Qatar University

jjh - wow! That's so much for one person! Will be amazing to have all that room to myself. It's the complete opposite of the UK where people live crammed together and feel very lucky as long as they live somewhere vaguely nice. My friends are going to be sooooo jealous! :)

Apartment has 3 bed room each 1 master bedroom with toilet 2 rooms and 1 sharing bath room and 1 toilet, a kitchen and sitting area all in 1 level and the villas are 4 bedrooms in 2 levels. All units are fully furnished, you only need to move in. :P

jjh - "Here in Qatar University you have nothing to worry as they will not leave you until all your problem is been sorted. From the airport through all the processing. Then, when you’re settled and you don’t need their assistance anymore, then you can go and do your own thing like exploring etc."

That's so nice to know - it's great that there are people online here willing to share their experiences and reassure new recruits.

DMM - very helpful too - thanks! I have a PhD, but only really need an apartment...be interesting to see what I get...

Thank you very much guys, I will let you know when I will reach there or I have any further query.

By the way, anybody know any good and cheap shipping company (by air) from US to Qatar (door-to-door) other than FEDEX, UPS or DHL. I have just some personal items less than 300lb (130 kg aprox).

You're welcome and yup! there is definitely a reimbursement for your personal effect shipment, have your receipt safe and submit it to them when they ask at the administration. Good luck! just PM me if you need to contact us! Cheers!

DMM: you wanna know our secret? we just keep smiling and be friendly! that's irrissistable to them not to assist. :P

http://www.iloveqatar.net

Thanks very much both of you, I got some valuable information. I will try my best to get my wife's license even if I have to stay a week more here in USA. On the housing at least I see almost agreement between both of you :)

Thats great that at airport everything will be doe nicely, I am thinking to bring all of my belongings with me, I don't know whether it will be possible or not. I talked to the airline people and they think it will not be a big problem, but I don't know whether QU will reimburse me or not. In the contract they say that they will reimburse for shipping for the luggage NOT ACCOMPANYING me. I will talk to them this week about that.

I have just clothings and other personal items, no furniture or electronics etc.

Anyways thanks both of you and I will bother you later if need.

regards

raaid1

JJH had a different experience than we did and this could be due to things change quickly here. We had to get our PR card last year for Q-tel, which QU pushed through in 2 weeks. After which we could apply for a landline. Due to Ramadan the earliest appointment time for us was 3 weeks. After the landline was installed we had to apply for an ADSL line. This appointment was 2 weeks later. So we got here August 26th or so and got internet about October 10 or so, ouch I know. You could connect to the QU system through dial-up at home after the landline was installed and this got the job done for email and stuff. Many people had to wait longer. My neighbors would leech off my wireless. I would see people sitting in their cars or the sidewalk trying to get signals. It was very frustrating for many people. The campus is wireless so you can use it there too. There are Internet cafes around and some coffee shops you can get a free internet code if you buy a drink. Like I said, hopefully this has changed. QU is pretty helpful and they do try hard but something’s are out of their hands. This is where it will become more frustrating. A driver’s license is one. The director of HR tried really, really hard for me and he got my test pushed up by 2 weeks but still I had to sign up for 24 hours of driving school. I would say the driver’s license is a must before leaving the US. There is no way your wife wants to take classes or the test here. Other than being a cultural experience you won’t forget, it is a nightmare. I have that great story and it only cost 750 dollars and 3 months of my time. December 31st 2007 is now a glorious day in my life.

Also, QU would not give the car loan without the PR. This really wasn’t an issue because many people rented a car for a month and the loans came through only a few days after the month was up. The cost of a rental car is about the same as the monthly car loan payment. Buying a new car is pretty easy. Your car loan will almost cover a decent sedan or a small SUV. You can get a different loan on the remaining portion if you want. There will be a lot of sales when you arrive because of Ramadan but most showrooms won’t open till after 7 so it becomes a late night adventure. Luckily most of the dealers are pretty close to the complex.

