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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to move my child to a different country for a year?

29 replies

VelvetMuffins · 05/09/2017 01:01

A great job has come up for me, I waited until I was offered the job (was discussed over Skype interview, etc. about arrangements) and have been given a start date in 3 months, for a temporary position (that lasts a year).

It will provide experience for my CV that I just don't have. I've also always wanted to live there (Hawaii).

My son is 7 now and would it be horrible to take him out of school? I'd hate to mess up his education, but will it be a huge problem (he's still young)? I'll obviously make sure he has education while there.

Thanks

OP posts:
yellowday · 05/09/2017 01:03

Sounds like a fab opportunity and he'll learn so much living in Hawaii for a year!

iamapixiebutnotaniceone · 05/09/2017 01:03

Get packing! Can I come too?

catrin · 05/09/2017 01:06

Not only is it an amazing opportunity for you, how bitter would you be if you found out in 20 years you could have gone to Hawaii for a year and your parent said no because of school?!

oldlaundbooth · 05/09/2017 01:08

Hawaii?!

Are you kidding?!

Get gone!

Original poster
VelvetMuffins · 05/09/2017 01:08

Ah yay! I was so waiting to get a bashing!!

OP posts:
justilou · 05/09/2017 01:34

We took all three of ours for a year or two from Australia to the Netherlands and ended up staying 8.5 years. It was great! Our kids have had an amazing experience, have grown up bilingual and have empathy for those from other cultures. I can't recommend it highly enough. He's 7 - he will remember this for the rest of his life. Besides - HAWAII!!!!

Cavender · 05/09/2017 01:41

We've moved to mainland USA temporarily with DH's job.

I was very worried about the kids' education but actually it's been wonderful.

In addition they've really benefited from living in a different culture.

Cavender · 05/09/2017 01:42

Ps make sure the job comes with health insurance and dental.

MrsOverTheRoad · 05/09/2017 02:29

It's great for children to travel! Good for their confidence and they learn to adjust to different people and cultures.

JigglyTuff · 05/09/2017 02:51

I think it will be a wonderful opportunity for both of you

GoldfishCrackers · 05/09/2017 02:51

Do it!!

amnesty124 · 05/09/2017 03:09

It's a fantastic opportunity. We're a little different because our children have never lived in the UK. Seven is the PERFECT age - old enough to remember and grow from the experience but not so old where it will affect their education. I've met so many people with young children that have left for a 'couple' of years and either haven't gone back, extended way beyond the original term, or found it very difficult to leave when the contract is up. There are very few people i know who have gone home relieved having regretted the decision to travel....And I'm talking about developing countries that are not easy to live in....

sobeyondthehills · 05/09/2017 03:11

I would say go for it, but having friends out there, check your contract to make sure it covers health insurance, dental, and please make sure it includes your family.

There were a couple of other things that we in the UK "get paid for" that came as a surprise.

I know once they got there they had to add on tax to everything they saw in their own heads, was a pain, having been in the UK with an item thats £10 and was £10 and going up with an item that says $8.00 and paying whatever

realhousewife33 · 05/09/2017 03:53

Definitely go for it, it will be a great experience. Pop over to the Living Overseas thread if you need specific advice on moving to the US. The first question everyone will ask is what type of visa will you be getting? Will you be going with a DH/DP or just your son? Hawaii will be amazing although it has a very high cost of living I believe. Do make sure you're getting a package that allows you to enjoy living there.

Leilaniii · 05/09/2017 04:09

Oh my goodness, what an amazing opportunity for your child! And you, obvs. You absolutely HAVE to go.

Please report back and let us know how you are getting on.

Eddierussett · 05/09/2017 04:37

I was taken abroad for most of a year when my sibling band I were either side of your son's age (also to America). Absolutely loved it, still have amazing memories of the trip and preferred my school out there! My sibling also actively benefitted from being moved into a school system where they start school at an older age. Neither of us was disadvantaged on our return - the only thing I remember being odd was that history was taught by memorising facts and then completing multiple choice answer sheets rather than by doing projects.

BoomBoomsCousin · 05/09/2017 04:46

So you'll be pulling him out of school mid-year and coming back a year later and putting him back mid-year? I would be a bit concerned about schooling if the opportunity is definitely only a year. Are you likely to come back to the same place? Will he have a space still in his old school? Will you be able to make sure he keeps up with the curriculum? I don't think those are deal breaker issues, but they need some careful consideration.

pilotswife · 05/09/2017 04:53

Go girl ! Seven is such a fabulous age to travel and make friends easily. What an adventure and who knows where it will lead to!

emmyrose2000 · 05/09/2017 06:22

Brilliant opportunity for him! It'd almost be a crime to not take him. School in the UK will always be there when/if you come back.

Aebj · 05/09/2017 06:36

Do it. Have a fantastic time

tinypop4 · 05/09/2017 06:50

Go go! You'll both love it. We went to Singapore for a year when the dc were tiny (3 and a baby) we all loved it but they won't remember much so we hope to have another year or two away when they're roughly your sons age. Get packing ..,

Maelstrop · 05/09/2017 06:58

Brilliant opportunity, do it!

somewhereovertherain · 05/09/2017 06:58

Go for it.

meditrina · 05/09/2017 07:10

I think it sounds a brilliant opportunities.

I think it'll enhance his education.

It might have an impact on his schooling, however, because state schools cannot guarantee to re-admit a pupil. You'll have to reapply on your return

BikeRunSki · 05/09/2017 07:23

The only thing I'd worry about would be if he'd get a schoolmplsce when you get back.

But other than that... do it! My parents did it twice with me (USA at 10 and Netherlands at 7) and I still remember those times well. I went back to the same school both times; they must have hated us!

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