Am I mad to think about moving to Spain

[grahamhanson]

Me and my family are booked on a flight for 30th march ,i have a job sorted in marbella and am still looking at accommadation.
But i would just like to know how easy was it to sort out the schools.
I have 8yrld twin boys and a 11yrld,i have no choice but to put them in a state school because of the cost of private schools,i just hope they settle in.
Any advice about schools would help.
Many thanks graham

[jojo]

Hi Graham, well we've just done it!! Arrived here last monday, 4th Feb. We're in Alhaurin de la Torre, which is about 30 minutes drive from Marbella. We've rented a house for 11 months, we'll buy out here when the UK house is sold (if ever!!!). Finding a rented property was relatively easy as there seems to be a "slow down" in the market here and people are renting out their houses instead - well thats what we found.

As for schools, we decided after alot of investigating and soul searching that International/private was better for our kids. They are 11 and 13, so we (and they) felt the need to be with other English speaking kids important, certainly to start with. That said, I think most of the state schools in this area have their fair share of english kids. But the international school we chose wasnt anywhere near as expencive as the private schools in the uk and is geared to helping children intergrate with their new invironment.

One thing I hadnt taken on board when organising all this was the strength of their friends and life in the UK, my kids are incredibly homesick - I dont know why I didnt think about this beforehand! So again, I'm hoping the school will help them overcome this.

Anyway, good luck, I hope it goes as well for you as it has for us, so far we think this is the best decision we've ever made and we're loving it - eventhough its absolutely freezing here at night, something else I didnt think about beforehand!!!!

Jo

[Stravinsky]

Originally Posted by jojo

Hi Graham, well we've just done it!! Arrived here last monday, 4th Feb. We're in Alhaurin de la Torre, which is about 30 minutes drive from Marbella. We've rented a house for 11 months, we'll buy out here when the UK house is sold (if ever!!!). Finding a rented property was relatively easy as there seems to be a "slow down" in the market here and people are renting out their houses instead - well thats what we found.

As for schools, we decided after alot of investigating and soul searching that International/private was better for our kids. They are 11 and 13, so we (and they) felt the need to be with other English speaking kids important, certainly to start with. That said, I think most of the state schools in this area have their fair share of english kids. But the international school we chose wasnt anywhere near as expencive as the private schools in the uk and is geared to helping children intergrate with their new invironment.

One thing I hadnt taken on board when organising all this was the strength of their friends and life in the UK, my kids are incredibly homesick - I dont know why I didnt think about this beforehand! So again, I'm hoping the school will help them overcome this.

Anyway, good luck, I hope it goes as well for you as it has for us, so far we think this is the best decision we've ever made and we're loving it - eventhough its absolutely freezing here at night, something else I didnt think about beforehand!!!!

Jo

Well done Jo, hope all goes well
Yes, I know what you mean about the nights
During the day here we have cloudless slies and sunshine, but when the sun drops ..... we need the log fire every night

Spanish state schools I always see good reports on, although there has been some mention of bullying ... of course your kids are "different" and dont immediately speak the language so they stand out in a state school, but I'm sure they'll pick up the language quickly

[grahamhanson]

[QUOTE=jojo;14174]Hi Graham, well we've just done it!! Arrived here last monday, 4th Feb. We're in Alhaurin de la Torre, which is about 30 minutes drive from Marbella. We've rented a house for 11 months, we'll buy out here when the UK house is sold (if ever!!!). Finding a rented property was relatively easy as there seems to be a "slow down" in the market here and people are renting out their houses instead - well thats what we found.

As for schools, we decided after alot of investigating and soul searching that International/private was better for our kids. They are 11 and 13, so we (and they) felt the need to be with other English speaking kids important, certainly to start with. That said, I think most of the state schools in this area have their fair share of english kids. But the international school we chose wasnt anywhere near as expencive as the private schools in the uk and is geared to helping children intergrate with their new invironment.

One thing I hadnt taken on board when organising all this was the strength of their friends and life in the UK, my kids are incredibly homesick - I dont know why I didnt think about this beforehand! So again, I'm hoping the school will help them overcome this.

Anyway, good luck, I hope it goes as well for you as it has for us, so far we think this is the best decision we've ever made and we're loving it - eventhough its absolutely freezing here at night, something else I didnt think about beforehand!!!!

