W
ith some international
relocations coming
out of the blue, a last-
minute job offer can
throw even the calmest of multitaskers
into a panic. But with a little bit of
preparation and flexibility, your
upcoming move can feel more like an
adventure than a chore. We speak to
experienced experts and expats about
avoiding potential pitfalls when it
comes to moving on.
Back to school
As any parent knows, finding a
school place, be it within a country’s
local system or at an international
school, can be an epic task. So, first
on any parent’s moving checklist
should be identifying and contacting
suitable schools without delay. Many
employers will have specific education
advisors to assist with this process,
drawing up shortlists, obtaining
enrolment forms and scheduling
campus visits for once you arrive.
It’s advisable to do as much
research yourself as possible
beforehand: check online forums and
expat websites for as much insider
information as possible. If you are
interested in a particular curriculum,
specialism or learning style (for
example, Montessori or Steiner
method), contact specific school
associations and governing bodies in
the inbound country.
Before you begin your research,
Megan Inglis-Davies, director at
relocation firm Locations, suggests
ensuring that you are thoroughly
briefed as to your entitlements.
“Find out what type of support
your employer is willing to provide.
For example, will they cover costs
for school searches and the often-
expensive tuition fees?”
“Bear in mind that there are often
additional costs such as capital levies,
debentures, deposits, and reservation
and application fees. Determine
whether your employer will cover fees
incurred to obtain priority admission
for your child, should there be a long
wait list. Other costs to be considered
include school buses, books, uniforms
and trips,” Megan says.
Once you are armed with this
information, Gill Keefe, national
director of relocation at Jones Lang
LaSalle, believes that engaging the
experts early is an absolute must. “It
is critical to get the right advice as
early as possible so you have a chance
to find a school that is the best fit for
your family.”
Attempting to arrange school
places remotely can turn this process
into a huge headache, so Gill advises
getting in contact with a full-service
schooling expert.
“They should schedule a call with
you in your home country to ask for
your children’s details, curriculum,
and type of school you need, and
your long-term plans. They can then
suggest schools that are appropriate.
Once you arrive, they should have
set up appointments, tours, and
assessments as needed. They should
then chase these applications until
you are offered places in your target
schools. Request, and expect, an end-
to-end service!”
If all else fails and a place at your
preferred school is not available, then
consider your alternatives. Is there a
local school that might accept your
child while you wait for a space at
an international school to become
available? Can you increase your
commute if needed? Some countries
permit home-schooling, but can
specify upper age limits, so check
with the local education board before
committing to this route.
Relocation, relocation
If your schooling expert has worked
their magic, then it’s on to step
two: house-hunting. Again, Megan
recommends starting with a full
>>Move
it!
You’ve got what seems like moments to decide on a new
neighbourhood, a new school and a new life.
Kate Farr
investigates
how to make the best decisions when time is not on your side.
May 2014
71
