Zurich with older children - would you?

[TheSwiss1]

It looks likely DH will be offered a job in Zurich. We have 2 DCs, age 10 and 13. I go back and forth in my mind about whether it would be a good thing for them or whether we’re mad to consider uprooting them. We would be in a position to pay for international schools etc so it’s not a money question, rather an emotional/ social/ educational one.

Depends on the children. I used to live in Rx-pat world and 11 was the age most people returned to settle. On the other hand it would massively broaden their horizons. I think a 10yo will be fine. Does the 13yo have a close group of friends that you will be tearing them away from?

Although you say that money isn’t a concern, it might be worth considering university. I remember something about having to pay international fees unless you have been living in the U.K./EU(currently?) for 3 years before uni. I got caught out with this when I came back to the U.K.

Thanks - funnily enough the 10yo seems closer to his group of friends. DD (13) is in yr 8. She started a new school last year and was the only one from her primary. What with missing so much of yr 7 she doesn't seem to have very close friends and likes to spend her spare time at home with us. We lived overseas when they were tiny, I always said I wouldn't consider moving them after 11 but Zurich is tempting, although maybe it's me that's got itchy feet!

V. good point re university too.

you can get round the uni thing if you show a continuous association with the uk. a friend whose daughter was 2 years in CH and before that the USA had to show flight receipts. CH has an agreement with the UK post Brexit for treating CH students as home students.

How long are you planning to stay? Zurich is a wonderful place but lots of people move home after a few years. It might be more disruptive. It is as many will tell you ruinously expensive- higher salaries and lower taxes compensate for a lot of that but prepare for your shopping bills to give you a coronary the first few times!

It's very safe for kids, a very outdoorsy lifestyle and so on. They might find it a little dull if they are city kids. I don't have kids but have just moved back after a 2 year stint so happy to help with anything more specific

It's a great place to live, my teenagers are very happy here, but you're right to be cautious about moving with older children.

Would you plan to stay long enough to see both children through secondary school and if not would moving between school systems be a problem?

My teenagers are in local school but friends they've made through sport who are in international school don't seem to make much progress in German, so it's hard for them to integrate and get out of the expat bubble.

Although Switzerland's not that far from England, we haven't been able to see our family/friends in England since last Christmas due to covid and illness. I imagine a move at the moment could be very isolating.

Good luck!

Have you checked the actual location of international schools in relation to work location? You may not find the international schools are actually in Zurich.
Have you got a plan B if suddenly the international fees are withdrawn by your employer?

Only if you plan to stay until they finish school. Local
International Schools (there are about 4 options) follow IB, so the qualification is at the end. They operate a network of bus routes so access is not an issue for at least one from most of the city or beyond. They are eyewateringly expensive though and many families live an extravagant expat lifestyle and live in housing communities. If the contract is a local one you need some serious negotiation to allow for the costs.