If you could move to a country on the below list which one would you pick and why?

[chirpyduck]

Or if anyone has already lived and worked in these countries any advice is greatly appreciated or any advice from anyone who has relocated as well as I'm sure there are pitfalls as well as benefits!

I have one dc in year 5 and dh and I are late 30's can move to one of these countries through work. I don't want to miss the opportunity so am currently investigating which one sounds like we could make it work.

Argentina
Australia (Sydney)
Belgium
Canada
France
Germany
Indonesia
Italy
Japan
Malaysia
Mexico
New Zealand
Panama
Singapore
Netherlands
Thailand
Vietnam

I lived in Italy and Germany. If I had to choose one to go back to it would be Germany. Clean, safe, excellent public transport, very good medical services, loved the supermarket choices, Miss the bakeries and coffee shops. Eating out was much more relaxing there, no rushing you out or slapping the bill on the table while you’re still eating.

Only based on visiting, but Germany would be my choice. I really liked it there - the food, the culture, the people.

Do you speak any foreign languages? I don’t, so I think I’d go for Canada. Aus/NZ are too far. If you don’t mind learning a new language, I’d probably go for the Netherlands.

Australia but I'm not the biggest fan of Sydney.
Vietnam is absolutely beautiful and the food is out of this world and super cheap.

Australia - loved Sydney. DH has relatives there.
France would be nice too but in a more rural area I think.

If you're going for a specified time and will return to the UK, then Australia. You may never get that chance again :) Otherwise France or Germany.

My favourites on that list all border on the South China Sea so sadly it would be foolhardy to move to any of them at this point in time.

If you can work remotely, Thailand. The wifi is generally good and prices are dirt cheap. The European countries and Canada may be more familiar environments but you wont manage to save much. Thailand also gives you the sunshine.

Or Indonesia - I never saw it on your list. Good international schooling options there as well as long as you choose your location carefully within Indonesia.

I'm Italian so I'd pick Italy to move back "home"

I'm from a small village that is commutable to Milan or Bergamo for work and my cousins kids all seem to have great outdoorsy lives with a lot less social media and lots of relatives around.

I also like the idea of Canada...again for the outdoorsyness.

What do you want out of a move? A better work/life balance? Cheaper cost of living? A more equal society? A familiar culture? The opportunity to learn a new language? Better climate? For your DC to have greater independence?

Spoilt for choice. I’d do as pp and think about Thailand or other that’s not as similar to U.K.

I can’t help, but what a fantastic opportunity OP, I am very envious!

Germany, but not big cities.

I was born in Belgium and DH and I moved to Montreal earlier this year - loving it! DT’s are early 20’s - one living in Amsterdam and the other in Brussels.

heard good things about Panama

If you want to give your child a chance to learn another language, then go for a non-English speaking country. Personally I would go for French, Spanish, German or Italian. Then you just narrow it down based on better living standards, safety etc…

I've been in Italy since 1994.

Cost of living is about the same as the UK, like for like. Some food is more expensive here: meat, fish, cheese etc. Fruit and veg in season is cheaper. Out of season not so. This may sound sensible and logical but you'll get cheap fruit A for literally 10 days a year then not see it again. Etc.

Education. Italian school is much more formal and academic. Moving with a child I'd check where they would be in the school system. How old is year 5? 10? They'd be moving to 3 years of middle school at 11. There's homework, lots of it, and it's compulsory. Kids can fail a year and have to redo it at any age, though it's virtually unheard of before middle school.

Healthcare is good, but most people I know tend to pay for things, in the sense that I don't know anyone who goes to the free dentists or gynaecologist etc. If you go to the free ones then you may go to a different town and see a different doctor each time.

Is this a forever move or a couple of years? do you speak any other languages? Where are you / wider family now, assuming UK?

I grew up and have subsequently lived in a few countries (none on your list though!), now back in the UK. I would be wary of Aus / NZ jut becuase of distance, flights are going to get more and more expensive imo and it's an arse of a journey.

They will all have benefits and drawbacks won't they?

Why not pick one you both would actually like best?

For quality of life and ease of being able to return to the UK/visit family, I'd probably pick the Netherlands or Germany. Both have strong work-life balance ethos, good range of school options, less culture shock. I really like the strong emphasis they both place on happy, independent children, being able to cycle everywhere, importance of outdoor activities.

Will you be in capital cities?
Will your work pay for international schools?
Will you be there for the short or long term?

If short term with international schools I'd look at the more exciting locations in Asia. If long term and local, I would choose Europe. But depends on the city - captials can be very busy and expensive. Would go to Berlin but not Paris, but would prefer Lyon to Hamburg for example...

I live in France, I love it. But your style of living will depending great on where you live.

Australia…absolutely loved living in Sydney but it was many years ago .
Canada …never been but have only ever heard positive stories. Son going to Vancouver next year on work placement so shall definitely be visiting!

I wouldn't go anywhere that is too hot and Australia has vicious wild fires so that would be out.

I would pick France or Germany or possibly the Netherlands. As a pp mentioned, i would try and choose somewhere which feels more equal in terms of job ppportunities, wealth and housing. The UK has a poor track record now thanks to the Tory government but that's another topic.

What a great opportunity Op! Best of luck with your move

Yes me too re criteria

Lived and worked in Argentina. DH is Argentine. We have a house there we will retire to when DD is older. Would definitely recommend. Easy to get visa's and very welcoming. We broke down one xmas day and about four cars stopped to help and we had four invites to dinner that evening!