deciding which area is best?

[mum2twinsplus1]

how did you decide which area you would most like to move to? we have been thinking about it for a while but not sure which part would be best suited to us. we are a young family, i am 25 and partner is 26. we have 3 children who are aged 5 and twins 4. my partner works from home and would continue to do so if we moved so employment isnt an issue. Also schooling, i feel my chilren would be young enought to go to state school and i would prefer this as then they would integrate better. Thing is, are there any state schools that have a high number of expats attending? i feel that if they went to a school with some other children from different countries then they would probably settle better?

we have been to a lot of different areas but havent chosen the place yet. we would probably go and rent somewhere for at least either 6 months or a year to see how we would all get on. i just feel that it is a better way of living over there and i want to give my children the best possible chance in life.

[SunnySpain]

Originally Posted by mum2twinsplus1

how did you decide which area you would most like to move to?

Thing is, are there any state schools that have a high number of expats attending? i feel that if they went to a school with some other children from different countries then they would probably settle better?

we would probably go and rent somewhere for at least either 6 months or a year

Hi and welcome to the forum,

1) Where to live - thats depends what kind of things you like. Can you let us know what you like and don't like (e.g. Temperature) ?

2) Expats in state school - I think you best leave this question until you decide on the area in which you want to live.

3) Rent first - yes, absolutely. To do different when you don't even know where you want to live would be un-wise.

I await your reply to question 1

Regards, Dave

[SteveHall]

In Torrevieja there are schools with 60% foreign children. Not really surprsining when when 55% of the population is non-Spanish and only 12% native torrevejense.

If you put them in those schools you may find that they will "Only" play with children who speak English as it will at least at the beginning be easier.

Whatever you do start learning as much Spanish as humanly possible ....NOW!

If you are NOT sure where to live I would PERSONALLY avoid areas where they have two co-official langauges. For children to learn castellano AND valenciano whilst still struggling with their mother tongue is often the bridge too far. It's usually diffcult for parents to help their children with homework as they have no knowledge of Basque or Galician ..... often the child is better!

Os deseo mucha suerte

[mum2twinsplus1]

thanks for both replies. this is really something we have been thinking about and would really have liked to do. it is only recently that we have been thinking about it more. so are thinking about the planning and then obv all the other things that come with it.....

Dave, we dont mind the temp. would be happy if it is really warm or not. Would be good to be somewhere where is isnt freezing in the winnter but this wouldnt determine the reason for our move. we would like to be somewhere where there are some british but also Spanish. I would like my girls to appreciate the culture and there way of life and associate with spanish children. I have been thinking the canaries????

Steve, i never thought of that. They would prob start to play with the other english speaking children as it would be easier for them.. i would like them to go to a state school though. i had been looking at international schools but i think a state school would be better...

[SunnySpain]

Dave, we dont mind the temp. would be happy if it is really warm or not. Would be good to be somewhere where is isnt freezing in the winnter


Yes, well from what you have said, that would only rule out the most Northern
and central parts of Spain.


So I would suggest you visit a couple of places on the coast or an island or two - lol

[SteveHall]

Absolutely agree 100% re state school at their age.

Canaries? More expensive to get there and whilst they are GREAT for holidays much of the "towns" are too much holidayville for me. I have good contacts in Lanzarote if that's an option but WHEREVER you go anywhere in Spain CHECK the paperwork.

Prices are in freefall at the moment so it's a great time to come - rent for a while and then steal somewhere you really like. Enjoy! (Given, of course, that somebody will have stolen your property in the UK!)

[mum2twinsplus1]

oh all this is quite scary, more so as we have children and it is difficult to think where you would like to be. we have been a few places in spain, the canaries OH likes the thought of as not bad weather in the winter months. i am not too fussed, main reason for moving is the way of life not the weather lol.. we have been to mainland spain in winter and it was much better than here (scotland)

every time we have been to spain, it has been to either canaries or the costas such as costa blanca or dorada.

also does anyone know when the school terms start and end at the summer hols? am i right to believe that the schools in spain are off longer in the summer and not as long like xmas and easter?

[JACS IN SPAIN]

Hi there! Don´t be scared! I am a mother who bought her children over to Spain at a young age ( 3years old) I checked out the locations, living & working in Spain, schools etc with a fine tooth comb! Once all my concerns were satisfied I moved to Spain 6 years ago and I have never looked back! You need to ask the questions to people who have moved to Spain for the same reasons you are wanting to move here. There is no doubt that Spain will ultimately achieve a better lifestyle for you & your children.... take your time .... you need to feel confident that all your questions have been answered especially conecrning your children.

