An Initiative by P.M Relocations Pvt Ltd. Leading Relocation Company in the Country for the last 31 years
Relocating Kids
Successfully relocating kids internationally can be as much an attitude of mind as it is practical logistics.
Getting the practical aspects of the move to go smoothly and calmly is important in helping children make the necessary adjustments. Planning the shipment of personal belongings and pets, the leaving of one home, traveling to a new country and then settling into a new home, country and school are separate issues whose individual aspects must be addressed from a child's point of view.
Children can form negative perceptions of any part of a move, not just from what they hear from their parents and friends, but from what they do not hear.
Common concerns children have about an international move can be :
Involving the children in the processes of moving can go a long way to relieving some of these concerns and explaining to them what is happening and going to happen can relive others.
When parents present a positive, but realistic, attitude towards a move, children will feel much happier too; they can easily pick up and adopt their parent's negative attitudes.
The practical aspects of moving that directly affect children are discussed below. Addressing each, in consideration of an individual child's needs, will help them relocate successfully.
Shipping
Shipping as many of a child's personal possessions as possible will help them settle quickly into their new home by providing them with familiar objects and toys with which to personalize their new room. Providing personal photos and photo albums for children can also be helpful for reassuring them that their friends and relatives are not gone and forgotten.
When children can see their belongings being packed and placed in the lorry, they can more readily accept they will see them again. If they have also seen a removal lorry delivering a shipment to a neighbour’s house they can be more confident that the lorry with their shipment will do the same too.
Leaving and Closure
Saying goodbye is important for children. They need to know that friends and relatives will not forget them, and are waiting for them to return, either for visits or permanently.
It might be painful at the time of the good-byes, but in the long run it can leave children more comfortable with the thought of being away from home.
Traveling
If it is necessary to fly to the destination, tips to help families do so can be found in our section Flying with Kids.
Arriving and Settling-In
Schooling
For expat parents, the decision on whether primary childcare of pre-school children will be done by a parent, domestic employee or day-care centre is made harder by the addition of factors that really only occur when the family is abroad.
If one parent has fulfilled the primary childcare role before the move, they may be happy to continue doing so afterwards. However, in some countries it is not common practice for expat parents to do this as most families employ full-time domestic staff. In these circumstances it can be difficult for an expat caregiver to integrate into the group of caregivers because of language difficulties, or because the caregivers perceive the expat to have a different social status and thus remain detached.
Other expats, who employ full-time staff, may also not 'approve' of an expat who looks after their own children, which can make it difficult for the care giving expat to mix with other expats during the day.
When both parents have worked before the move, it can difficult for one to adjust to staying at home and assuming full-time childcare duties. If expat childcare in the host country is also commonly carried out by domestic staff, there may also be the problems discussed above.
When considering the employment of domestic staff for childcare duties, expat parents need to consider how they will communicate with the caregiver, what language the caregiver will use with child, as well as the cultural attitudes of the caregiver towards diet, health/safety, behaviour and discipline.
If the family is planning to stay in the country for an extended period of time, a local caregiver can in still knowledge of the language from an early age and the child is likely to grow up bi-lingual, though if both parents work long hours the child's native language ability may suffer.
Cultural attitudes towards childcare vary enormously and in some countries expat parents need to be firm in laying down ground rules with an employed caregiver. Areas of concern can be the provision of acceptable activities for the child, when it is safe for the child to go outside (in some countries children are never taken outside to play during the winter), television viewing and diet.
The availability of day-care facilities varies from country to country, as does the quality. They also split into two general categories; local and international.
Local facilities will usually use the local language and most of the staff and children will be local nationals. An expat child in such a centre will be immersed in the local language and culture.
International facilities usually use English as the medium of instruction and can be of a standard and quality comparable to the best in Europe or North America. Some staff may be native English speakers, though there will probably be local staff too. Local children are often enrolled in such facilities, by parents anxious for their children to grow up bi-lingual.
Whether the centre is local or international, expat parents should take care to find out as much as possible before enrolling their children. A meeting with staff and a visit during school hours is important, as is talking to parents of children who have attended the centre.
