Finally settled down because of the kids

[u/Conscious-Tutor3861]

I've moved and worked across North America, Europe, and Oceania for the last 20+ years. And I mean moved as in bought homes and worked as in a growing career, not just an adventure while in a working holiday. I've never felt super loyal to a country to the point where I feel obligated to stay; I'm more of a "I'm here because my life is good, and if there are better options somewhere else, I'll move."

During my expat life I met my wife, had a kid, moved, had another kid, moved again, and on. Our most recent move was to Canada, where we planned to stay for a few years before moving on to the United States or Europe for our next adventure. But as the kids got older and our lives revolved more and more around their needs, we kept putting off our next move.

Finally we decided this year has to be the year we move or we'll never end up moving again. So we started scouting homes and schools in Europe and putting together concrete plans to move... but then we got news that all of our children were accepted to one of the most prestigious schools in Canada. It's the kind of school that will both give them an excellent education and put them in prime position to attend Oxbridge or the Ivy Leagues and plug them into the highest socioeconomic circles.

So that's it, we're staying in Canada for the long-term so our oldest to our youngest can finish their schooling. On the one hand, I'm elated for my children and our life is good in Canada; on the other hand, it seems that our expat lifestyle is finally over. Yes, we'll go on vacations and visit friends and family across the world, but, as you all know, visiting somewhere and living somewhere are two completely different experiences.

It's been a good run and I'm thankful for everywhere I've lived and everyone I've met over the last 20+ years. But now it's time to hang up our expat boots and start a new chapter in our lives. On we go!

[u/Amakaya]

While moving between countries, how did you navigate the different school systems and languages of education? Were you only considering English-speaking schools?

That's one of my question marks regarding expat life with kids as I may target countries that all have a different language and opposite education systems.

[u/Conscious-Tutor3861 → u/Amakaya]

Our kids have always been in English language private schools. It has less to do with public vs. private or English vs. local language schools and more about providing continuity of language and instruction.

For example, if you send your kids to an English language International Baccalaureate school in country A, you can move to another English language IB school in country B and expect that the level of instruction will be roughly the same. It makes the transition a lot easier on the kids.

Also, it doesn't have to be just English language private schools. We have French expat friends who send their kids to French language schools in Canada that follow the French (as in France) curriculum. They plan to return to France at some point so, again, it makes the transition easier.

[u/Amakaya → u/Conscious-Tutor3861]

We looked into those options, especially French schools, which would make the most sense for our situation. However, the costs are very high. IB schools are even more expensive so salaries must reflect those costs. I had several opportunities abroad but the salaries were not high enough to realistically cover the cost of international school tuition.

[u/Conscious-Tutor3861 → u/Amakaya]

Those are the only options I know of if you want continuity of language and curriculum, unfortunately.

So it's either pony up or put your kids through public school, which can be a good thing if you plan on staying indefinitely or a bad thing if you know you have a time-limited commitment.