RachelA | ExpatWoman.com
 

RachelA

RachelA
1326
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 22:16
I know many families who are delighted with ACS! While they are relatively new in Qatar, it is part of a group of very successful schools in the UK and the management is commitment to retaining the same quality in Qatar as they do elsewhere. While DESS is the school of choice for many, ACS is quickly gaining an excellent reputation as well, and should not necessarily be relegated to the position of "back-up" school. Given the overall lack of school spaces, I would not hesitate to accept the spot you've been offered.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 21:56
DebK, I really do find (and I say this as a seasoned educator and school leader who has worked in both American and British schools) that the differences you are describing are about the particular school rather than whether they use US or UK curriculum. There are many American schools that promote play and project work over desk-work and paper/pencil in the primary or elementary grades. And there are British schools which promote a high degree of desk-based learning. There are no hard and fast rules about this. Cal_Hob the best thing to do (are you already here?) is to visit the different schools and see which ones feel the most comfortable to you.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 08:17
IB isn't always "over and above." While at some schools this is the case (ASD for example) at other schools there is an an IB curriculum which isn't taught in conjunction with any national curriculum (ISL being such a case). My son (now in High School) has actually been in all 3 at different times. The move between them wasn't a big deal in Primary school, where I find the most similarities. He moved from IB to American in 9th grade and while for most subjects it was not an issue, the one challenge was in math. In his former IB school (and this is also the case in British schools I think) they teach high school math integrated -- meaning each year covers elements from various math subjects (algebra, geometry, etc). So he had not done a full year of pre-algebra or algebra 1, so had to take pre-algebra in 9th grade, which is late for this in most American schools, and is now taking Algebra 1 in 10th grade. He's not the only one -- but it means that unless he doubles up in math one year he will only complete Algebra 1 and 2 and Geometry by the time he graduates. For some people this would be an problem depending on what they intend to study in University. Given your kids ages it probably isn't as important as other aspects of the school (quality of teaching staff, open communications with parents, support for various learning styles) but depending on how long before you plan to return to Canada, this is a potential area to consider in the future.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 23 January 2013 - 08:06
Approval to sponsor maid of a specified nationality comes from the Ministry of Labor. The actual sponsorship is done through the Ministry of Interior/Immigration. I'm not sure where the ban is from (MOL? Philippine Embassy?). I'd also like to know if this is only for new arrivals or if it applies to those here who are renewing or changing sponsorship -- in fact I just posted that question in a new thread. Hoping someone can help clarify.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 23:44
We were looking to drive from Qatar to UAE a few years ago, which includes having to drive through KSA. We were speaking to an agent who was going to arrange our transit visas through KSA and he advised that we could only do it in our own car -- we couldn't take a rental car across the border. Worth checking with the rental agencies if that's even an option.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 16:23
Published today on Doha News: http://dohanews.co/post/41187843071/despite-new-findings-emphasizing-quality-of-qatars-tap
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 January 2013 - 16:16
I know this isn't what you are asking -- but I'm going to share an experience I had at Al Ahli that might be relevant. I was there a few years ago and received a diagnosis from a Dr. who had, without a doubt, the worst bedside manner imaginable. He was inapproriate across the board, didn't give me the info I needed, and cause me a lot of stress. At the advice of a friend who was working there at the time, I met with someone from their customer relations department. I also met with the head of the department (Internal Medicine) who then took over my treatment. I have now been seeing that same Department Head for 3+ years -- and could not be more pleased with the quality of care, the fact that he knows me and my case, etc. If you don't find alternatives at other hospitals, you can hopefully at least seek alternatives within Al Ahli. Good luck!!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 January 2013 - 23:32
Jonners, I recently discovered what I think is a pretty new site of movies listings -- includes both City Center and Villagio cinemas: http://www.cinecomovies.com/index.php
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 January 2013 - 21:09
Definitely maybe KMT.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 January 2013 - 20:05
I did Lydia's course a few years ago -- loved it, loved her, learned loads! I also did her follow-on course on Photoshop. I recommend her courses HIGHLY. Here's a link to her professional page on FB -- or you could google "Lydia Shaw Photography Qatar" to find her website. https://www.facebook.com/lydiashawphotography?fref=ts <em>edited by RachelA on 20/01/2013</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 January 2013 - 08:26
My son was already in his teens when we were there. There are a lot of families with younger kids and I think that's a much more social scene. The apartment buildings are at the back of the compound -- as far from the main road as possible!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 22:30