Most expat children attend what are commonly referred to as international schools. These have been set up to provide quality education, in English, to children of many nationalities.
Within the broad umbrella of international schools are 'American', 'British' and 'International' curriculum schools.
At elementary and middle school level, there is not much to choose between them in terms of curriculum and teaching style. At high school level the curricula vary greatly.
American curriculum schools aim towards Standardized Assessment Tests (SATs) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These are the most common exams used to assess students for entry to American universities. At high school level students usually study a broad range of subjects until they graduate. For students who are likely to transfer back to America, or another American overseas school, accreditation by one of the US agencies or the European Council of International Schools (ECIS) can be important.
British curriculum schools generally follow the British National Curriculum and students study for the GCSE and Advanced ('A') Level examinations. Accreditation is not seen as so important by many of these schools, though they can be among the best of the international schools. Students generally study at least 8 GCSEs and 3 or 4 'A' levels.
In many countries there are also German, French, Pakistani and other nationality schools, sponsored by governments and organizations, which provide the standard education of that country.
International curriculum schools are usually members of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), based in Switzerland. IB school may follow any, or all, of the Primary Years, Middle Years, or Diploma programs. Many also offer IGCSE courses (the international version of the GCSE exams). The IB Diploma program is a demanding multidisciplinary course that can be taught in English, French or Spanish, though most use English. The IB diploma is widely recognized for entry to universities around the world.
Local schools are another option for expat children, though parents should consider difficulties that the language of instruction and the content of the curriculum may pose for their child. For younger children a local school can be a good way for them to learn the local language.
Whichever school is chosen, the suitability of the school, both socially and academically, for the child should be considered. Also, important to consider is where the child will go when they leave the school (another school, university, etc.) and whether the curriculum will help or hinder that future move.
To determine the quality of a school, parents should ask as many questions as possible of the school, parents of children who have attended it and expat staff at their embassy.
To find an international school in your destination country, see our directory below:
|
American Embassy School |
|
|
Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, 110 021, India |
|
|
Tel : |
(+91) 11 2688 8854 |
|
ENROLMENT: |
|
|
Age Range: |
3-18 |
|
FEES : |
Pre-Kindergarten : US$ 18,037 KG-Grade 5 : US$ 24,056 |
|
American International School Chennai |
|
|
100 Feet Rd, Taramani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600113, India |
|
|
Tel : |
(+91) 44 2254 9000 |
|
ENROLMENT: |
|
|
Age Range: |
3-18 |
|
Nationalities: |
24 |
|
Fees: |
For fee information, contact admissionsdirector@aischennai.org. |
|
American School of Bombay |
|
|
SF2, G Block, Bandra-Kurla Complex Road, Bandra East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400098 |
|
|
Tel : |
(+91) 22 6772 7272 |
|
ENROLMENT: |
|
|
Age Range: |
3-19 |
|
Nationalities: |
50 |
|
Fees: |
Day only: US$ 3208-US$ 17208 |
|
Other Fees: |
|
|
FEES: |
Registration US$1,000; Capital levy Pre-K |
|
Bangalore International School |
|
|
Hennur Bagalur Road, Kothanur Post, Banjara Residency, Geddalahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560077 |
|
|
Tel : |
(+91) 80 2846 5060 |
|
ENROLMENT: |
|
|
Age Range: |
3-17 |
|
Fees: |
Not publish on website |
|
Calcutta International School Society |
|
|
724, Anandapur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700107 |
|
|
Tel : |
(+91) 33 6500 4702 |
|
ENROLMENT: |
|
|
Age Range: |
4-18 |
|
Fees: |
http://www.calcuttais.edu.in/images/Fee%20Structure%202018-19.pdf |
|
Canadian School of India |
|
|
