Peace with 4 | ExpatWoman.com
 

Peace with 4

Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 14 July 2015 - 12:12
Hi Wiggie, We live in Y Village and we really like it. I have a daughter who is also going into 3rd grade and a son going into 2nd and they have lots of friends around the compound and the facilities are not bad compared to many of the other compounds in Doha. A lot of people think its a bit far but compared to the amount of driving we used to do in the US everything here is pretty close. Our kids go to GEMS American Academy at the moment and are on the waiting list at ASD (and they have been for the past year). We've had a decent experience at GEMS so far but will switch to ASD if a spot becomes available because I feel its a better fit for our kids. Happy to answer any further questions you may have in more detail about schools, the compound, and the move to Doha....
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 May 2015 - 15:30
Hi, We live in a Y Village compound, it's a bit out of the way, close-ish to Villaggio, although if he is leaving at 6 am it shouldn't take too long. We pay 18k for a 4 bedroom which is semi-furnished (all appliances included, no furniture) but I know they also rent fully furnished, though I'm not sure how much for. Our kids are 7 and 8 and they have tons of friends on the compound and they are always at each other's houses or by the pool. I would highly recommend it!
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 08 February 2015 - 13:43
Hi khokha2... we go through the industrial area and its pretty much smooth sailing. At most it takes us 45 minutes but there is rarely much traffic. They have extracurricular activities that are mostly arts and crafts type stuff, but what I was referring to was more of team sports that I feel is lacking. All the teachers I've met have been from the US except for one who is Canadian, other than the Arabic teachers of course. Most of the administration seem to be from the US as well.
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 February 2015 - 15:07
We have two kids who go to GEMS American Academy, a 1st grader and a 2nd grader. We live close to Villaggio and it takes us about 35 minutes to get to school, more if there is traffic, but there usually isn't. It is far, and the kids complain about the trip almost daily. That said, they love the school. We actually enrolled them in the school because like you we had no other options. We had our hearts set on ASD but didn't get a spot so we figured we would put them in GEMS while we wait out the waiting list. Now I honestly don't know if I will transfer them if a spot opens up. The school has a great community feel. The teachers are very good and the school books and curriculum are identical to the ones my kids were using back home in the US. There were very few students out the outset but that is changing (there were 7 kids in my daughter's 2nd grade class at the beginning of the year and now there are 22; 1st grade went from one class of 14 in September to 2 classes of 14 now) I do have issues with the school, but I don't know if they are just growing pains the school is going through. The school principal has changed once already (although in fairness I wasn't a big fan of the 1st one) and my daughter's class is one their 2nd teacher and we are only 5 months in. They are not yet giving second language classes (other than Arabic) and there are no sports as extra curricular activities. I do expect most of these things to be resolved by next year, but its frustrating since our kids have so few formative years while they are in school, you don't want them to miss anything. Please let me know if you have any more questions about GEMS or the move to Doha. We just moved here in August so it's all still fresh!
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 11:40
Unfortunately we are all over Doha... we live in Y Village near Villaggio, kids are attending Gems American Academy in Wakra and I'm not sure what the area is that my husband works in but its near Megamart. Hopefully we move up on one of the many waiting lists we're on soon. I like the school, its just too far! Back home it was a 7 minute drive with traffic!
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 September 2014 - 11:15
Just did my first school run... home to school to drop off hubby at work to back home took me 3 HOURS!!!! I've never missed home as much as I do right now...
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2014 - 22:25
Hi khokha2, We got that email today as well, and I have to say it's the first thing I came across in Doha that ended up costing less than I had anticipated! I thought the fees would be in the same range as the GEMS American Academies in the Emirates which are 65k+ Will your child/ren be enrolling there? We have a daughter entering 2nd grade and a son entering 1st grade. So happy that the ball is rolling! Was about to enter panic mode earlier this week.
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2014 - 12:48
Excellent news RachelA! Thanks for the confirmation :)
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2014 - 11:15
We called GEMS earlier in the week for an update and they said they have received the school license from the SEC but as of today their website has yet to be updated and there has been no official announcement. Fingers crossed on school fees!
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2014 - 11:11
Thanks for the recommendations. I've also received a few recommendations for a Dr Samer at al Ahli hospital. Has anyone gone to him? Mbds the twins have not received the bcg vaccination yet as they do not give it in the US but I had no idea they couldn't just get it done at a regular drs office nor did I know at what age it's generally given. Let me know how you made out with that!
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2014 - 11:07
Hi doutre1, Just wondering... Are you asking for feeding advice in general? When I first read the question you posted it sounded more like market research or something. To answer your original question I would prefer frozen as I would assume it would have less preservatives than the jar or pouch and be less time sensitive than fresh. Hope that helps!
