I don't think Maveta is asking whether she should move back to the UK.
She is asking for advice on what to do when moving internationally with children.
So, my story:
When we left the UK for NZ we went 'sink or swim' - sold up completely and pretty much burned every bridge (if it went wrong we would have to go back and live with my parents and start all over again).
We didn't have the attitude of 'if it doesn't work we can always go back' although that was in the back of our minds I suppose. We definitely didn't give ourselves a time limit of say 18 months - I think it never works when people do that as they see the 18 months through then almost always go back.
We had the attitude that it was forever. And to be honest, I would always say to people that it takes at least 2 years before you can possibly begin to know if it is working for you or not. The first year is a novelty, everything is new ... the second year is consolidation. If you are still unsettled with no friends after 2 years then yes, possibly look at turning around and going back.
It does wind me up when people go home after a year ... saying it didn't work. How can they possibly know that after a short 12 months. Anyway ...
If your children are under school age I guess you can live anywhere where there are playgroups etc. But heading for school age you do need to think about the schooling in the area you live. The first house we bought in NZ was a lovely house but in a very dodgy schooling area. We didn't think it through as DS was only 2 at the time. When he was 4 we woke up to smell the coffee and realised that we needed to do something about it. Luckily we were able to buy in an excellent schooling area so we moved (2 weeks before he started school - LOL)
We lived in NZ for 5 years. Loved it. It has become my home.
However, due to DH's work, we moved to Australia a week ago (Melbourne). I am now in the very bizarre position of missing NZ dreadfully and not really thinking about the UK. Very strange.
We haven't burned our bridges this time, in that we have kept our house in NZ - renting it out. And we are renting here. This is mainly because DH's company is an NZ firm and there is a high possibility we may be moved back - so it made sense to keep our options open a bit more.
However, I still have the attitude that I am here to stay - I have to, otherwise I won't put the effort in to make friends and become a part of the landscape ... If I keep telling myself it is only for 3 years I will just count off the days, which will be a waste of time. You need to embrace the new country and dive in the deepend headfirst ...
Schooling was the utmost consideration for finding a house to rent here. Need a decent school - DS is 7 and has had 2 years in a good school, I wanted something comparable. So we chose a few areas with decent schools, drew circles on the map around those schools and waited for a reasonable house to come up for rent. Took a while but we found one in the end.
On a practical level, nearer the time you should get rid of lots of stuff, it is a great opportunity to get rid of clutter - I finally said goodbye to all out baby gear in the last month (DD is 3 now, have no need to have buggies, cots and high chairs in the garage) ....
Sorry for length of post ... hope it helps a bit though ....