When you land, QU is very helpful. You will get the Qatar Airways VIP arrival service, so you’ll get to sit in a lounge while they workout your VISA stamps. They’ll load up your luggage and introduce you to your driver. The driver will give you a bag with a cell phone, itineraries, and other information. Maybe your mentor will contact you and help you out. Depending on what time you arrive, a man from the housing department will meet you at your apartment and have some forms for you to sign. They might have some basics in your fridge and a way you go. You have satellite TV so you can watch CNN, BBC,or some English programming on MBC 1-3 if jetlag is kicking in. Things will be off for the first 5-6 weeks because of Ramadan. But when the sun goes down, it is a festive vibe when you are out and about. I would suggest bringing a car seat for your 1 year old if you have one, you can buy them here but a bit expensive and something you might not want to hassle with when you first arrive. OK, if you have any questions I’ll be around for a few more days then getting out of the furnace for holidays. Cheers DMM

Hi! raaid1

To answer your question you will not have a problem of bringing 2 computers at the same time just say, it’s personal use for you and for your wife if you worry about that. But they will not bother you for that reason, as we have good selection of bargain tax free electronics here.

Regarding the phone and internet connection you can apply these at the same time with Q-Tel our only server at the moment and they have package offer for a landline connection, mobile connection and internet all in one . And you don't need to wait to get an RP in order to have all this connection done. All they will require to you is the visa stamp on your passport as you arrive same thing when you buy a car. Here in Qatar University you have nothing to worry as they will not leave you until all your problem is been sorted. From the airport through all the processing. Then, when you’re settled and you don’t need their assistance anymore, then you can go and do your own thing like exploring etc. Regarding your wife’s driving license it would be ideal if you let her take the test there first before leaving because I am not so sure about a student permit. She may go through from the beginning again which is quite difficult situation at the moment also due to a reason that all Driving schools are packed, so it would be a smart move to do her driving license before leaving.

jjh QU being generous sounds good, what I was saying was only my thought that it might be because of competition. I never been to any GCC country before, so I really don't know much about other as you might know, I appreciate your comments and information you provided. Thanks a lot.

I have some more questions to bother you guys,

I have a desktop and a laptop and my brother (he is in Dubai) is asking me to bring one or probably two (laptops) for his use, I am traveling with my wife and kid (1 yr old), I don't know how many computers we can carry with us to avoid custom etc problems. Anybody have any idea?

Another thing which I was confused about, I read some information on getting phone and internet connections at home. As I understand, one can only get these connections after RP has been processed, and getting RP probably takes about more than a month. If I understood it correctly, what one will do during all that time, totally cut off from relatives and friends? and other benefits?

I have US driving license and as you guys mentioned it will be transfered to Qatari license, that sounds good. But what about learner driving license from US. Does it has any vale at all?, this is I am asking because my wife has only that at this point of time, she will take take the test by mid august if we are still in US by that time, otherwise no luck.

I really appreciate your responses.

Cheers

Raaid1

I mentioned their generousity in a way that you can only find it here in Middle East, anywhere else? you will not received any other benefits like what we can receive here. :P so travel safe and don't entertain problems, let the problem entertains you! :P

Thank you both of you for valuable information on housing and other stuff. I never been there before that is the reason, I had many questions in my mind and am trying to get as many information before I reach there.

Yes DMM, I have a master degree and joining the foundation so, most likely I will be getting an apartment.

I have one kid and he is just a year old, so I am not really worry about schooling at this point of time.

As far as serving on committee etc comes, I think it is really too early to argue much about that, it is kind a non-issue at this point, because I am not going to join any such thing on the very day I reach there neither they are asking me join such committee on arrival :)

I must say, QU provides competitive benefits but I don't think they are giving these because of their generosity, it might be more because of competition.

Thanks again for a lot of information and I will be in touch with you when I will reach there.