They seem to be all the rage in the US. When we were home last summer they were practically on every family car! Often with names under the stick-figures, which I found really strange. ETA after I posted the above I checked out the link below just for fun. And saw this warning: "WARNING: FamilyStickers.com does not promote adding names to your family stickers. Adding names may be a potential danger to your family." <em>edited by RachelA on 19/01/2013</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 21:59
We pay QR 80/day for my son to go from West Bay to ASD. It's double what the bus costs, but this way he leaves almost an hour later in the morning, and depending on what he has going on after school can arrange the pick-up time accordingly. Is your work close to the school? If so, you are probably going to look at a similar rate. I have friends who hired a houseboy/driver instead of a female maid. He did most of the cleaning and ironing, and also dropped the kids at school and took the wife where she needed to go during the day. He lived in the maid's room -- I think he was sponsored by the husband's work.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 21:48
Thanks CSH. I agree on the direct -- although I might do it through AD as Etihad is almost half the price of QA! I can book the local flight on Philippines Air or CEBU, at the time that works for her. Is there an advantage to having it done locally? Thanks again.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 18:02
That might be a problem for villa's backing onto the main road. Our villa backed onto the road along the side, and we had no problem with noise.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 January 2013 - 11:39
I lived there for about 9 months -- only left because it was a villa provided by work, and when the lease expired they didn't renew it. It's greener than most compounds, and I loved that! Villas aren't the newest, but for the most part the maintenance folks were good at keeping things in a good state. The on-site shop was incredibly convenient! In the time we were there I hardly met any of the other residents which I found kind of strange. The big gaping hole near the entrance where apparently there used to be tennis courts has been there for years. Rumor of more apartments, but seriously its been that way for years. Overall I liked it.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 January 2013 - 20:36
A few years ago a friend of mine did research and found that tap water was considered to be safe drinking water. The problem is that most water is stored in tanks, and so the cleanliness of the water depends on the cleanliness of the tanks. Personally I don't drink it from the tap, but I definitely cook with it! Have been doing it for years, and don't have any horror stories to tell.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 January 2013 - 19:51
Then I would definitely contact ISL. And as soon as possible. I understand they've just started taking applications for 2013-14, so now is the time!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 January 2013 - 19:40
If you are specifically looking for American curriculum there aren't really many choices. ACS is new with a good reputation but only goes up to grade 9 this year -- next year presumably expanding to 10. DeBakey High School is based on the very successful magnet school in Houston, with a special focus on preparing students for careers in medical fields. It does have a full high school (through grade 12) with US curriculum -- but specialized. If you are open to IB school, I'd recommend looking at at ISL (International school of London) as next year they will go up to grade 12. For British curriculum there's Doha College (preference I believe for British passports) and also Doha British School and Park House. Places tend to be a bit easier to come by for high school than for lower grades, so you might not have as much struggle as some of the women here who are looking for places for their younger kids.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 08:52
Beebers I think you can customize your target values (calories, protien, etc) on My Fitness Pal -- maybe not on the iPad but if you log in on a browser (iPad or laptop) I am pretty sure you can. Also I know it asks for the "type" of excercise -- cardio vs. resistance -- again maybe that's on the browser version? I can't really remember, since I generally only do cardio (bad, I know). I'm a big fan of Zineo -- it's a magazine app through which you can purchase loads of titles -- subscriptions or singles. You need internet access to download the magazine when it's available, but after that you can read offline. My newest favorite game is "Flow" -- there's a free and a paid version. Be warned it's addictive! edited by RachelA on 17/01/2013 <em>edited by RachelA on 17/01/2013</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 17 January 2013 - 08:47
I've been skipping the highlights and doing it myself single color for a couple of years, and I'm very glad I made the switch. I use "Preference by Loreal" and have no complaints. Between the time and money that I save it keeps me happy!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 20:30
Not surprised -- but still very sad!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 20:22
30k will pay most schools I think, but not all. The American school is about 65,000! You're dreaming Jill! With the capital fees it's closer to 80K!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 16 January 2013 - 20:19
AND... I'm still signed in from this morning -- another first!! Loving the updates overall. Although I'm still missing the old EW logo...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 23:49
I've done it in the past. There is no way they ask about (or could verify) citizenship. I didn't even use a US credit card -- I used one from Qatar. They might require a US address when you register, but you could probably use any address for this. If they let you register then you will have access to all the services.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 23:47
Sorry I didn't realize they had non-standard size beds. Glad you got the right info from others!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 13 January 2013 - 09:08
