Australia: Family and Education

expat network

How To Involve Your Family Back Home When Expecting a Baby Abroad

Whether you’re a digital nomad that moves around frequently or a part of a couple that’s found their forever home, it can be stressful to be away from family when you’re expecting a baby abroad. However, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your family back home in the loop while...

Want To Study Abroad? Here’s What You Have To Do

If you have ever dreamed of studying abroad, now is the time to take action. Studying in a foreign country can be an amazing experience that will open your eyes to new cultures and ways of thinking. This article will outline the steps that you need to take to make your dream a reality....

Giving Birth In Australia: Maternity Hacks For Expecting Expats

Pregnancy and giving birth are one of the truest life-defining moments for those who are looking to become mothers. Moving to a country like Australia requires a lot of courage and determination, mainly if you’re planning to stay there for longer and also give birth one day. Here are some maternity (and other) hacks...

Online Homeschooling vs International Schools

More parents and children than ever before have discovered the benefits of online homeschooling. The once obligatory international school is increasingly being dropped by parents for a more modern and convenient option. Although international schools are one option, these days online homeschooling is rapidly becoming the most popular choice. If ensuring an outstanding British education overseas...

Choosing a School In Australia

Australia has excellent state and independent schools to choose from. School education in Australia includes preschool, preparatory (or kindergarten), primary school, secondary school (or high school) and senior secondary school (or college). School education in Australia lasts for 13 years, and is compulsory between the ages of six and sixteen (Year 1 to Year 9...

Choosing A School In Australia

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.