Take care

That is the right thing to do! These nosey, busy buddies should mind their own business! and stop hassling people who do not wish to be involve in any of their agendas.

Nosy, busy bodies, people who are self-consumed and too busy to care, and mind your own business people

Just like living in the US, Hee Haw!!!

Welcome to the neighborhood!!!!!

Excuse me! For your information, I have spoken to Ms. Fatma housing Manager, from the day one we arrived here. and all you mentioned above is already in their plan to make this compound turn into green and add more facilities and any services we want to be done can be dealt with upon request. so please if you are not sure what you are talking about this is not because of your committee has done something good. Do not take the credits of other people's efforts. I haven't experienced any trouble at all! Unfortunately, this committe is definitely giving trouble to us! They are just nosey and Busy Buddy type of people in my opinion.

JHH, it seems you have had some bad experiences with these committees. Qatar University is generous and we should be thankful for what we got maybe a little too extreme for me but I know where you are coming from with that statement. Things could be much, much worse. My last apartment had a leaky roof, live-wires hanging from the ceiling, noisy, mosquitoes, high electric bills, old, and cost a lot. Here it is free, cheap gas and electric and comfortable. But, QU is offering a similar and in many cases a weaker contract than schools in the region. There are not being generous, they are being competitive to attract the staff they desire. Plus, many people here had nicer accommodations before moving here and believe they deserve the same level of comfort. One could argue that if housing is that big of an issue, one should investigate it more before moving, I agree. Others could say if you don’t like it move, I believe over 15 percent of the foundation staff went this direction this year. You seem happy with the QU situation and so am I but others would like it to be a bit or a lot better. All foundation staff members met with the director and were asked by him about salary. How many do you think said ‘Yeah it’s great, I don’t want a raise’. Everybody wants more, right? Some people here have a passion to make changes for the better and they believe that these committees and the strategy ‘one group” is better than ‘one for all, all for one’. Who are we to stop them? I believe they bring more stress in their own life than they get back. It seems you think they give us all a bad name. But, maybe these people are the reason management decided out of the blue to plant 4 palms and flowers in front of the club house. Maybe their complaining got the extra ping-pong tables and pool table inside the clubhouse for the kids. Maybe they also help get us desk for our places. Who knows, right? Seems small but I applaud the effort on both sides.

About getting sacked, for what I have heard, age and complaining a lot about the curriculum will get you a ticket out of here quicker than giving Mr. Kahn (Al-Zahoor manager) a hard time everyday. Read Dave’s about this for lengthy examples and testimonials. But, in the end, I think Raaid1 wants a broader view of the job than just this committee debate and what is great is now he/she has read two different views of the situation. Maybe a person on one of the housing committees will share their reasons for pursuing it.

Moving on to an important topic, if you have a child, finding a school can be very challenging. There is a nursery in the complex but many of the popular schools around here are full and have waiting list. If you want your child to start school in September, start contacting these schools now if you haven’t already. Try to set up times to visit some when you arrive. Also, make sure you and your wife/husband have valid driver licenses. Driving is a must for both of you and a US license will transfer quickly here, if not, driving school and test are lengthy and expensive. Rent a car as soon as you can here. One, you can acclimate yourself to the infamous driving style here and two, you won’t feel trapped at places. I’m sure others could add more and old post on QL can give list of schools and other details. Good luck with the long-haul Cheers DMM

You say "As for not joining a committee, I would disagree with JJH about the reason. Many people have tried to make the place look nicer and stay cleaner (more greenery, outdoor lighting, cleaning, etc...)because it needs it. This in itself is very frustrating. It was made very clear that the complex is what it is and changes or more investment by the owner will not happen. For this reason joining this committee can be very embittering and this could blanket your whole experience with the place. Plus, your students and portfolio will bring you enough blood rising. This may be a better reason to avoid these committees. But, if you are a champion for a cause, you can get in the mix. Fighting city hall or join the new Al-Zahoor Sheriff flyer ticketing group. Clamp down on double parkers!!"

