anybody living in portugal?

[glitterandsparkle]

we have been planning to move abroad for a few years and have now decided to do it next year. we have visited the algarve on 3 different occassions and we think this is where we want to be.

the plan is to rent for a year or so before we decide to buy or not.

i am wondering what schools are like (dd is 3.9) and what employment opportunities are like.

bump

Hello, I live near Lisbon so can't tell you specifically about the algarve - you probably know more about it than I do!

Will you be sending dd to an international school or local school? My son goes to an international school here (reception) and he loves it.

Do you speak any Portuguese? This will obviously be a major advantage depending on the type of job you are looking for.

Sorry, really haven't been much use but didn't want you to be ignored, if you have any other questions .....?

Whereabouts in the Algarve?

thanks for answering, saw lisbon on tv other day looks really beautiful. would probably send dd to international school.

dont speak any portugese yet but definitely something we will do, dd has picked up loads of spanish just watching dora the explorer so she wont have any problems learning.

we have visited armacao de pera - very beautiful with some stunning beaches.

praia de gale - pretty but very quiet

alvor - pretty quiet but definitely up and coming.

do you mind if i ask are you portugese or english? how long have you lived in lisbon, what are employment opportunities like?

any help gratefully recieved.

I used to live in the Algarve. Lagos area which is western Algarve. I went to a lovely Private school (primary) which I can thouroughtly recommend. Still friends with the teachers. I would aim for the west Algarve as Armacao are is very busy especially in the summer and is too built up in my opinion. West is best for beaches and countryside. Would be happy to answer any other questions for you as lived there for 20 years.

hi dancer, my questions would really be same as OP, what are schools, employment opportunities like.

could you give me some place names that you would recommend looking at?