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 August 2014 - 00:42
Hi UET, By no means am I an expert, but we just made the move over from the US too so I might be able to share some of our experiences with you. First of all keep in mind that you must get the kids school records and birth certificates attested from the state you are in, the US State Dept, and the Qatari Embassy for the residency permit and to start school. Some schools will need the RP to take you application. We started this process 6 weeks ago and our papers are still at the Embassy. I would suggest that you start this process ASAP. Also we started applying to schools in February but we made the mistake of limiting ourselves to American School of Doha (ASD) and a couple of other schools for a number of months and didn't take people's advice on how hard it is to find school places too seriously. We ended up being lucky that some new schools opened up and have enrolled our 1st and 2nd graders at GEMS American Academy after a lot of waiting and stress. The school just got its license yesterday and we don't even know what the school fees are yet but I'm sure it's more than we were planning on paying but we just have no other choice at this time. So basically what I'm trying to say is apply apply apply. As for enrolling in the middle of the school year I've read on forums that it is not possible to start anytime other than September and that you can't transfer from one curriculum to another in the middle of the year (British to American for example) but every school I have spoken to has said it's not a problem. Hope that helps! Please feel free to reach out if you have any other questions. Like I said we are still newbies but since we are currently going through the process I might be able to help out.
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 August 2014 - 21:45
Thanks for your response Luton We went for the assessment today and they seemed quite frustrated at the situation, but as a parent no matter who the hold up is by, its frustrating not to have a confirmed school spot for our kids this late in the game. I'm not sure if its the right thing to wait it out with them, or secure places at Cardiff Int'l School, which is the only school that has offered us a place, although its not what we are looking for. I guess this is my lesson not to be such a stickler for plans and preparation in Doha!
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 July 2014 - 19:50
Does anyone know what the other 4 schools that were licensed are, in addition to the Finnish school? I can't seem to find that information anywhere
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 25 May 2014 - 23:24
Hi, We are in the same boat. We have been searching for schools for the past few months and its been a very frustrating process. The only two schools that we were informed have potential spots are Newton School in Barwa City and GEMS American Academy both of which are new schools opening for in September 2014. The issues to keep in mind are that Newton has informed us that they will not accept applications until the kids have their RPs. We manage to get around this with a letter from the company and a lot of begging and pleading. GEMS American Academy has told us that they do not yet have approval to open in September and should be receiving the approval this week from the SEC. If anyone else has any information about schools with spots we would love to hear about it as well. I've started to research homeschooling which will be a nightmare for us being that we will also have twin newborns this summer!
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 May 2014 - 02:24
Marykar do you have any idea how much the fees might be even as an estimate? There is no information on fees on the website.
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 15 May 2014 - 06:18
If she is philipina you will not be able to get her on your Qatar visa after the six months.... edited by tia75 on 13/05/2014 Just curious... why wouldn't the visa work with a maid from the Philippines?
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 22:19
Brynmawr- We are in very similar situations I have a daughter who is going into 2nd grade who got a place at ASD and her brother who should be going to 1st in on the waiting list as well. We should be heading to Doha in August just in time for the school year. As for some of the other compounds the other posters mentioned my husband checked out 9 Pearls and was told there are no vacancies in the foreseeable future. He also contacted the real estate company for the Beverly Hills compounds and was told they only have vacancies in BH 10 and he said the facilities were very limited. Who knew it would be so hard to find housing and schools in Doha! I feel like we're heading to the promised land!
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 13 May 2014 - 07:26
Hi- I haven't seen it yet because I'm still in the US but my husband is in Doha and has just booked a villa in Y Village and he was very impressed with the quality and compound compared to the others he had seen. Just wanted to let you know that they told him they only had two vacancies coming up in the next couple if months and we took one. It could have been a means to get us to make a quick decision but check it out quickly in case the information is correct.
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 May 2014 - 17:52
My husband's company is not a corporate sponsor but my daughter will be starting 2nd grade in September and apparently they have had a lot of cancellations of people who had previously applied. Plus I've been harassing them at least twice a week for the last couple of months so I don't now if that made a difference :) My son is entering 1st grade but it seems that they are extremely full for 1st so unless ALOT of people move over the summer we won't be able to get him in, even if he's moved up the priority list. Glad to hear that Y Village is fairly close. If the kids are in different schools I'll probably have to put at least one of them on the bus. Thanks everyone for the feedback though! It's been extremely helpful! <em>edited by Peace with 4 on 12/05/2014</em>
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 12 May 2014 - 00:20
Unfortunately what I've read has not been very detailed so I don't know what the reasons are exactly that there has been negative feedback and I'm still not in Qatar so not in a position to see for myself. My son will be entering Grade 1 so I guess no matter what they can't mess him up too bad :) Honestly at this point in his life I can make up for whatever might be lacking academically at home. I just want to make sure they both have a positive experience so that the transition is a smooth one.