Location? I live in Almeria, I chose here due to the all year round climate and what this would mean to me and my children. We truly have the luxury of all year óutdoor´living, long sunny days even during the winter! great for Kids!
This province boasts an amazing coastline and is true Andalucia .....lets says REAL SPAIN! The children have many spanish & english friends, fluent in both languages and are happily growing up. I am happy that they can still play in the streets and can still enjoy their childhood! The schooling is great and I follow their education with enthusiasm. I am one of those paranoid Mums and like you want the best for my childrens future.... thats why I am here!

Take a look at this coastline, let me know what your ideal ´wish list ´is ? This then helps as you can start defining the location etc If you have any concerns please ask, I work, live and travel frequently through Spain and I came here as a single MUM..... I have first hand experience!

Good luck!

[mum2twinsplus1]

Originally Posted by JACS IN SPAIN

Hi there! Don´t be scared! I am a mother who bought her children over to Spain at a young age ( 3years old) I checked out the locations, living & working in Spain, schools etc with a fine tooth comb! Once all my concerns were satisfied I moved to Spain 6 years ago and I have never looked back! You need to ask the questions to people who have moved to Spain for the same reasons you are wanting to move here. There is no doubt that Spain will ultimately achieve a better lifestyle for you & your children.... take your time .... you need to feel confident that all your questions have been answered especially conecrning your children.

Location? I live in Almeria, I chose here due to the all year round climate and what this would mean to me and my children. We truly have the luxury of all year óutdoor´living, long sunny days even during the winter! great for Kids!
This province boasts an amazing coastline and is true Andalucia .....lets says REAL SPAIN! The children have many spanish & english friends, fluent in both languages and are happily growing up. I am happy that they can still play in the streets and can still enjoy their childhood! The schooling is great and I follow their education with enthusiasm. I am one of those paranoid Mums and like you want the best for my childrens future.... thats why I am here!

Take a look at this coastline, let me know what your ideal ´wish list ´is ? This then helps as you can start defining the location etc If you have any concerns please ask, I work, live and travel frequently through Spain and I came here as a single MUM..... I have first hand experience!

Good luck!

hi there jacs, thanks for your comment.... i admire the fact you went over as a single mother. that i think is just excellent. i know it is a hard thing to do. you know you just dont wanna do it and it could be bad for the kids or hamper their learning. i have ordered the spanish learning from the bbc muzzy so this should help them and also me!! i have also been trying to learn the language as well.

I read that children start school aged school in spain.. dont know if i am right thinking this? i suppose i am just scared for my childrens sake. My twins are due to start primary next year so if we do take the plunge it would be by next august.

my wish list would be to stay somewhere not too quiet and not too busy, nice climate anything is better that scotland in the winter lol, would like there to be decent state schools, nice safe place for my children to grow up in. I suppose i am scared as well incase i dont meet new people and make friends!? xx

[JACS IN SPAIN]

Hola! Firstlly I think you should check out Almeria and see what you think, the climate is fab and as I said before there is outdoor living practically all year round, meaning that your children can benefit from outdoor sports , activities etc without being stuck inside during the winter months! My son goes to tennis and football at 5pm some days in the week and its still light & warm!
Children here can start school (Infants/ Infantil) at 3 years old if you so wish however school is not obligitory until they are 5. I suggest though that you start them at school as soon as possible so they make friends, integrate and also have fun whilst learning. Its more or less the same as the Uk but in Spanish. Children are incredible, they adapt and learn so quickly and will be speaking the language and understanding by the time your first 3 months are up. You will be the only one worrying as thats what you do as a parent!!! ......but there is no need to!! You need to visit, you need to check out the area, visit the schools etc etc. Write a list of Q´s and ask them! get stats from the school or check their websites out...thats what I did ! The education here is good and comprehensive and as long as you as a parent take interest and support your child with their school life and school work, your kiddies will reep the benefits! Children here are not made to grow up quickly like they do in the UK, peer pressure exists everywhere because thats what children are like, but it is so much less here!

You have to realise that you are in a fortunate situation with your children if your chose to move to Spain, age is on their side as it is on yours! You will have no problem making friends and meeting people, you have already made the effort to check info on forums and abate your concerns. Making friends is really down to you and making an effort and finding out ´whats on´, eg, yoga, gym, spanish lessons, kiddies afterschool activities there are loads of ways to meet people and even if you don´t speak the language you wil still meet people and get invited out etc. There are numerous ways here, this is Spain!

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