International Award
F.A.Qs – India Expedition - 2006
Q1. Does my child need any vaccinations for India?
In conjunction with the School Nurse and the National Health Authority, Qatar for Preventive Health Department, Communicable Disease Control & Prevention Section that Anti Malaria, Meningitis are required. If asked they will also provide Yellow Fever immunization. Tel: 4473131
Also I have checked out the NHS website in the UK as directed by the UK
Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The web address is www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/Country/India.html. Updated Anti Tetanus is also required.
If you go to the centre mentioned above they are willing to administer the vaccinations and tablets. You will require your Hamad Green Card and Immunisation record.
It is the responsibility of parents to make decisions on the immunization of their children
Q2. Do I require medical Insurance?
It is recommended that students have comprehensive medical and travel Insurance. The Doha College has life insurance for worldwide cover of its students and staff.
Q3. What is the political situation and other occurrences in India?
We will monitor travel Advice Bulletins from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office www.fco.gov.uk.
Q4. What are the entry requirements to India?
Visas are required for India excluding its own nationals. The college will organize visas. Different nationalities have to pay varying costs. I will advice parents of the visa costs in the New Year. Students with South African and Pakistan passports usually require more time for visa applications
Please make sure your Childs Qatar residency is up to date well in advance of departure. Also that the passport in not up for renewal.
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Q5. Can I see the Snow Leopard Ltd web site?
Please check out the following address: http://www.snowleopardadventures.com/
Q6. Should my child do any special training for the expedition?
Preparation is a vital step when it comes to any trip, especially one that is going to be being physically demanding. More important than anything else is cardiovascular (CV) fitness. Cardiovascular fitness refers to the fitness level of the most important muscle in the body- namely the heart. Exercising for between 20 and 40 minutes approximately 4 times a week will significantly increase CV fitness, leading to more efficient oxygen consumption by the tissues of the body.
Activities such as jogging, cycling, swimming and racket sports all increase the heart rate and improve CV fitness. The best option is to attempt to include activities that one enjoys, which will improve the chances of actually continuing with a programme.
This programme should start from now. A month before the expedition longer walks for a few hours should be taken. It is good to do this as a family or with friends. Walking along the Corniche or in the desert such as Bir Zikreet is a good idea.
Q7. Will I need to buy any special equipment?
I recommend that walking boots are bought now in order to be worn in. There is nothing worse than blisters on the first day. This will make your experience unhappy and could affect the rest of the group.
Boots should give good support to the ankles and be waterproof. Light weight boots are a good idea as long as they have a waterproof liner for example Gortex or similar material.
A sleeping bag that will go to -10 0C is also required. If you know anybody who went last year see if you ca borrow their sleeping bag.
A full kit list will be issued soon.
Q6. When is the final payment due?
Final payment is the 20th February 2006, or the deposit will be lost and your child will be unable to participate.
If you have any further questions please email me at dll@dohacollege.com.