My son and I moved here last January. He had to leave his high school in the middle of the junior year and it was a bit difficult. We got a nice new laptop before we left and he has been keeping contact with his friends via email. He also likes Second Life, where he can hang out with his buddies from L.A.in real time.

One of the things that got him enthused about coming to Qatar was that we would have more money here. I share that with him and he gets to have more spending money than he did in the States. He also has more opportunity to interact with animals - his main interest. He has visited the Al Shaqab stables, seen a falconry demonstration, and started his own pet-sitting business. He has helped my friends in caring for their camels. These are opportunities he wouldn't have at home.

It took my son a few months to make friends in his new school but it's all working out very well so far. I suggest you find the opportunities that your son will enjoy here and acccentuate the positive. There will be a transition period, but once school starts he'll make friends, I'm sure, and then he'll be more comfortable.