Moving to Doha? Join our community

There are of course some feelings of uncertainty when moving to a new country, and the idea of creating a new life and developing new relationships in a different country can be worrisome. At The Hamilton International School, we understand these feelings, and we strive to provide a community that helps families settle into their new life when moving to Doha.

Choosing the right school for your family is an important part of the relocation process. Qatar has a well-established private K-12 school system with a variety of international curricula available including the US, UK and IB programs. With such diversity in schooling options, it is important to research the various options available, contact schools to learn more and attend virtual or in-person information sessions to help determine which school is the right fit for your family.  In addition, speaking with colleagues or connecting with parents through social media groups are both excellent ways of gathering information on schools. At The Hamilton International School, we offer an innovative and exciting bespoke curriculum that suits the needs of our international parent body.

What our Community says

When moving to Qatar with a family, it is paramount that your children are settled and happy within their new surroundings, including their school. Saul and Monica transferred their son, John, to The Hamilton International School and shared: “When you move to a different country and culture, you can only be happy if everyone in the family is happy to be there, especially and most importantly children, because as adults we have more capacity to adapt and look at things from different angles. Having said this, Hamilton has supported us by making our son happy, by feeding his learning and personal needs. He is really proud of his school, teachers and friends, and that makes our house a happy home in Qatar.”  Finding the right school can accelerate the successful transition of your family into their new home country.

Speaking to relocation industry professionals, many families tackle relocation in this order; identify the work location, evaluate and choose a school and then select a home.  This can seem like a Herculean task, however, drawing upon local resources for information and support can make a world of difference.  Qatar is truly an international community with every nationality and interest represented.  Ask prospective schools if they have a parent committee and/or search for Facebook groups dedicated to your hobbies or country of origin.  Once you start making personal connections, you will feel supported and able to focus your energy on settling into your new home.

Martha is a student in Pre-KG at The Hamilton International School, and her mom had to say this about moving to Doha:

“As a parent your main priority is your child and naturally, you only want the very best for them. As an experienced educator from the UK, I looked very carefully into a lot of schools in Doha. I looked at how they presented themselves on their website, what opportunities they had for students, their social media channels and I also read what others had to say about them.

The Hamilton International School was my first choice of school for my 3-year-old when we moved from the UK last October. The unique, international community that the school offers, with its high-quality teaching experiences and community feeling, was just what we needed when moving to Doha and relocating to another country and culture. Within days we were part of the Hamilton family and involved in the school, through after-school learning opportunities, experiences, and activities.

The staff is incredibly supportive and helpful with advice and knowledge, and the parent community is just as welcoming. My daughter was supported throughout the transition period by all the staff she met. The entire community, students and their parents, were just as welcoming and from her first day of school, she has gone in everyday with a smile on her face.

I am so pleased we have been able to offer our daughter this international experience both educationally and socially.”

After your children are settled in school and you have unpacked your home, it is time to explore all that Qatar has to offer.  Learn about Qatar by visiting the iconic National Museum of Qatar or test your wits at the Museum of Illusions.  Six months out of the year the weather is sublime and you can partake in outside activities like visiting one of the many incredible parks, kayaking in the mangroves, exploring the desert or strolling along the corniche and taking in the magnificent skyline.  Doha is truly a cosmopolitan city with a multitude of lifestyle options for you and your family.