Schooling, Working & Cost of Living - part 3 of where in the world…

Summary: This is the third part of the "where in the world" series. This section may be of most interest to families and young professionals considering their ideal overseas location.

School rankings & quality of education

If you are moving abroad with your family or intending to start a family when you get overseas, the considerations pertaining to the educational standards available in your destination of choice will probably be fairly high on your agenda.  So, what’s on offer in your destination of choice?

If you are about to be an expatriate there a number of points that are worth considering when determining the right path for the educational needs of your child: -
- Will you be in an environment where the local education standards differ greatly from the standards that you would like to achieve for your child?  What choices are available to you?

- Will you be living in an environment that is not 100% safe or stable for your child?  Could this adversely affect their educational development?  If so what action could you take to protect your child’s educational needs?

- Culturally, morally or religiously does the environment in which you are considering living match your family’s beliefs and ideals?  If not, what can be done to safeguard your child’s social welfare?

- Are the educational, extracurricular and social facilities offered in your destination of choice wide enough to encompass your child’s personal needs, talents and desires?

- Is the language in your proposed country of residence going to prove a barrier or a retardant to your child’s learning?

- Do the standards of qualifications achievable in your ideal country of residence compare favourably to the standards back home?

- Do the standards of teacher qualifications in your proposed country of residence compare favourably to the standards back home?

- Is there a potential for the repetition of any educational or social disruption to your child if your job or that of your partner means that you will regularly have to travel or relocate?

Career and job prospects

If you are moving overseas to fill a job offer then you are obviously assured work and income.  But what if the position you are about to take doesn’t suit you and you’d like to look elsewhere for employment in your new country of residence?  What’s the job market like?

If you already have work lined up and you have a spouse, how likely is it that they will find a job that suits them.  Can you get a job offer or a feel for the employment market before you go?

If you are moving overseas and hoping to find a job or a career when you get there how likely is it that you will succeed?

Will any qualifications you have translate favourably overseas?  If you have a profession, will you be able to practice it in your new country?

And if you are looking for seasonal or unskilled employment, what are your prospects. 

Do you speak the language of the country you are hoping to move to?  If not, will this be a hindrance to you.  Can you start to learn the language before you go?

To continue reading the “where in the world” article series follow these links: -

Part 1 - Introduction to the series & demographics

Part 2 - Population statistics & immigration policy

Part 4 - Crime, health, safety & accessibility!

Part 5 - The weather, the history and the lifestyle

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