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Original poster

A year in NZ with children?

12 replies

NZMaybe · 04/01/2023 16:50

Has anyone ever lived abroad for a year with primary/early secondary age children and then returned to the UK?
I may have the opportunity to work in New Zealand for a year. I’m just trying to weigh up whether it’s worth going for or not and was hoping to hear from anyone who has done this, what are your overall thoughts on it?

OP posts:
Kingstonmumof1 · 04/01/2023 16:55

I should think for only one year the logistics of schooling would be tricky, as the school year runs with the calendar year. That would be my main concern at going for such a short time.

Kingstonmumof1 · 04/01/2023 16:56

I've not done it btw but I'm from that side of the world so it's always been a consideration/worry for me if we were to move.

TeenDivided · 04/01/2023 16:58

I think what would concern me is what year would your secondary age child be going into on return, and what time of year. If returning to your current house, would they get into an equally good school as before or do you run a massive risk of taking them out of super duper school and returning to a failing/needs improvement one.

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OhBeAFineGuyKissMe · 04/01/2023 17:14

I've done it for 2 years (2 countries a year in each) in primary age and both kids adapted really well, had a brilliant time, did stuff they never would have otherwise and have very fond memories.

We were back to the UK for a year and headed our again to a third country. DD was in year 8 when we returned with no issues at all. When overseas they did the IB curriculum which is different from England/Scotland but it was surprisingly smooth.

We did have company support, which helped hugely with accomidation and schooling. Will you be supported or on your own.

We stayed in the Northern Hemisphere so same year dates, going to the Southern Hemisphere does add a slight extra complexity to think about but it wouldn't stop me.

OhBeAFineGuyKissMe · 04/01/2023 17:18

On and we returned mid year as well. Again no problem for either child in year 6 (2 term to get ready for SATs as he had done nothing like that before - took it in his stride) and year 8.

My kids loved the experience of living in different counties and it has given them a broader outlook on life and cultures.

healthadvice123 · 04/01/2023 17:29

Not done it but if i had opportunity i would of, chance for kids to experience a different lifestyle etc more to life than just school but thats purely my opinion and also would take my kids views into account and how they would feel and cope

Georgeskitchen · 04/01/2023 18:03

It's a brilliant opportunity, go for it!!

illiterato · 04/01/2023 18:13

Honestly, having just moved back to uk after 13 years overseas, from where my Dc were born, I would not “move the caravan” for a year because it is a massive amount of admin and upheaval. We’ve now been back a year and the thought of then moving back to where we were and the kids’ old school would be slightly overwhelming. The kids would be torn between seeing old friends and the new ones they’ve now made. I think you’d end up in a no man’s land between being on a travelling experience and really seeing the country and doing “real life” but not being there long enough to really settle and make friends.

OhBeAFineGuyKissMe · 05/01/2023 09:04

Long term moves (13 years then a permanent move to the UK) feels very different from a known temporary move. My kids knew it was a year in 1 country and a year in a second, so it didn't feel that wrench leaving friends.

Saying that we were in a transient expat community so there was a lot of movement and the sometimes bumped into people again.

The big question is how much support the employer will give- help finding schools, accomodation, health insurance, networking with other parents.

nikinz · 06/01/2023 19:32

We moved to NZ with an 18 month old. We lived here for 5 years (and had another child). Moved over to the UK for 6 years then back to NZ. School years are different but kids adapt well. I'm a teacher and see lots of children slot into the NZ school year at different points from overseas. My kids love it here, they enjoy lots of freedom and a far healthier lifestyle than they had in the UK. They also have incredible friends here. Good luck with your decision : )

Newjobformoremoney · 06/01/2023 19:38

I’m doing a short term move to the USA and moving my daughters school (but she’s only 5). Lots of people here thought I was crazy (which I totally get)
But what was interesting was chatting to the school who were overwhelmingly supportive. They thought the experience would far outweigh any of the schooling challenges. We’re going in 20 days so I can let you know how it goes.

pocketvenuss · 06/01/2023 21:57

I'd do it if we were returning before year 9. The GCSE curriculum often starts in the later part of year 9. If the school you attend starts GCSEs in year 10 they will still select options in year 9

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