needs controlling ie slow down your driving like a maniac, stop using your mobile and watch the road etc I would strongly advise you take your daughter yourself
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 26 December 2012 - 21:59
The joint owners of Garveys have children who are mixed race , and I'm sure are not by any means racist .
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 December 2012 - 15:36
Hi yes it's true everyone has there own opinions on schools all over the world and what may suit one person may not suit another. However standards here in Doha are to often definitely not what you would get in a good state school in the UK. This is sometimes because of the school some it's pupils. Believe me to live in Doha you cannot expect perfection but for example my daughters first school here Could not agree on a start time ,so changed it 4 times in a term. On a weekly basis more than half her class was absent and late on a daily basis The building and classrooms were to small for the ever expanding school Had a Lack of pupil control Poor teaching These were by no means the only factors in contributing to us changing her schools. We had made a decision to move to Doha and already had a big change, to have to move schools was not what we wanted , but was in my daughters best interests. There are some good examples of teaching here but unfortunately schooling has a way to go. Obviously parents want the best for their children and Why shouldn't they expect at least good standards when they are paying for it you would expect good if you were paying for anything else. My child has gained a life experience from being out here in the middle East but for sure she won't be here for senior school. I wish you the best in looking for a suitable school I know it's not easy edited by alee on 13/12/2012 <em>edited by alee on 13/12/2012</em>
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 16:27
Sorry couldn't help but laugh exquisite and high taste ,this is Doha LOL :) Florist there is one in landmark and also villageo which sell flowers and make bouquets which are nice enough but I would never say are great as the flowers are of course imported and don't last .They are also madly expensive in comparison with the UK. ie 100 QR for 5 lilies which I would pay £5 for in UK
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 16:16
Get an amerex account then you can buy from amazon etc they send goods to a UK address they are then posted on to Qatar. You then collect goods at amerex office approx 1 week later. They text you to let you know once they have arrived and you pay the postage (which can be high cost depending on weight). I definitely wouldn't have anything sent here by regular post.
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 November 2012 - 16:08
If you want to see Doha and get a feel for what's here, I would also visit Souk Waqif The Museum of Islamic Art Katara Cultural village and beach The Pearl A trip out to the desert and of course don't forget a shopping mall.
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 October 2012 - 18:35
Love - pay day and the airport departure lounge, Hate - lack of human rights, driving and crappy schooling
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 October 2012 - 18:10
Hi If you are applying to the schools mentioned and are British with children who speak English as a first language and have been in a ok British school I really wouldn't worry about the entrance tests. The costs of applications are part of the process and are expensive when you are paying. Depending on yr groups waiting lists for schools can be a bit of a nightmare. To be honest it depends on what you want for your children if it's the best in education and stability ,that's not in my view in Qatar and we are leaving in the summer of next yr for my daughter to return to secondary school in the U K . If it's a life experience than that's a definite. Hope all goes well with your move really it's not that scary
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2012 - 10:25
That's a terrible situation, and I feel for the parents and children. The school just about fitted 300 pupils in it when my daughter was there so was really surprised to see they were still expanding to 700. I think greediness has taken over from common sense!!! <em>edited by alee on 07/09/2012</em>
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 June 2012 - 19:45
Hi Chizz We visited Raz al Jinz in April which is totally out of season to see the turtles but still managed to see them.The main season is July to September so you would be going at potentially a good time. We stayed at the scientific centre on the beach ,which isn't fancy but is clean . The price includes the option of both beach tours, which start at 10 pm and 3am another good reason to stay there. The tour at 10 pm will be busiest as this is when bus tours also visit but at 3am we were practically the only ones and saw a turtle laying her eggs and returning to sea. For us it was a magical experience as we took our 10th old daughter who loved it. There isn't much near and the beach is quite remote, I think some people stay at Sur. I booked online the only thing I would say is the food in the restaurant is terrible and expensive so take food with you. The area is very beautiful hope you enjoy it
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 16:22
Some companies prefer workers to complete a probation period before your family arrive and make a commitment to staying in Qatar
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 June 2012 - 16:18
Or you could drive through mountains and along coast to Sur and Raz al Jinz ,beautiful scenery, beautiful Wadis no need for 4/4 as roads are great on this route really beautiful and unspoiled
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 May 2012 - 16:39
Ditto BEDH, I would agree, we are here only as unemployment is the alternative. Schooling has been a head ache, school places and poor standards. I can't wait to leave. I hope things work out more positively for you!!