There is a used furniture souq in Najma -- bargains to be had but it takes time and patience. And the classified section on Qatar Living has a lot. Home Center is probably his best bet for buying new. Ikea is due to open at the end of this month, so hopefully that means more options that aren't crazy expensive. Good luck!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 10 January 2013 - 08:23
You have a few days to sign a contract and yet you don't know what kind of housing allowance you will be getting? Not okay!! You need to know this before you agree to anything. Many schools have accommodations that they rent and give to their teachers. Assuming you are a teaching couple, you want to review BOTH contracts to make sure that you are both entitled to the allowance or that they are giving you accommodation for a couple. BTW I've lived here for almost 8 years, in both lower and higher rent places, both apartments and villas, and I have not had any problem with cockroaches. Regular bug control, at least outside, helps a lot. A few other key points to look for in the contract: If you are getting housing allowance instead of actual housing, will they put you in temporary accommodation for a reasonable period until you are able to sort yourselves? Are you getting international medical insurance? If you are only getting local (which I've heard some schools do) what will you do when you are traveling outside Qatar? You say "we" -- I've assumed in my points above that you are a married couple. If not, this all falls through as it is illegal for non-married mix-s3x couples to live together here. Hope this helps... Are you EACH entitled to 1 round-trip ticket home annually, as well as your initial flight in and your final flight out? <em>edited by RachelA on 10/01/2013</em>
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 22:41
Well two essentials are a Qatari partner (with few exceptions most business in Qatar need to be 51% Qatar owned) and approximatley QR250,000 for commercial registration. Setting up a business here is not a easy or affordable process.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 09 January 2013 - 22:30
A few years ago this was unheard of here, but now it's becoming the standard. If you go directly through the buidling management (rather than an agent) this elimates the fee. But then it puts the burden on you to go and deal. The problem is that if the agent has already connected you to the building does that make you obligated? Not sure what the protocol is there. Many agents will put this info in their listings. I think it would say this on the company web site too. If you have an idea of specific buildings and can approach them directly -- especially those the agent hasn't already shown you -- that would be the way to go.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 08 January 2013 - 23:31
You should also consider Beverly Hills Tower -- pool and also a playground. Or Al Jazi Village (villa compound with great facilities). Riviera Gardens compound (in Gharaffa) is much closer to both ACS and ISL -- not new villas but pretty well maintained -- and a supermarket on site. I lived in Riviera when my son was at ISL and it was a 10-15 minute drive. We are now in Al Areen Tower and while there is no great outdoor play space there actually are a lot of families with young kids in the building -- there's a big lounge on the top floor (near the pool) which also has a game room (pool table, etc). I woudn't limit yourself to just AF Towers -- there are plenty of decent towers in the West Bay.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 07 January 2013 - 18:02
Khulood pharmacy at Burger King roundabout seems to have a pretty full stock of Mustella products.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 22:22
No, the one near Radisson Blu is The Center - very small mall with Megamart. City Center is the huge mall in the West Bay. It's the only Debenhams in Doha. If you're traveling by taxi, any driver will know City Center. BTW, if you don't know, Radisson Blu was, until pretty recently, Ramada. A lot of people don't even realize it's switched hands, and still refer to it as Ramada. Just in case you get funny looks...
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 21:40
Homes R Us in Hyatt Plaza (just beyond Villagio) has a decent collection and not insane prices.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 05 January 2013 - 20:40
Sometimes (albeit rarely) things really are THAT easy! :cool:
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 04 January 2013 - 17:16
You can get a sim from Qtel even if you are here on a tourist visa -- just bring your passport to Qtel and apply on the spot. Without your RP you will get a Hala (pay as you go) account -- but you can change it to Shahry (postpaid) as soon as you have your RP. I think it costs QR 50 to switch from Hala to Shahry, but you can keep your number. Make sure to let them know you need a micro-sim.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 December 2012 - 16:26
We moved into our apartment 1 year ago, and while I was planning to renew, I did some looking around just to see what else was available. Rents are indeed going up -- I noticed it definitely as compared to last December. My own building imposed only a minimum increase so I did renew -- and I did it for 2 years, so at least my rent is locked in for 24 months.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 28 December 2012 - 12:47
I can't help with short-term, but Al Areen Tower in the West Bay does allow pets -- we have a small dog and it was one of the few towers that would allow him. The building is managed by Al Jazi real estate and they have a few towers in this area -- not sure if they are all pet-friendly. The contact for rentals in these towers is Maybelle-- 66724016 Good luck with your move!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 27 December 2012 - 17:53
I've done it many times through the Post Office's EMS Express Mail service (here it's call "Mumtaz"). They have a full counter at the Central Post office -- I'm guessing you can get the service from some of the branches, but I've only done it from the main one. The price is less than 1/2 those of the commercial shipping companies (DHL or FedEx) and the items are tracked and delivered within 3 working days. I've never had a problem - definitely recommend!
