Chance of a lifetime or?

[chunkfunk]

Dh is in the forces and has been given the chance of a posting in either Canada or Cyprus (house is included and would be payed extra whilst over there)
Our children are currently 9/7/4
It's once in a lifetime opportunity but on the other hand I worry about the kids education. DH thinks we should go for it whilst the children are still primary age. Of course it's a decision only myself an my DH can make but just wondering what other people's views are?

I'd go for it in a heartbeat. How much moving have you done already?

Particularly Canada

Canada
I’d be there like a shot

I'd be brushing up on my Canadian slang as we speak

Life's short, do it. Grab every opportunity.

I'd have said yes before he'd finished speaking - Canada as a preference.

Canada is a wonderful country. I'd go!

What an opportunity for your children to experience another country and culture.

Another vote for Canada. Cyprus is nice for a holiday.

I'd go in a heartbeat, especially Canada.

How long is the posting?

No brainier. I wish I had that chance. Your DC will benefit so much and so will you. Do it !

DH is Forces too, our kids are a bit older, we've always said we'd drop everything here and do any North American posting so we'd happily go to Canada! Cyprus is more likely for us though, or Germany, DH hasn't put them down though because they don't excite us enough to disrupt our lives (I could WFH but putting our house out to rent doesn't appeal, we don't live in MQs). Your kids are the perfect age for it IMO.

I wouldn't uproot my DC, personally. But will they be moved around anyway? If so then I'd take advantage of the situation.

My friend transferred her 3 girls aged 3, 5 & 8 from uk to Canadian schooling with absolutely no negatives. They were a sporty family and the girls did soccer, skiing, water skiing, hockey, basketball, ballet, etc. Etc. The academic element is all module based, meaning they studied above their age level when it suited, and could flip between online and classroom learning. They have now all graduated and are some of the most rounded and accomplished young adults I know.

I’d be asking how quick we could move
Another one for Canada

But would DH job be the same in both? That would play a factor for me on how much time he has with you etc.
Also where in Canada - v harsh weather conditions, and I suppose if it’s the absolute middle of no where, hours from a major city that would make a difference to me

Also how much family you have in the UK

And do you work now? Could you work? How would your day to day life look there? If you’re in the middle of nowhere will you be able to have access to a car n things like that? Or are you somewhat trapped in the house?

If it’s nearish a city/major town and some signs of life and you can afford to visit family/it’s not for long / you don’t have much family here I wouldn’t even think about it

Had a friend whose husband was posted to cypress she had young children at the time
She liked it but said everything really expensive and missed home

Canada has extreme weather but they know how to deal with it. I'd be there in a heartbeat.

Canada would be an anazing opportunity especially with kids of thoses ages, and no language barrier to worry about! I personally wouldn't consider Cyprus as a family for just 1 year.

My bags would be packed and ticket to Canada sorted!

Go for Canada - apart from the transwoke craziness the people are lovely eh.

My cousins moved when they were 9 and 11. They blossomed, meant other cultures and are now bilingual. Canada sounds amazing.

Definitely do it. My parents (in their 60s now) regret not taking up the postings to Germany and Cyprus when my siblings and I were young.

I’d be on a plane to Canada inside a week! Wonderful place with wonderful people.

Check what they are offering for housing and furniture, and schooling. Are they meeting the costs if private?

We went to Brussels; had SSFA and paid rent. Db was in Cyprus in a quarter when his kids were young, and again, paid rent. Have a good look at the exchange rate and what LOA you will actually get. Be aware they can and do cut it when it suits; we got stung in Brussels with a massive LOA cut.

Have a good look at moving allowances etc, and see what you will have to put into storage, and will the MoD pay? Do you have any control over where your stuff is stored? Db didn't for one foreign posting and things got ruined.

I'd go for it, but be aware that there can be costs to you that are sprung on you, and it is up to you to find them out and be aware, in order to push back if necessary.