Mauritius - IB School - traffic

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Member since 11 January 2017

marjaallanNew member11 January 2017 13:56:54

Hi,
My name is Marja, currently living in Russia but moving with my family to Mauritius in August.
Our daughters (15 and 12) will enroll in an IB school. The choice seems to be between Le Bocage and Northfields and I have read great reviews on both on various forums and blogs, which is great of course!
However, a few questions remain and I would very much welcome feedback from other parents!

1. Am I right in believing that NIS keeps a northern hemnisphere timetable, starting term 1 in August? Le Bocage seems to start in January, which brings up the issue of delayed start including when going to uni in Europe. Anyone who had to make this decision and can share the experience?
2. I read a comment that students at NIS speak mostly French among themselves. Not so great for my daughters who don't speak French yet. Can anyone confirm? Assuming this is not the case at Le Bocage?
3. We will be living in Floreal and from what I understand the drive to the north takes a very long time due to slow traffic. Have any new roads opened yet to make this quicker? Would it be reasonable to assume it would take about an hour each way on school runs?

A lot of questions, I know, but I would be very happy with any feedback from you! Thanks!
Marja

Cara Kahn Active member

Member since 16 August 2016

Cara KahnActive member11 January 2017 14:23:45

Hello , NIS starts 21 August
We visited the school last year November and our kids start there April this year.
Lovely school with a good mix of expats and Mauritians so lots of English speaking kids.
My kids don't speak a word of French either.
As far as traffic goes I can't really help
You as we will be living in the North.

Regards cara

Nadeem ViP

Member since 18 November 2008

NadeemViP11 January 2017 19:27:03

1287

I can't really comment on NIS but my daughter is at Le Bocage. Both school, I'd believe have a good mix of language (just to reflect the situation on the island), where English & French are spoken at random ... or where it fits the correspondent.

From Floreal, Le Bocage is nearer as compared to NIS. However, the Verdun branch road makes things a lot easier to go down to north. You don't need to cross Port Louis. I usually reach Grand Bay, in around 20 minutes from Trianon.

Anishj07 New member

Member since 11 January 2017

Anishj07New member11 January 2017 20:11:03

Hi there,

The language barrier is not really there as in both Schools there will be a mix of both. If you will be in Floreal then your best bet will be Le Bocage as Northfields may be a bit far. Even with the new bypass may take up to two hours to and from Northfields.

Regards AJ

marjaallan New member

Member since 11 January 2017

marjaallanNew member12 January 2017 11:02:13

Thanks Nadeem. Very helpful. Still, 20 minutes during peak hours??

marjaallan New member

Member since 11 January 2017

marjaallanNew member12 January 2017 11:03:27

Thanks for this!

Nadeem ViP

Member since 18 November 2008

NadeemViP12 January 2017 17:25:31

1287

Well, I'm planning to shift to north... and we have tested the route (the other way round) from north to Bocage... still 20 - 30 minutes max.

So yes, it works for me :-)

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