I would have a look in Al Rayyan and Al Gharaffa for a villa. It might take a bit of perseverance to find a suitable villa for 13k, but they're definitely out there. Beverly Hills Al Rayyan (compound) has a good reputation and there are heaps of families there. I'm not sure of the prices, but someone on QL might know.
Compass is a good school - expensive, but good.
Now to the important stuff. . .I'll begin with my "story". I did not want to come to Qatar. AT ALL. I fought my husband on coming here, was ticked when he agreed to take the position and postponed my arrival for as long as I could. When Hurricane Ike was clearly going hit us in Houston I was actually hoping for a bit of house damage so I could postpone my arrival even that much longer.
When I arrived I was still a bit apprehensive but gave it a go. Within a week I could tell that I would like it and within a few weeks I was fully enjoying it. Doha is not like London/Houston (in soooooo many ways) and there are definitely some things that I don't like about Doha, but on balance I'm enjoying it.
As with any expat move I find you really have to "put yourself out there" - go to the coffee mornings, go back to the coffee mornings, etc. If you are working then it might take more effort, but the various groups also have events at night. Compass is also trying to host some events for parents. In short, there is enough to keep you busy outside of work but it requires more effort than it would back home - so if you come expecting that then you'll be OK.
I would have a look in Al Rayyan and Al Gharaffa for a villa. It might take a bit of perseverance to find a suitable villa for 13k, but they're definitely out there. Beverly Hills Al Rayyan (compound) has a good reputation and there are heaps of families there. I'm not sure of the prices, but someone on QL might know.
Compass is a good school - expensive, but good.
Now to the important stuff. . .I'll begin with my "story". I did not want to come to Qatar. AT ALL. I fought my husband on coming here, was ticked when he agreed to take the position and postponed my arrival for as long as I could. When Hurricane Ike was clearly going hit us in Houston I was actually hoping for a bit of house damage so I could postpone my arrival even that much longer.
When I arrived I was still a bit apprehensive but gave it a go. Within a week I could tell that I would like it and within a few weeks I was fully enjoying it. Doha is not like London/Houston (in soooooo many ways) and there are definitely some things that I don't like about Doha, but on balance I'm enjoying it.
As with any expat move I find you really have to "put yourself out there" - go to the coffee mornings, go back to the coffee mornings, etc. If you are working then it might take more effort, but the various groups also have events at night. Compass is also trying to host some events for parents. In short, there is enough to keep you busy outside of work but it requires more effort than it would back home - so if you come expecting that then you'll be OK.
Will look forward to welcoming you to Qatar :)
EM