For your information, this committee doesn’t really do anything good to anyone here. We have a bad experience every time we join any committee in any compound we used to lived in, we just get into further trouble. This committee is design to go against the management (more rather trouble makers) which we don’t really need to be involved with. We are peaceful and grateful family so if they have problem to the management let them sort it out on their own they should leave us alone and no need to bother other people who are not a member because we are not likely to support them. The management or employer can get rid of you! if you go against them and we are here for job not to get involved in any troubles. Thank you! and for the credit with Qatar University? Yes! they are definitely GENEROUS no doubt about it. If people has demands? they should deal with them in their own way, like what we do it in our own way, and we don't need to be ganging on our employer, it's just not going to help you, They prepare if you go straight to them on your own rather than by group. satisfaction is a secret in order to make yourself happy! :P

I have a friend whose husband is working at the Qatar University. They are staying in a very comfortable double storey fully furnished villa within a compound and it is only a minutes drive from the university.

I am sure you and your family will like it there.

All the best

JJH gave a pretty good account of the living area. Al Zahoor-2 is near 2 large shopping centres and many of the larger international schools (American School or Doha College). The only thing I would say is the villa/apartments are dealt out by degrees and departments. Masters get apartments/PhD’s get villas. Of course there are some exceptions but I'm married with a child as are 4 of my neighbors and we all live in an apartment. I would say if you are working for Foundation and have a Masters you can expect an apartment, which are pretty nice and big. Once you get them cleaned and your own personal touches on them they are very livable. There is a swimming pool in the complex and a fitness room. The fitness room is useable but many people join outside gyms like Aspire (10 minutes away).

As for not joining a committee, I would disagree with JJH about the reason. Many people have tried to make the place look nicer and stay cleaner (more greenery, outdoor lighting, cleaning, etc...)because it needs it. This in itself is very frustrating. It was made very clear that the complex is what it is and changes or more investment by the owner will not happen. For this reason joining this committee can be very embittering and this could blanket your whole experience with the place. Plus, your students and portfolio will bring you enough blood rising. This may be a better reason to avoid these committees. But, if you are a champion for a cause, you can get in the mix. Fighting city hall or join the new Al-Zahoor Sheriff flyer ticketing group. Clamp down on double parkers!!

OK, good luck with the move. I imagine you arrive Aug 24th or so, get ready to be on a bus going from one place to another for the whole week. You will particularly enjoy the medical commission. Don't worry you are not joining the Army. And, because you work for QU, you'll get VIP service. This means no waiting outside in sun like the construction workers. Wahoo!! Good times!

Cheers, DMM

You're welcome! If you get here just contact me through here, so we can assist you and tour you around the lovely Doha :P

thanks jjh once again

You're welcome! Yes! definitely the system they are using at Qatar University is the same as in the US. Majors and Minors.

Thanks for information and advice, it really helps a lot. I have been teaching in US for a while and was thinking the academic environment is similar to US universities or somehow different. They system they are using at QU just looks like a copy of US system.

Qatar University is completely different school from Qatar Academy my Dear! :P

Qatar University? well probably you'll be put in a nice big compound near Villaggio with good facilities for a start. they give good benefits if you're single you will have a 3 bedroom flat if you're married you will have a 4 bedroom villa including your own office at home that makes you work diligently plus on top of that they will give you, your wife and children a return ticket every year and give you generous interest free car loan as you arrive, they give your children school allowance up to 80,000 plus family medicals on top of it.

Only thing! Please take it as an advice, never join the committee at the compound as they only want you to demand more to the employer which is a bad habit and ungreatful attitude. never get involve in any of this committee as the employer don't like them. stay away from these people to keep you safe and don't get involve with any of their activities. live normal and peacefully. Have a nice day!

I need to know where the education city community housing too be coz my friend coming from canada and will be the teacher of qatar academy ....