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 11 May 2014 - 21:02
Anit I believe GinaM may be referring to Hepititis A which is spread mostly through contaminated food or water. Unfortunately the biggest harm that vaccines have caused is that they are so effective that people have forgotten just how horrible the diseases they keep at bay are, and through numerous conversations with anti vaxxers I've heard the same inconclusive studies keep being mentioned which have been disproven repeatedly. As a person who will be moving to Doha with two infants who will be too young to have received many of the vaccinations they need, I really hope that Qatar does enforce a vaccination schedule so that they aren't subject to the same outbreaks of the measles and other diseases that have started to appear in areas of the US where the anti vaccine hysteria is prevalent.
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 May 2014 - 05:07
Near Al Waab I believe there are vacancies at 9 Pearls compound at the moment Tamieg1 do you know who the agent/management company is to contact for the 9 Pearls compound?
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 18:39
MY DH has made it over to Doha ahead of us and is looking at villas. He saw one in a compound called Dar El Salam which he thinks is reasonable and is available (he says availability is a huge problem?). I've googled it and found on another forum that people were complaining that there is single housing in the compound. Has anyone had any experience with this compound? Not sure at this point why single people would be a concern to begin with!
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 07 May 2014 - 18:34
Do let me know if you decide to make the move... my brows could definitely use some rescuing!
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2014 - 22:17
Just wondering if we need to bring our winter coats, boots, etc to Doha with us? Not sure how cold it gets or how well equipped the houses/buildings are to deal with the cold (if any)!
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 23 April 2014 - 22:14
Lalala do you now the names of the schools opening in September? We're in a bind because we only applied to ASD and it seems we're pretty low on the priority list and every other school I contact says they are no longer accepting applications for my kids' grades (grades 1 and 2nd)
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 22 April 2014 - 17:24
Thanks for the advice. Will do save them on a hard drive which will help with space as well. Very sad to head about the books though!
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2014 - 23:00
Hi Ladies! We're moving to Doha from the US this summer after our twins will be born in June. While yo've been shopping for your little ones have you come across anything that was really hard to find? I want to limit what I bring with me, but don't want to be missing out on any essentials. Thanks!
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 April 2014 - 22:44
We are currently packing our boxes for the move to Doha and we have a big DVD collection. The customs information that the movers gave us though says that any DVDs will hold up the entire shipment until they can screen everything. Has anyone been through this process and do they really go through everything in detail? Is it worth the hassle?
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 April 2014 - 19:34
We currently have health insurance in the US as my husband is working in the Middle East and the kids and I will be staying on until the end of the school year. We signed up for it after Obamacare took effect and for me and the two children we pay $1100 a month. We had a cheaper plan before (around $700) but there were constant surprises of things they didn't cover. Just as an FYI most plans got more expensive after Obamacare, not cheaper, unless you qualify for a subsidy. Hope that helps but let me know if you have any more questions!
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2014 - 16:14
Our other option besides Doha is KSA so we'll definitely take a downgrade from Dubai :)
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 06 March 2014 - 15:53
School fees will be covered by the company. Sorry if that was unclear! But the 50k includes the housing money. We would get one car from the company but would need to buy an additional car, plus we have tickets home once a year.
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2014 - 17:45
What a nightmare! Is it possible for kids to start school on a tourist visa while the RPs are being processed?
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 March 2014 - 19:45
We are moving to Doha and I keep hearing how unbelievably pricy it is. We've gotten an offer of 50k a month, inclusive of housing, not inclusive of school fees. A few questions... We've budgeted for 15-18k a month for a 4 bedroom semi-furnished compound villa in the area of the American School of Doha.. is this feasible? What areas would that include other than Al Waab? Does this sound like a reasonable amount to live on? We are very boring homebodies, so not much expense on the entertainment/outing front, but we have two children (soon to be 4) and they are quite active in dance, soccer, gymnastics and swimming, which we would like to keep up after we move to Doha. Plus it's all a bit pointless if we don't come out of this experience with a good amount of savings! How much are utilities approx? We used to live in Dubai and it was a huge expense! I've found similar questions on the forum, but they seem to be at least a couple of years old so I'm assuming things may be different now. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am doing the move blindly as I'm pregnant with twins and have been told not to travel and DH is not very useful in collecting information. Thanks ladies!
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 March 2014 - 17:49
Thanks tamieg1! I was afraid that would be the case! Does the same apply to baby furniture as well?
Peace with 4
37
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 02 March 2014 - 06:10
Hi everyone, We should be moving to Qatar from the US in August with our 7 and 5 year olds, and twins that should be born in July. We lived in Dubai when our first two were born and I remember there was very little variety in terms of baby gear (strollers, cribs, swings, baby carriers, etc) and when we did find what we were looking for it was ridiculously overpriced. We will be shipping things over, so I was just wondering what would be worth shipping over and what we could just buy there. I'd rather not ship anything we could just buy in Doha! We just got our offer so expect several more questions on schools, budgets, places to live, etc... but I figured I would keep the questions separate so they don't get lost in the shuffle. Thanks!!
 
 
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