US citizen, got a job to work in Qatar.

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Deinonychus
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16 Dec 2012, 11:55 am

Anyone visit this country before? I am Arab ethnically (parents from Syria), but born and raised in the USA. (specifically in Boston and it's suburbs; amazing subway/train system).

I will be working as a hospital research technician. I will get payed a lot more than what I would get locally. Just completed my Undergraduate in Biology; I should start towards my Masters. Waiting for my masters, however, will make me miss out on this opportunity. This job overseas would pay me more then working locally with a masters; plus I will have money saved to pay for my Masters tuition later. I am published three times in significant research journals to attest for my talent. Getting a masters would not make me a better 'technician' for lab skills/knowledge I already have.

I have high-functioning autism, and am about to venture to a whole new level of culture shock. Any advice? Oh, with the prospect of gaining a job, I plan to propose to my significant other. My lady is a doctor who could probably get a job there too.

Also free housing and health-care. The USA won't tax me unless I get more than 100k dollars; which I won't. Cost of appliances and food in Qatar is pricey; I probably will have to find a way to take my pc with me if electronics cost more there.
Job is legit, I have already confirmed that.

Again, any advice? Got any experience of relevance?


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1000Knives
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16 Dec 2012, 1:29 pm

No real advice, but for electronics, you might have good luck on aliexpress (alibaba express) or dx.com, both Hong Kong based retailers that sell cheap electronic things. Shipping is free to USA, unknown to Qatar, but the only thing you'd have to check is Qatar's tariffs/custom taxes on things like that.



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Deinonychus
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17 Dec 2012, 9:27 am

I guess I will have to wing this experience! Unless anyone has more to say? :)


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MissDorkness
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17 Dec 2012, 11:03 am

Infoseeker wrote:
I guess I will have to wing this experience! Unless anyone has more to say? :)


As much as it makes me uncomfortable, being away from my previously established routine, I do love traveling and moving to different places. People can be so interesting, and art and architecture so beautiful.
And, after 2-4 weeks, that will be your new normal (depending on how rapidly you adjust).

I would love an opportunity like that, back when I had no kids to uproot.

I recently took a break from my Master's purely because of the cost. I love my field of study (Informatics), but, can't justify the expense/debt. Personally, I think the work experience will be worth more, and could help you get into a job that will help pay for the rest of your tuition.



1000Knives
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17 Dec 2012, 11:13 pm

Learn to cook legumes and stuff and eat like the locals do to save money.