4 & 20, Manchenahalli,, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064, India |
|
|
Tel : |
(+91) 80 2343 8414 |
|
ENROLMENT: |
|
|
Age Range: |
2.5-19 |
|
Nationalities: |
40 |
|
Fees: |
S$2,500.00 |
|
Hebron School |
|
|
Nilgiris, Ooty, Tamil Nadu 643001, India |
|
|
Tel : |
(+91) 423 222 5820 |
|
ENROLMENT: |
|
|
India International School |
|
|
Opposite VT Road, Shipra Path, Mansarovar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302020 |
|
|
Tel : |
(+91) 141 278 6402 |
|
ENROLMENT: |
|
|
Age Range: |
4-18 |
|
Fees: |
http://www.iisjaipur.org/Fee-Structure_PDF.pdf |
|
International School of Hyderabad |
|
|
c/o ICRISAT, Patancheru, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, 502324 |
|
|
Tel : |
(+91) 40 30713865 |
|
Fees: |
http://www.ishyd.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/pdf/ISH%20School%20Fees%202014-15.pdf |
|
Kodaikanal International School |
|
|
Seven Roads Junction, Club Road, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu 624101 |
|
|
Tel : |
(+91) 4542 247 500 |
|
Fees: |
https://www.kis.in/admissions/fee-schedules/ |
|
Mahindra United World College of India |
|
|
Village Khubavali, P.O. Paud, Taluka Mulshi, Pune, Maharashtra 412108 |
|
|
Tel : |
097644 42752 |
|
E mail: |
info@muwci.net |
|
Web site: |
www.uwcmahindracollege.org |
|
Mallya Aditi International School |
|
|
Behind NIPCCD building, Yelahanka New Town, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560106 |
|
|
Tel : |
080 4044 7000 |
|
E mail: |
maisadmn@aditi.edu.in |
|
Fees: |
http://www.aditi.edu.in/admissions/ |
|
Mercedes Benz International School |
|
|
P-26 MIDC Phase 1,Rajeev Gandhi Infotech Park,Hinjawadi, Pune – 411057 |
|
|
Tel : |
+91 – 20 42954444 |
|
E mail: |
admissions@mbis.org |
|
Web site: |
https://www.mbis.org |
|
Fees: |
https://www.mbis.org/admission/fee/ |
|
Pathways World School |
|
|
New Delhi, 2, Hemkunt Colony, Greater Kailash, New Delhi - 110048 |
|
|
Tel : |
0124 487 2000 |
|
E mail: |
swati.gomber@pathways.in |
|
Web site: |
https://www.pathways.in |
|
Fees: |
https://www.pathways.in/Home/admission |
|
The British School |
|
|
Dr Jose P Rizal Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, Delhi 110021 |
|
|
Tel : |
011 4066 4166 |
|
Email : |
thebritishschool@british-school.org |
|
Fees: |
https://www.british-school.org/Admissions-FeeStructure |
|
The International School Bangalore |
|
|
NAFL Valley, Whitefield-Sarjapur Road, Near Dommasandra Circle, Bengaluru, Karnataka 562125 |
|
|
Tel : |
080 2263 4900 |
|
Email : |
school@tisb.ac.in |
|
Website: http://tisb.org |
|
|
Total Enrolment: |
http://tisb.org/admissions/ |
|
Woodstock School |
|
|
Tehri Road, Landour, Near Landour Community hospital, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 248179 |
|
|
Tel : |
0135 661 5000 |
|
Email : |
admissions@woodstock.ac.in. |
|
Website: |
https://www.woodstockschool.in |
|
Fees: |
https://www.woodstockschool.in/fees/ |
|
Ecole Française Internationale |
|
|
Ashishwang Bungalow, Plot No.72, Pochkhanwala Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 030, Mumbai |
|
|
Tel : |
(0)22249 08801 |
|
Email : |
admin@efib.in |
|
Website: |
www.efib.in/en/ |
|
Fees: |
http://www.efib.in/admission/ |
|
Ecole Française |
|
|
2 Aurangzeb Road - - New Delhi 110011, India |
|
|
Tel : |
+91 113041 9550 |
|
Email : |
contact@lfidelhi.org |
|
Website: |
https://lfidelhi.org/ |
|
Fees: |
https://lfidelhi.org/admission-apply/tuitions-and-fees/ |
|
Lycée Français |
|
|
12, Victor Simonel St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001 |
|
|
Tel : |
0413 233 5831 |
|
Email : |
proviseur@lfpondichery.net |
|
Website: |
http://www.lfpondichery.net |
|
Fees: |
http://www.lfpondichery.net/web/index.php/en/about-us-menu/applying |
Culture Shock
