Education like everything else, differs from one country to another and coming to Qatar from Ireland, it can be the single biggest consideration for many families. Of course, all the government schools are Arabic, so you’re forced to attend a private English-speaking school, unless of course, you’d prefer, a French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Danish, Austrian,…
It’s probably ingrained in us Irish and maybe even more-so that any other nationality, that we are prone to suffering from a small bit of negativity. We lean towards the down side. We highlight the pitfalls, point out the inefficiencies and harp on about the negative in like, any situation. We loved to go on about Christmas starting…
Wasn’t I surprised when my five year old came home from school with the question, ‘what half am I mom?’ I know I’m one half Irish, but what other half?’ Goes to show it takes more than a name with fada to instil identity. The question arose when in class they were discussing where they…
As the school year comes to a close and most expat women take the children to greener pastures, the grapple for nursery places is at a high in Abu Dhabi before the wild birds flee. Unlike Ireland where children start nursery at the age of “whenever the government provide the free year” and big school…
Education for your children is possibly one of the most significant issues to consider when living as an expat in the Middle East. Quite often it is the point that forms the essential part of the argument on whether people stay or go. The focus on education may be particularly heightened for expats in the…
On reflection, the single most thing I took for granted when living in Ireland was free primary and secondary education. Yes, zilch, nada, nothing. As an English speaking Irish person living in the Middle East with two school going children I can certify that paying for education puts a whole different tint on the things…
Emigrating, or thinking about it? Well just before you pack up your every possession and hand the house keys back to AIB, be aware of the one great freebie available in Ireland. Education. Please note that the definition I’m using for freebie is something that doesn’t cost more than 1% of your annual salary but…
thereluctantemigrant 