Living Overseas/Boarding Schools.

[MacaYoniandCheese]

Just wondering if anyone has left one or more of their children in a boarding school in their home country (I realize that sounds harsh...there's no way to sugar-coat it is there?) whilst living overseas? We are moving to the ME in the NY and have discovered that the schools available for entry mid-year in our new city also happen to be the most expensive. For that kind of money we could afford to send DD (11) to the very good boarding school here in our home town (in Canada) which is 5 minutes away from my parents. She'd also be able to continue her competitive gymnastics which I think may be a problem in our new city. Our other option would be to send her (and the boys when old enough) to board in the UK, where I spent most of my childhood and still have lots of relatives. I don't even know if I could actually go through with it, but want to consider all options.

[PeriPathetic]

Yes, my DD boards. But the reasons were due to the appalling education options in the countries we were in. There were other reasons too, and there was no other choice for her and us. She's having a fabulous time and can't wait to return next month.
I think I find the separation harder than she does!

[MasterOfTheYoniverse]

Very common here for long term expats (South East Asia).
Its not for lack of good schools but more a way of life, a question of social standing, to maintain a sense of identity and start networking.
All the stories I hear from my friends are very positive, in line with PeriPathetic's post.
But they do visit often. The children usually come for every term holiday and parents visit in between. Long summers in the UK/Europe.

The UK would be better in terms of distance but having grand parents round the corner is priceless. I would choose the latter for the time being. You can decide together in a year or 2 to transfer her if your posting is long term?
She'll be fine, 11 is a good age.

Good luck.

[JKSLtd]

I would recommend the first option - staying in home country, near relatives & friends.

In the UK she'll have no one will she?
And when you're young the flight journey times don't really matter.

[MacaYoniandCheese]

Thanks for your replies. I don't have any issues with the schools that are available to us, just that if we're going to be spending that kind of money on their education I might as well consider the full range of options. Like Peri said, I think I would find it harder than DD . She's quite mature, independent and ready for an adventure, I think.

[Xpatmama88]

We did. My DD went back to UK boarding school at 12 while we were in Asia, she stayed with her aunt during Exeat, and flew to visit us during half term and all long holiday. 7 years later, we did the same for our younger DS.
We decided to send them boarding because we moved too often, and it was very unsettling for them to start a new school in a new country every 2 years. And both of them are very able, so the best solution is sending them to an academic boarding school which suit their needs.