When you started your expatriation project, no one said it would be easy (but you knew it would be rewarding) — and when the rest of the family is joining in, there are more things to consider and take care of. While there are many childcare and schooling options abroad for all levels and curriculums, the adjustment period of your children first, in a foreign country, and second, in a new school might be challenging. Expat.com has put together some pieces of advice for the parents who are about to begin their expat adventurous with children at school age.
Collect valuable information
The first thing to do is to start collecting useful information about the education system in your host country and the different types of schools that are available. Are you prepared to pay the higher costs and ready to enroll your children in an international school where the environment will most likely be similar to what your children are used to? Or would you rather have them indulge in the local culture and go to a public school — probably within the area you live in? Before rushing into any decision, thoroughly consider the pros and cons of your options, the situation in the country you are moving to, and, of course, your budget. In some cases, if you are moving to the new country as a professional expat, your contract might be covering your children's schooling expenses, which is something you should discuss in advance with your employer.
The most efficient way to collect information nowadays is the internet of course. Browse the websites of the different schools you are interested in, or search for information on the social networks and other online platforms, such as the Expat.com forum. There's no better comfort than finding out that you are not alone, and other parents who have gone through the process of enrolling their children abroad can be very helpful and speed up the process for you with tips, suggestions, and warnings.
Communicate the idea of expatriation to your children
Once you have all the information you need, it's time to start preparing your child for the changes to come. First, listen to your child's opinion on the matter — are they curious about the world? Do they understand the consequences of moving abroad in their personal life? Are they interested in learning a new language? It is up to you to adopt the right approach so that the moving and the new beginning don't overwhelm your child.
Talk to your children about the benefits of expatriation, not only for you and your career or lifestyle but for the family as a whole. Explain to your children how their life is expected to change for the better — the quality time you will be having together, the new activities they can undertake, and the new friends from other parts of the world they will make. Depending on your child's age, you can talk to them about how privileged they are to be able to travel and open their horizons.
A first visit to the host country for a short time to get to know the place a bit before the big move is highly recommended. This will allow you and your family to get a first glimpse of the lifestyle there, why not, visit a few schools from your list. A meeting with the principal of the school and the teachers can prove to be a good idea.
Be patient during the adaptation phase
You have now arrived in your host country, and your children are also about to begin a new chapter in their lives. Make sure that the settlement is as smooth as possible. In your new home, help them make their bedroom cosy and pleasant — maybe consider to bring their favourite objects, books, or toys from your home country to make the space familiar. Ask for your children's opinion and give them time to arrange some of the things the way they like, which can be motivating and a good sign of trust and respect.
In the meantime, don't leave the shopping (backpack, uniform, stationery, etc.) for the very last minute. Give your children the opportunity to get involved in the preparation, and ask them if they want to accompany you on the trip to the shops. In case your child has to wear a uniform for the first time, make sure you talk to them about this formality and maybe introduce some of its benefits.
A child's adaptation to a new school environment can vary widely depending on the child's age, personality, and the country itself. However, in all cases, you have to give them as much time as they need to feel comfortable and ideally feel like at home.
Follow up regularly
Congratulations! You have completed the first phase, and your child has a new school that they hopefully like going to. However, your job doesn't finish there — no matter how busy your schedule is or how much you have to deal with at your new job, dedicate a few hours per week to follow up with your child. Are they sincerely happy at the new school? Have they made new friends yet, and who are they? How do they perform — is there a contrast between their grades back home and in the new country? Encourage your children to take part in extracurricular activities to build new friendships and boost their confidence.
For those who had to go through mid-year school change, keep in mind that this type of change can have more obvious psychological and academic effects. Children may become nervous, unjustifiable irritated, or face a lack of concentration. However, all these are reversible with patience, guidance, and help. There is nothing better than showing your child that you are a team that is about to win!