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 17:15
Secondary school in the UK starts yr 7 age 11-12 , my daughter was at Sherborne a year ago she is now 10 and I withdrew her from the school, unfortunately from what I can gather things have not improved much it's all a bit hit and miss depending on your teacher
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2012 - 15:51
GinaM check DESS website as school fees are now only refundable with notice up to the last day of term
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 16:25
Thanks PuppyLove 2
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 16:18
Who knows who they are ??? This is Qatar, believe nothing <em>edited by alee on 10/05/2012</em>
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 May 2012 - 15:59
Some people do, that's all I have to say
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 17:35
Lalala the whole point is they are advertising a campaign to help badly treated workers in there own country, <em>edited by alee on 09/05/2012</em>
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 May 2012 - 15:57
Unfortunately I have never been one for accepting it is what it is . Things can and should change with enough voices and less complacency.
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 22:45
I'm definitely not saying it's not a good cause , just these issues could be sorted if they treated people well in the first place!
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 May 2012 - 21:33
Not sure what to think of this, a box appeal for construction workers in Qatar, an extremely wealthy country which has them working and living in terrible conditions on poor wages !!
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 21:56
I have been here 2 years and the maid thing is still foreign to me.It's not for me!! However with regards to your question maids rooms again vary, but most I have seen are tiny the size of a cupboard. I wouldn't feel happy letting anyone stay in them. Some are outside and some are even under stairs. I wouldn't consider it as an extra room to your house
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 20:42
The last 2 years I have spent going back to the UK for the summer and spent the whole time visiting and staying with family. This year I am taking all our stuff out of storage and moving out our tenants to stay in our own house for the summer. Staying with family has driven me crazy, for the same reasons as DebK mentions and it is certainly no holiday. Renting a place during the school holidays especially in July and August is not cheap. My circumstances are slightly different as I have a daughter to consider. But if there was only me I wouldnt be going back to the U.K
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2012 - 19:06
To be honest traffic congestion is a major issue in Doha, and effects most areas, be prepared to sit in traffic unless it's Friday morning.
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 21:01
I don't think it's necessarily that the schools are elitist standards are not great here! it's just that the schools are not set up to support these pupils with qualified staff and resources. Dess has a good learning support section but this is to support pupils who are not meeting the expected UK standards of numeracy and literacy not those with special needs.
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 April 2012 - 20:54
Don't worry as long as they speak and understand a reasonable level of English and have no behavior or particular disabilities they will be fine ,it's not like a private school in the UK
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 April 2012 - 10:29
Yep may not open at all :(
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 April 2012 - 19:11
Closed till at least middle of April technical issues or political issues !!!
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 13:30
Muscat
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 February 2012 - 11:01
Do you have an apple account for purchasing music etc. If you do there is a section for books and audio books you can download. There is also an apple app for books where you can buy and download samples of the books
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 January 2012 - 13:45
Construction has suffered considerably in the recession ,salaries and jobs have been hit badly especially in the UK and also in many other citiesThe workplace for Architects, and designers is especially hard with competition for jobs high. Qatar is better than most places primarily because everywhere else has been hit and are not building. The work loads for design companies vary enormously my husbands company is locally owned and his department is crazy busy. But we know other people in the trade who's companies are from other areas of the world but based here and are not doing well. Adrem in the UK are a good start for looking for positions there is quite slot of work in Singapore ,Hong Kong and India. <em>edited by alee on 31/01/2012</em>
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 December 2011 - 15:49
Q Bel Air next to the american embassy on D ring road 3 bed unfurnished villa 13000 or 15000 furnished good facilities not much greenery but spacious villa.
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 December 2011 - 10:50
Thanks for your explanation CC Doha, I don't tend to visit that area. I don't think I will forget some of the things I have seen here either
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 22:33
No I haven't been to the industrial area can you explain
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 20:41
Hi does anyone know of a good skin specialist ,Thankyou
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 17:17
Like my message was just bleeped hysterical
alee
197
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 17:15
Yep it's so funny, sometimes they also bleep the word *** but are quite happy to leave plenty of swear words.
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 December 2011 - 15:52
Right with you counting down the days x:)
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 December 2011 - 18:12
Marks and Spencers
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 December 2011 - 08:49
Has anyone info on the camel racing times etc we have guests arriving and I'm now frantically trying to find things for them to do,they will want to be kept busy and as they are not the pool lounging type Help !!
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 01 December 2011 - 08:43
You could try Origins it's a company mainly selling European style sofas and beds/ mattresses they are based in a villa in the lagoon area, they have a website if you want to check it out at origins sofas.com
alee
197
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 November 2011 - 21:10
Fabulous dhow exhibition a wonderful sight watching them sail in to the beach a must see
 
 
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