Hello friends,
My husband and I are looking to return to international teaching - we both have experience as singles, then as a teaching couple...came back home to start our family but now are looking to go international again. Obviously our criteria are much different now with two little kids (3 and 4) - the places that were a great fit in my 20s...maybe not so much now. So I am wondering if any of you out there have some great tips for locales / schools that are gems for a family.
Geographically, we are wide open. Any feedback welcome.
Thanks!
Family Friendly
Re: Family Friendly
Hi there - I also have a small child, teaching couple. We were in China a few years ago - there was a thread recently about the pollution there (pretty much all over China is an issue, except the area near HK which seems to be more regulated) - so although China was amazing, the pollution would definitely discount it as a destination for a family with small kiddies for me.
HK is good, but apartments tiny (small or no accommodation allowance for HK), and a lot of schools ask for fees or % of fees - you would definitely want to avoid that with 2 to pay! We always check this when we are looking at jobs. HK has some nice beaches /walks, although it would almost certainly be apartment living which may be a bit hard with 2 kiddies. Some great schools in HK. Good healthcare. Fab salaries in the good schools. - Check out ESF website.
Singapore looks great, but seems to be very hard to get into
KL - some great schools there - esp. ENC and IPC if you have that background. Lifestyle is great there - lots of cheap getaways, wont make millions but I certainly wouldn't say no, housing for teaching couples is great for a lot of schools - again, look at nexus etc for more info
Dubai / UAE - could be really good for experience, possibly PRD & lifestyle - you will get very affordable childcare there for example, but the desert is not for everyone, it seems also people seem to earn and spend spend spend!
S Korea is a lovely country, they love kids, have skiing in winter and interesting places to travel, although a lot of schools there seem to be very Christian (not a problem if you are Christian!) but has been enough to stop us applying for some - morning staff prayer meetings etc
I would be considering:
* Pollution levels
* Quality of local medical care
* School fees
* apartment sizes / accommodation allowance
* Yearly flights (seems less and less common these days)
Well, that's my 2 cents worth! Lots of jobs out there! We are not looking at Europe, but there are some great jobs there, too...
HK is good, but apartments tiny (small or no accommodation allowance for HK), and a lot of schools ask for fees or % of fees - you would definitely want to avoid that with 2 to pay! We always check this when we are looking at jobs. HK has some nice beaches /walks, although it would almost certainly be apartment living which may be a bit hard with 2 kiddies. Some great schools in HK. Good healthcare. Fab salaries in the good schools. - Check out ESF website.
Singapore looks great, but seems to be very hard to get into
KL - some great schools there - esp. ENC and IPC if you have that background. Lifestyle is great there - lots of cheap getaways, wont make millions but I certainly wouldn't say no, housing for teaching couples is great for a lot of schools - again, look at nexus etc for more info
Dubai / UAE - could be really good for experience, possibly PRD & lifestyle - you will get very affordable childcare there for example, but the desert is not for everyone, it seems also people seem to earn and spend spend spend!
S Korea is a lovely country, they love kids, have skiing in winter and interesting places to travel, although a lot of schools there seem to be very Christian (not a problem if you are Christian!) but has been enough to stop us applying for some - morning staff prayer meetings etc
I would be considering:
* Pollution levels
* Quality of local medical care
* School fees
* apartment sizes / accommodation allowance
* Yearly flights (seems less and less common these days)
Well, that's my 2 cents worth! Lots of jobs out there! We are not looking at Europe, but there are some great jobs there, too...
-
Snowbeavers
- Posts: 72
- Joined: Fri Jul 17, 2009 11:56 pm
Re: Family Friendly
So many to list...a few that come to mind:
Singapore-probably number 1 for families/kids. So much to do and extremely safe
Bangkok-great schools, lifestyle and tons to do for kids
Europe-too many countries to list here: Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
South Africa-very family oriented and most restaurants have play areas. Great place to raise a family
Singapore-probably number 1 for families/kids. So much to do and extremely safe
Bangkok-great schools, lifestyle and tons to do for kids
Europe-too many countries to list here: Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
South Africa-very family oriented and most restaurants have play areas. Great place to raise a family