Culture shock is an integral part of relocating; everyone suffers from it to some extent. The term 'Culture Shock' can be misleading, as it is not only the different culture of the host country that can be unsettling. Instead of the label culture shock, try considering the phrase, 'stress and anxiety resulting from unfamiliar surroundings'. When moving abroad, not only the predominant culture of the people and city around you changes, there is often a lifestyle change for the family too: apartment living instead of a house with a garden, a private school instead of a state school, increase in disposable income, domestic staff being employed in the home, only one parent working. Even if you can buy recognizable and favourite food items in the host country, there are likely to be changes to taste, quality and price due to local climatic conditions, production and preparation methods and the cost of importing. These lifestyle changes can be as difficult for a family to adapt to as the cultural changes. The change in environment can lead children to become depressed, anxious, unhappy, badly behaved and physically ill. Advance preparation and introduction to the likely changes will mean that they are less surprising and ultimately less problematic. Introducing A New Country as Your Future Home
The best way to introduce children successfully to something new is to make it exciting. The following ideas can be used to prepare your children for an international move:
Post Arrival Strategies for Relieving Culture Shock
It is the unfamiliar aspects of a country that prompt the stresses of culture shock. For children it can seem that everything is different and unfamiliar. The language they hear around them and the signs they see are likely to be unintelligible. The buildings, shops, foods and restaurants can all look strange too.
By finding familiar shops, restaurants and foods, the enormity of the differences will lessen for children. A visit to McDonalds may not be top of the list for adults as a place to eat in Paris, but for children it can be a welcome reassurance that everything they knew has not disappeared.
Making contact with other children who speak their language - preferably those who like the country - will help children settle too. A peer that children can communicate with can help reduce loneliness and anxiety and provide explanations of and introductions to the new culture.
Activities and sports are useful for helping children settle in a foreign country. Football, horse riding, or any other activity that a child likes can give them something to look forward to and a place to make more friends, both local and expatriate ones. Attending a specific group activity eases the pressure of making friends, by giving the child a reason for being part of the group. It will also boost their confidence, encourage them to find positive aspects of the country and teach them, through host country friends, how to make the most of the country that is now home.
Language
A major cause of stress in a foreign country is the inability to understand what is being said and written. This lack of language skills can also make it more difficult to appreciate how to successfully live in a country. If the local language is not being taught in the child's school, consider private lessons.
Younger children pick up a language by assimilation. If you have local friends ask them to speak to young children in the local language, especially if you expect to be in the country for a few years. Continuous exposure to the language will help the child learn it and make their stay in the country much less frustrating and much more enjoyable.
The Cycle of Culture Shock
The effects of culture shock usually fade over time, especially with family support and encouragement to understand the differences met during time spent in a foreign country. Culture shock often follows a pattern of Euphoria (initial enjoyment of all the exciting new aspects of the country), Depression (when the negative differences overwhelm the positive ones) and Adaptation (as adjustment to the country is made). The time scale of this pattern varies for everyone and not everyone experiences all three. The most common time scale seems to be approximately a week of Euphoria, a couple of months of Depression and many months of Adaptation. Many expats feel that the first year in a country is one of ongoing adaptation and orientation.
However, culture shock can be cyclical, and expatriates find that it recurs over time, especially at certain times of year, no matter how long they stay in a country. Special holidays or anniversaries can reawaken aspects of culture shock and spark depression and frustration years after the move.
Children can experience this cycle too and they need ongoing support from their parents to benefit fully from the experience of living abroad.
An Initiative by P.M Relocations Pvt Ltd. Leading Relocation Company in the Country for the last 31 years