gardengirl00 | ExpatWoman.com
 

gardengirl00

6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 May 2016 - 15:02
Blue, I can help with the dog if you still have it. Please send me a message. Kristi
6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2015 - 21:07
Hi Mazzloree, I'm far from an expert on schools but I will tell you what I know. You can apply on line to a few of the schools, the others are via mail, we used fedex. Some schools will need the child to take an entrance exam, others will not. One school we did apply to required an entrance exam and it was handled via school counselors. The exam was sent from Abu Dhabi via email and our school counselor proctored the exam. When the kids were done it was scanned and sent back via email by the counselor. I had no part in any of the testing. We applied to two schools and my kids were offered seats in both schools, however this was four years ago and times have changed. School seats are hard to get now, the demand far out weighs the supply. Application fees are not refundable. You MUST apply to school now, like as in yesterday! Check out the 'school of our choice' website and see what they require for admission. If you wait until August your child WILL NOT get placement, as it stands now, there is a waiting list for many schools/grades. Best of luck and put in that application as soon as possible. Kristi <em>edited by gardengirl00 on 11/04/2015</em>
6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 April 2015 - 20:52
Hi we are relocating in August from USA, any tips and pointers on the whole school scene, I am very nervous about this all I hear is kids are getti g home schooled while waiting for a seat. How did it work out for you guys in the end? How many schools are you allowed to apply to? I can not stress enough how important it is to apply NOW to the school of your choice. If you wait until August there is just about zero chance you will get in. All the school websites have directions on how to apply on line. Again, do not wait! Some of the school wait lists are in the hundreds already. Best of luck. Again, apply NOW. :)
6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 21:13
Are you in Dubai or Abu Dhabi? Do you like living there? Did you move with kids? Would you do it again if given the chance? I do expect an adjustment period for all involved but truthfully, more for myself then the kids. The kids are on board 100 percent and are excited about something new. Me, not so much. It's more of a hassle for me to move there. I have a house to sell, which isn't looking good in this economy, three dogs, three cats, and a parrot I have to find a temporary home for at least nine months out of the year. Since we do not plan to spend summers in Abu Dhabi it doesn't make sense to take any of the pets with us. Not to mention all of my pets are up there in age. This alone is causing me more anxiety than anything else. I do know that I sound like a fruit bat when I say that. I've never had to rehome any pets in all the years of our moving/travels. I don't need a huge yard but I do want privacy. I don't want to look out my back door and see my neighbor drinking their morning coffee. To add to the mix I wonder how is the unrest in the area affecting the UAE? Our plan was to travel and see that part of the world. Seems that will be on hold now? Kristi, I moved here in October 2010 from the States and there is an adjustment period no matter your age, but living in another country is a great adventure. In terms of housing and choosing Dubai or Abu Dhabi, will depend on what type of city you are from. Dubai is more of a city life than Abu Dhabi, which is a bit more laid back in my opinion. You can live in communities outside of Abu Dhabi like Khalifa City if you are looking for a yard and privacy. Best of luck with all your decisions.
6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 March 2011 - 17:00
Thank you Sarah for your reply. Our housing allowance is very generous so we could afford to live in Abu Dhabi. What I liked about Dubai housing was the yard space and privacy the homes offered. This doesn't seem to be the case in Abu Dhabi, it appears that many of the homes have no view at all and the homes are very close to one another with no privacy. I'm in the process of researching schools and hope to be in contact with a few of them today. Thanks agian for your input. Kristi edited by gardengirl00 on 24/03/2011 <em>edited by gardengirl00 on 24/03/2011</em>
6
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 March 2011 - 21:01
My husbands company has been on again/off again about relocating our family to Abu Dhabi. Currently the move is back on(as of yesterday) and all the kinks have been worked out in the contract. It's a great package that does cover school tuition fees. My concern is that we've waited so long to inquire/register for schools for the upcoming school year? I have one teen who will be going into 10th grade and a younger one who will be going into the 7th grade. We are from America so would like to stick with a similar curriculum. To further complicate matters, we initally thought the move would be to Dubai so all my research was done on that area. I'm at a loss when it comes to Abu Dhabi. My husband will not be working in country very often but will be home on the weekends. His home office will be located in Abu Dhabi- but again, he won't be in the office much. Should I push for Dubai as there is more housing and more school choices? My other concern is my teen daughter. How is it for teen girls in country? Has any found it easier for teens? I worry about her adjusting to the area. Thanks so much for any help and information. Kristi <em>edited by gardengirl00 on 23/03/2011</em>