Moving Abroad If You Have Kids: Should You Do It?

We all know it: the world is becoming smaller. It's not uncommon for families to relocate. Maybe you or your spouse has been offered a job abroad. Congratulations! When you were younger, you would have worried about living costs, language ability, and the destination attractions.

Now you still have to worry about these things. You also have to worry about your children. Can you find adequate schooling for thing? Will they make friends? Will they even want to go abroad? And, most importantly, will be they happy in another country?

Schooling

There are many excellent international schools. However most of these are very expensive. Ask your employer whether help for schooling will be offered. (The State Department, for example, is known for being generous in this regard.) If you find you can afford an international school, research whether there is one near where you will be working. If you cannot receive any discount, or there are no schools in the area, be prepared to send your child to a boarding school (this will also be expensive), possibly even in another country.

My first year roommate in college had parents working in Swaziland: they sent her to school in Mozambique. I lived in Nepal, though I was fortunate enough to be able to walk to school, I had friends whose parent worked as far away as India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.

Boarding schools have many advantages: your child will learn to be more independent. Often the education in boarding schools is superior. However boarding schools are not for every child, or for that matter, every parent.

Research public schools. Will the courses be taught in English? Or in another language? Going to school with local children can be a great way for your child to make friends. If you're planning on staying in the country for multiple years, it can really be worth it. German gymnasiums, for instance, equal and even exceed U.S. public school. However if you're going to be abroad for a year or less, you must be aware, that your child may have to "redo" the year upon reentering school in the States. Is it worth going abroad? Maybe. Even if your child won't receive any credit, the experience will be very memorable. (And also very useful for those future college applications!)

Of course there's another option: home schooling. If you or your spouse will not be working, it could be a good opportunity for you to bond with your child. As quixotic as the image may be, are you really prepared for your child to see you as a teacher? Will they take you seriously? Will your child be too isolated from other children?

Making Friends

Because of course, making friends is difficult at any age. If you send your child to school, the problem should take care of itself. (Pay attention to your child though: if some people are truly unhappy at school, sometimes they hide it from their family. So be vigilant.) Should you decide to home school your child, look into English speaking church groups or ex-pat gatherings that you and your child can grow together.

Remember: going abroad is a wonderful experience. A little preparation will make things go more smoothly. Be sure to discuss with your children any concerns that they have. They should feel included in the process, this is their life too.