Amsterdam or London

[Amlo123]

Which is the best place to live ? Amsterdam or London

@Summergarden yes absolutely, I read that some where .

@dreamingbohemian. We have two options either Dutch government funded international schools or private international schools . There is one British school in Amsterdam which is following GCSC curriculum. If it is British school , there will be minimal risk if we want to come back after 2-3 years . Of course these private schools are very expensive. But not expensive as they are in London . What we are thinking is that if we like we can stay there as long as 5 years . Definitely no intentions more than that. So my son will finish Year 11 and he can do his A levels here depending on schools available. Moving from one place to another is always hard .

You would need to check but a lot of schools require you to speak Dutch. Most of the English speaking schools are elite.

However, I would move there in a heartbeat. Yes, some parts of the city are very touristy but it doesn't take a long work or tram ride for it to be quieter.

I would never live in Amsterdam myself and when visiting the Netherlands never stay there. Nearby is Leiden (lovely place, great local music scene) or Haarlem (worth considering) which are both OK for commuting into Amsterdam if work requires presence in an office. The Hague also worth considering but too far for a daily commute I suggest.

This is a really hard age to move schools and move internationally - does he speak Dutch?

International schools are on a different syllabus to UK schools - he will have gaps in his knowledge at a critical time (GCSEs) when you relocate back to London - it will be academically hard, and strong friendships are usually formed by then within state schools.

There is no guarantee he will be offered a place at the school of your choice when you return, either state or independent. With state schools he will be offered a place where ever is available and given there's some movement into the better schools pre-GSCE years, it's unlikely he will be offered a good state school place. Slightly different for independents, but again no assurances.

I went to five schools at secondary age, including a European international school and a non-European international school, a British school abroad too, so I have a fair idea of what I am speaking about.

ETA - The British School I think you are referring to is a mix of IGCSEs and GSCEs - you need to research this as they are not the same thing.

Whilst the majority of universities will accept IGCSEs as equivalent to GCSEs, many independent schools do not.

Lived in the Hague, and been to Amsterdam many times. Much prefer London, more cosmopolitan and the food is way better. I'm not a huge fan of Dutch cultural values tbh, euthanasia for anyone who wants it, women's bodies sold for sex in shop windows, drug use everywhere. Its permissive and practical to a fault IMHO. Also its so damp, below water level lots of it, my ears were constantly popping! Loved Zeeland though and the amazing dams. Having lived in several countries, fit with cultural values is essential for me if I want to be happy somewhere long term (and I need to like the food!).