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 26 December 2012 - 11:00
Hoping not to add unnecessary confusion, but I think you two (parkclark and northernstar) are in 2 different locations. Northernstar mentioned that she's in an Al Fardan buidling in Bin Mahmoud, and it sounds like parkclark has just rented a place in the Al Fardan Tower in the West Bay.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 December 2012 - 09:47
You might find some good suggestions here... http://www.timeoutdoha.com/gallery/37172-17-christmas-day-meal-deals-in-doha?image=1#.UNfsLbZ42-s
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 December 2012 - 22:46
Not sure that anyone in Doha OR Dubai would know what NYE there is like, since the hotel is newly opened. If you want to see what they have on offer for NYE, you could check out Time Out Doha -- they might have info.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 22 December 2012 - 14:53
Not quite as close to the Pearl as the Dip Club, but in the event they are booked too... Nails Salon has a branch in the Renaissance -- shared space with Jean Louis David on the 7th Floor.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 21 December 2012 - 22:12
A lot of the DVD players are "region free" which means they'll play DVDs from anywhere. We have bought a few sony DVD players -- all in the range of $100 -- and they have all been region free. So we buy DVDs in the US and also from here, no problem.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 22:58
I was going to say the same. Even at the Coach outlet stores it's hard to find anything under $200. I was assuming that srdoucet met that she buys coach bags at home that run between $200-300, not AED.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 05:47
I live across the road from Al Fardan Towers, and while I don't drive to Education City daily, when I do it is generally 20-30 minutes. Bin Mahmood is a bit closer, but quite a congested area so probably would take you close to the same. I have friends in Al Fardan Towers who are extremely happy there. Excellent standard of finish and furnishing. Kitchen isn't huge but very well equipped. Loads of light. To me the only real negative is the fact that the windows don't open, which is the case if a few different towers. But plenty of people don't mind that.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 20 December 2012 - 05:34
With regard to your question about a maid's room -- if you expect to be going back to work before the end of your first year it might be worth going for a place with room for a maid from the beginning. There is absolutely not guarantee that you would be able to move mid-lease. Even if there is a unit with a maid's room available in your building, you shouldn't expect that logic would prevail. And the rent for the bigger unit wouldn't necessarily be what it would have been had you rented it initially -- rents are going up in general, so better to be locked into a reasonable rent from the beginning than risk it being higher a few months down the line.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 22:59
An international drivers license can only be issued in the country where you have a local driver's license. If you get a Qatari driver's license you can then get an international one issued in Qatar (by Regency Travel and I think a few other places). But if you now have a Canadian license you can get an international license there.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 19 December 2012 - 21:45
There are 3 towers in the West Bay that are managed by Al Jazi Real Estate: Al Areen Tower, Aamal Tower, and the newly opened Dareen Tower. Best to arrange a viewing directly from the management as then there are no realtor commissions to be paid. Contact Maybelle at 66724016 to learn what's available and arrange a viewing. Her office is in Dareen Tower but she works with all 3 properties.
RachelA
1326
Posts
EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 18 December 2012 - 22:46
Unless prices have come down in the last year, I don't think you will find any FF 2 bedroom apartments in Sabban Towers for 14K. I have rented a few different FF places in Qatar over the years and none have included beddings or kitchen stuff (dishes/pots and pans) only the large furniture, usually 1 TV, and appliances (AC, clothes washer and sometimes dryer, sometimes dishwasher). Some places include electricity but most do not. It's not usually a choice -- it's how the landlord has set things up. Hope this helps.
 
 
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