Schools and Employment
Hello Everyone.
My family and I are coming back to Doha from the States. I know that things have changed somewhat and am in need of some information that anyone is able to provide. We are coming with a high school age and a two-year old. I remember hearing great things about Qatar Academy (but I will have to seek another school for our toddler for a year). I remember Starfish daycare, but cannot seem to find them on web searches. I really like the fact that Qatar Academy is an IB (program) school. Can anyone give us their experience with the admission process and/or any other school info?
I am also seeking information for employment with a Bachelor degree in Community Health Education and training in Surgical Technology. But Hamad’s website is under construction as well as Al Ahli’s. I know that the Sidra Medical and Research Center will not be open until 2010. I am wondering if it is best just to wait until I get there. I have called several hospitals, but to no avail with transfers and no answers.
Any information will be greatly appreciated.
Starfish Lane Kids Nurseries we have 2 braches - Al Markhiya 487 5939 and Al Jelaiah 411 0355.
Good luck with you return to Doha !
Thanks everyone for giving some helpful imformation for important decisions that my family and I are having to make..
Qatar Academy (starts with 3 year olds, IB all the way through), American School of Doha (offers IB program for grades 11-12 only, and also runs AP courses), Gulf English School (grades 11-12 only, too)...and four others (but I don't think the other four would be suitable for your child; these three are the best choices for expat kids).
Both Qatar Academy and ASD are regularly full and have waiting lists -- so contact them NOW and check availability/waiting list situations. ASD's high school costs are approx. QR 58,000 (+ extra fees of around QR 18,000). QA's high school tuition ranges from QR 32-40,000. You'd probably find ASD more similar to the schools in the States (it's at least 50% American in student population, whereas Qatar Academy is actually a national school with 50% Qatari students and 50% mixed other nationalities - the majority of whom are expat Arabs; QA also requries uniforms). Academics at both schools are great, I think, but extra-curriculars at stronger at ASD.
Admission at both schools requires previous school records, a personal interview and an admissions test (to demonstrate that their math/English skills are where they should be for their grade). They will not offer you a spot without first seeing your child personally and going through all of this.
Both schools have functioning websites with pertinent information.
I can't speak to Gulf English -- don't know it well enough.
There are many nursery schools around. Choose one once you get here and know where you will be living; you'll want one that is both good and close to home (traffic in Doha is ridiculously bad now).
Sidra is an option but there are many other private medical centers/hospitals here, and as you have already found, most aren't great about having working websites or even about answering their phones (frustrating to say the least). Better to wait until you're here and can investigate what's out there.
"If you're looking for sympathy, you'll find it between sh*t and syphilis in the dictionary."
- David Sedaris
My personal experience, apply to all schools which fits your children, then when time comes, you decide. It did cost me an arm and a leg to pay reservation fees, but consider it as the price for peace of mind.
Do not limit your bets on less than 3 schools.
Contact QA now, they have waiting lists to get on the waiting list. Very difficult to get in. There are other excellent schools here now, DeBakey, International School of London etc.
Doesn't surprise me about HR web pages at hospitals here. Web stuff is way behind here, don't expect US service in that dept.