Just wondering how expats with children have found living in Qatar in terms of schools, activities for families and generally settling in? Has it been a positive experience or a really bumpy ride?
Sorcha, Not much happening for Teenagers especially, They can only go to the Cinema, bowling and ice skating so many times. Friends will be only the ones they go school with.
I really appreciate your help very much. Sounds like there is plenty going on, which is great. UKeng, love your description of Qatar bars - mmh, not the most attractive sounding of places, lol!
So, i think we (my husband and I) need to think about all this now. I already have a teenager who is very unhappy at the thought of moving away from her friends, so I don't think we'll be rushing into a decision. Thanks again for you help, Sarah
Sorcha, Just be preapred to adapt. The housing and school for children are the two most nerve wrecking items on my list. If you can overcome these two then the rest is a piece of cake.
Finding activities for the Kids is another challenge, There are Horse Riding, swimming clubs, sailing and a few more depends on which part of the town you live in.
There are no real Irish Pubs with the atmosphere that you would expect back home, The so called Pubs here are full of single middle aged men drowning their sorrow after weeks on the rigs. The other type of people who frequent these places are wanna be type look for a cheap thrill with south asian ladies.
There is a yoga studio and yoga classes available at various venues around the city. Karate is fairly popular. Inline skating can be enjoyed on the few bike paths, it tends to be restricted in the one large park depending on the security guard interpretation of the rules on the day.
Perhaps some members of the Irish community can comment on the music sessions - you won't find a real Irish pub with Irish music. Swimming is available at many compounds with pools, Aspire has swimming, and some of the k-12 schools have pools, the hotels have pools as well.
... yes I agree - attitude can make a huge difference! I might consider home education if schools are problematic - it's something i had already considered before in the UK anyway.
I am also wondering what and how diverse the activities and facilities are in Qatar. Various family members enjoy yoga, karate, inline skating, music sessions (Irish pub style) swimming. Is there scope for such diverse interest?
Finding a place in your school of choice can range from nerve wracking to impossible (depending on your choice).
Deciding where to reside once you do get a school place (good school run good commute to work, disaster for both or for one).
There is another forum for expat women where there are three or four people who are unhappy here for various reasons.
IMHO, it's what you and your family make of it and how adaptable you are and how much patience you have. It's not easy with a family and all the emotions etc of the various members but not impossible.
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Sorcha, Not much happening for Teenagers especially, They can only go to the Cinema, bowling and ice skating so many times. Friends will be only the ones they go school with.
I really appreciate your help very much. Sounds like there is plenty going on, which is great. UKeng, love your description of Qatar bars - mmh, not the most attractive sounding of places, lol!
So, i think we (my husband and I) need to think about all this now. I already have a teenager who is very unhappy at the thought of moving away from her friends, so I don't think we'll be rushing into a decision. Thanks again for you help, Sarah
Sorcha, Just be preapred to adapt. The housing and school for children are the two most nerve wrecking items on my list. If you can overcome these two then the rest is a piece of cake.
Finding activities for the Kids is another challenge, There are Horse Riding, swimming clubs, sailing and a few more depends on which part of the town you live in.
There are no real Irish Pubs with the atmosphere that you would expect back home, The so called Pubs here are full of single middle aged men drowning their sorrow after weeks on the rigs. The other type of people who frequent these places are wanna be type look for a cheap thrill with south asian ladies.
There is a yoga studio and yoga classes available at various venues around the city. Karate is fairly popular. Inline skating can be enjoyed on the few bike paths, it tends to be restricted in the one large park depending on the security guard interpretation of the rules on the day.
Perhaps some members of the Irish community can comment on the music sessions - you won't find a real Irish pub with Irish music. Swimming is available at many compounds with pools, Aspire has swimming, and some of the k-12 schools have pools, the hotels have pools as well.
... yes I agree - attitude can make a huge difference! I might consider home education if schools are problematic - it's something i had already considered before in the UK anyway.
I am also wondering what and how diverse the activities and facilities are in Qatar. Various family members enjoy yoga, karate, inline skating, music sessions (Irish pub style) swimming. Is there scope for such diverse interest?
Thanks, Sarah
Finding a place in your school of choice can range from nerve wracking to impossible (depending on your choice).
Deciding where to reside once you do get a school place (good school run good commute to work, disaster for both or for one).
There is another forum for expat women where there are three or four people who are unhappy here for various reasons.
IMHO, it's what you and your family make of it and how adaptable you are and how much patience you have. It's not easy with a family and all the emotions etc of the various members but not impossible.
for some positive for some bumpy ride