Moving to Doha
USA hasn’t been friendly with me and I am not happy that I received a 2 months notice from work. Just recently, I got a non-administrative job offer from QR and I am on the subject of signing the contract in 2 weeks or so. The lieu of money and benefits is excellent. Therefore, I don’t have any query about it. Now what? Here are some of my concerns.
Metaphorically speaking, my mind has been a pendulum lately. One minute I say I’ll take my family to Doha, and then later, revert to another plan. The phase goes on and on like the unlimited repeating principles of sine and cosine. As much as I want to bring my family with me, I am relatively worried about what life in Doha will be like for them.
A.) We have kids age 10 and 13, Can anyone suggest a good American or an IB World school? Before jumping into standards, I want to know about admissions, in terms of acceptance rate; can someone give me a figure? My kids are performing very well at Atlanta IS. Also, my son and daughter are taking their music lessons seriously and I want to know if we can easily find private violin and piano instructors. How much would it cost?
B.) My wife is a stay-at-home mother. I am pondering on what she could do on her free time. How is the social life scene for moms in Doha? Anyway you slice it; it would be great for my wife to meet fellow moms. And I don’t want her loosing her marbles while I’m away for turnarounds or layovers.
C.) How is the cost of living in Doha? I have read some articles about it. I am kindly asking for some updates. It’s a huge risk factor chiefly with the global economic crisis reaching its toll. Do we need heaps of ammunition?
D.) I am thinking of exploring the mysteries of the underwater in Qatar. Can anyone recommend a good diving club?
I appreciate all your thoughts. Thanks.
An international shift may require chewing over numerous issues. My wife and I have been discussing this for days now. And my family can do our part to arrange ourselves and better understand the move abroad instead of fearing it. I am really grateful for the replies.
Yes, I am talking about Qatar Airways. I am pleased that you have not heard of a QR wife complain about the place. I have read about the sky-high rent in the Middle East nevertheless the company shall arrange it.
Can someone enlighten me about this QLSG get-together? Sounds like a great way to meeting a multicultural community. We will look forward to that.
Justmoi, thank you for the school recommendation.. Will call or hit American School of Doha in a few weeks.
Deedee, I have no idea how the maid contract works. But I have to find out how by myself.
Mandilulur, I am aware of that. I bet it’s a nice place to live.
As you know, no airline stateside is hiring - not even the commuters now - and won't be for years. This is a nice place to live. Welcome from a retired US airline person.
Mandi
Answers to your questions:
School--check the website for the American School of Doha
It is an accredited school with both American (AP)system and next year will begin the IB system as well. QA should pay the full costs of tuition. Be aware, however, that there may be a waiting list. Apply now.
Music-- check the International School of Music. they offer top notch teachers for both piano and violin. My kids have taken both there. The cost is about $30 for a half hour lesson. They have recently started 1 or 2 other music schools. I am not familar with those.
Stay at home moms-- With a full-time or part-time maid your wife will have more leisure time. There is an American Women's Association, many charity groups, A potluck group, tennis lessons, cooking lessons, everything you could think of! She will only be bored if she lets herself be. I find myself socially busier in Doha than I ever was in the states.
Cost of Living---check previous threads. Gas is 80cents (yes cents) a gallon here. Everything else is more expensive.
Diving-- several clubs available. Also check threads.
Good Luck. Adventure awaits you. Doha is far from perfect, lots of irritations and frustrations, but a great learning experience.
Do it; take the bull by the horns and come. Your children will receive a wonderful education. The American School of Doha, I am told, is one the of the best in the world and your children will be able to carry on with their music.
Your wife will be fine, loads of Americans over here and they seem have a good network.
For me, Doha is cheaper than England.
There are diving clubs etc.
Good luck.
i think with full package from your company you good to go/live in doha. housing is expensive also the school best to get this cover by your company. the medication is fairly good. you can always get loan from bank for your brand new car and easy process.
your wife will meet many many people from differerent nationality, ask her to hangout here and get to know some good people from the QLSG gathering.
All you need is more open mind and heart because you will face some challenges living in Doha.
Everybody is right everybody is wrong, it depend where you stand