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Original poster

A year in Uganda with kids aged 7 and 10

12 replies

Healthworker · 14/12/2025 08:55

Hi all
Not sure if this is the best place for this thread. I have been. Offered an amazing phd opportunity i. Which my current salary of approx 50k will be matched for 3 years and I get to study something i love for 3 years. The issue is it involves a year in uganda. School fees and relocation would be paid. I think it would be amazing for the kids. Such an experience. My partner is semi up for it and can work remotely. The issue is the kids are very settled in school and we might not get their places on return. We can rent our house but have beloved pets. Cats and chickens and a lizard. My parents are in their 80s so we dont have much time with them left and my brother is struggling with his mental health. Im torn. What would you do?

OP posts:
InTheNotswolds · 14/12/2025 08:56

I’d jump at it. But then again I love adventure! It dues depend on how adaptable your kids are though, but what an opportunity!

TeenToTwenties · 14/12/2025 08:58

I wonder if instead of paid school fees they could pay for more flights, and your family stay home in term time? Might that work?

Walkerzoo · 14/12/2025 08:58

I would love to say go for it.
But I don't know anything about Uganda. Is it safe? What age are the kids?

Justlostmybagel · 14/12/2025 08:58

I would go! A year is not a long time in the grand scheme of things, and it sounds like an incredible opportunity.

Beekman · 14/12/2025 09:01

Sounds fabulous- do it! It’s a gift that your kids will carry with them their whole lives.

Have you looked at any expat forums specific to Uganda? That will give you a better idea of what it will be like in that particular place but I cannot see any downsides to this, it will be an amazing adventure for all of you. Good luck!

FollowSpot · 14/12/2025 09:02

Which school year would your 10 yo miss?

Would you be living out of the country for secondary application dates?

Dies the whole PhD offer hinge on the Uganda year?

Jollyjoy · 14/12/2025 09:04

Oh that’s a big dilemma. Have you asked the kids what they think? Your parents? It’s probably not a good tendency I have but I think how everyone else feels would be the decider for me, even though I’d love the adventure.

Original poster
Healthworker · 14/12/2025 09:07

Thanks all! I've traveled in uganda in the past so know it a bit. I think there is a good expat community and international schools. Mostly safe. I do think it's an amazing opportunity that the kids will always remember. My main concern is family pets and schools on return. I think for my eldest is not an issue as he would miss year 7 and the secondary school isn't great anyway. My daughter would struggle more as her primary is great and has a long wait list. She would miss year 4.
I don't think I could leave the kids here and just visit but flights are direct and fairy cheap

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Original poster
Healthworker · 14/12/2025 09:07

Thanks all! I've traveled in uganda in the past so know it a bit. I think there is a good expat community and international schools. Mostly safe. I do think it's an amazing opportunity that the kids will always remember. My main concern is family pets and schools on return. I think for my eldest is not an issue as he would miss year 7 and the secondary school isn't great anyway. My daughter would struggle more as her primary is great and has a long wait list. She would miss year 4.
I don't think I could leave the kids here and just visit but flights are direct and fairy cheap

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Original poster
Healthworker · 14/12/2025 09:09

Oh, yes my son would miss the first year of secondary so not sure how that would work. The unganda year is essential as the PhD is a partnership with a student and university there.

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FollowSpot · 14/12/2025 09:18

Would you be able to get your son into the secondary for Yr 8?

I think I would do all I could to make this work.

Could you let your house under some form of house sitting arrangement? With the cats taken care of? This would also close off any potential issues with needing to evict tenants.

The money sounds good, could you look at engaging some help for your parents? A friendly housekeeper for half a day a week?

A lot depends on how easy it would be to get your younger child back into school. Would they be coming back for holidays to keep in touch with friends?

Original poster
Healthworker · 14/12/2025 09:22

Hi. Yes, I think we would try and let the house to someone we semi know who would look.after the animals. I think i need to speak to the schools to see about returning. My daughter does struggle with friendships so we would make an effort to keep in touch online and by visiting

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