You have been offered an incredible opportunity of working outside the USA! Your family is excited about the move but a little concerned about what to do with the kids schooling.
Will you send them to a local public school?
Will you send them to a private school? Who is going to pay for that?!!
Will they be split up and sent off in different directions in the a.m. in a foreign country!?
All of these questions and MUCHO more are presented daily to International business men and their families when they are offered exciting job opportunities in another country.
Most companies offer corporate relocation services, such as my company here in Guadalajara, that establish a communication with the expat before they even decide to take the assignment. They are normally sent (with their spouse) on what we call a LOOK SEE. This way, they spen the day with a destination consultant that will take them around the city, to see representative housing (just what exactly will I be living in and what is the cost? Who is going to pay for my rent? What are the utilities? etc.), medical facilities, shopping and schools.
Every major international city IN THE WORLD normally has what we call an AMERICAN SCHOOL. These schools were originally started when American companies expanded into new countries and the need for a place where the expats kids could attend school, in ENGLISH and that also, if and when they returned to the USA (or any other country and went to another AMERICAN SCHOOL) their education and credits would be transferred with minimal hassle.
I am the product of American School education! When I was in 5th grade, my father was sent to Rio de Janeiro (it was the capital of Brazil then!) and we attended Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro (known as EA to us) Later, when the Embassy sent him to Tegucigalpa we attended the American School there and then off to the American School here in Guadalajara (ASFG - American School Foundation of Guadalajara is the official name, but we all call it " El American")
The education that these schools offer is absolutely amazing! Though the majority of the students are normally in each country Nationals (they want to learn English from native speakers plus have the type of more open and creative education than what is normally offered in their countries) - you will find yourself in smaller classrooms filled with fellow students from all over the world! Their knowledge and experience is unique and shared.
My brothers Bruce and Scot, sister Robin and my mother Mary Stirling along with my best buddy in High School, Cristi Tobias, recently went to the American School here in Guadalajara to retrace our steps from way back in 1967 when we attended school there. Peach Madrigal was kind enough to set up a great tour of the facilities for us! Wow, it has grown! We had a wonderful time going down memory lane and hearing of all the success that the school has had in placing students in outstanding Universities in the US once they graduate.
Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone if you are offered a position in a foreign country. Believe me, though it may seem daunting in the beginning, the experience and the opportunity that you are offering your children to learn first hand as to what is going on in the world, learn another language and culture, will give them a head start in this competitive world!!
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