Thanks for that ,if you dont mind me asking how much are you paying for your long let,just so i have an idea of what ill be paying ,and can you reccomend an estate agent.
Thanks graham

[jojo]

Hi Graham, I guess it depends on the type of property you want. The kinda thing we were looking for was a villa with a secure garden (we have two dogs), at least 4 bedrooms and a swimming pool. In our area you'd be looking at around 1,500 euros a month upwards!!! But maybe with less bedrooms, smaller garden, no swimming pool, you could get away with under 1,000 euros, an apartment, maybe less. We were looking to be nearer Marbella/puerto Banus intially, but we found it gets more expensive the nearer the coast you go - especially "that" coast - very exclusive it seems !

Not sure if this is advertising, moderator, please delete the next bit if necessary -

We used Property sales in Spain, villas for sale on t , who, so far have been great! They've helped with all the translation and stuff, (they even sorted out telefonica and broadband - a major feat!!!). They all speak english and spanish, in fact Hayley and Roger are from the UK and have kids so know schools, activities, problems etc. We have their mobiles and can call them anytime and so far they have helped enormously.

I think you could try looking at Stravinskys signature on his posts as I suspect he may be able to help!!???

Jo

[sun shines]

John, you are not mad... Sapin is a very interesting, nice, confortable, friendly...place to live...here you find exquisite foods, wines, lot of places to do sightseen, you can go out to have tapas and "cervezas"..

[emeraldspace]

Hi John,
You are definitely not mad. I lived in Ireland for 11 years and always dreamt of moving to sunnier, warmer climes. 7 years ago took the plunge with husband & 3 kids - 1 yr, 4 & 6yrs; not forgetting our two aged dogs. It was the best thing we ever did but unfortunately business didn't work out & meant it only lasted 2 years. The kids went to international school & I made friends from the very first week. Sure it wasn't always smooth running but no different to things that can crop up anywhere. Plus its always a learning curve. The main prob was renting - we had to move 3 times in two years but equally it gave us flexibility to leave, without having to sell. Since returning to Ireland, I have never settled & miss the lifestyle, weather, friends, etc. Tried to put the idea out of my head for 5 years but now seriously thinking of giving it another go. This time would put kids in state school, and go to different area. Seeing my kids stuck indoors all winter, on computer games, or watching endless tv is so depressing especially when I remember how they were always outdoors in Spain. Good Luck with your adventure.
If anyone can recommend any good State Schools in Costa del Sol, it would be appreciated. I know they can vary and some even teach in English & Spanish so to hear from anyone whose kids are happy & settled would be great.

[jojo]

Originally Posted by emeraldspace

Hi John,
You are definitely not mad. I lived in Ireland for 11 years and always dreamt of moving to sunnier, warmer climes. 7 years ago took the plunge with husband & 3 kids - 1 yr, 4 & 6yrs; not forgetting our two aged dogs. It was the best thing we ever did but unfortunately business didn't work out & meant it only lasted 2 years. The kids went to international school & I made friends from the very first week. Sure it wasn't always smooth running but no different to things that can crop up anywhere. Plus its always a learning curve. The main prob was renting - we had to move 3 times in two years but equally it gave us flexibility to leave, without having to sell. Since returning to Ireland, I have never settled & miss the lifestyle, weather, friends, etc. Tried to put the idea out of my head for 5 years but now seriously thinking of giving it another go. This time would put kids in state school, and go to different area. Seeing my kids stuck indoors all winter, on computer games, or watching endless tv is so depressing especially when I remember how they were always outdoors in Spain. Good Luck with your adventure.
If anyone can recommend any good State Schools in Costa del Sol, it would be appreciated. I know they can vary and some even teach in English & Spanish so to hear from anyone whose kids are happy & settled would be great.

There must be 1000s of schools in the costa del sol, so to name good ones is impossible. My daughter is at an apparent "good" state school and hates it, so much so that I have to physically pull her out of the car screaming most mornings. She´s learning nothing, wont do any work there or her homework and refuses to speak spanish to anyone either at school or anywhere else. I´m looking round at other schools in the area, I hope that will make a difference. At the moment she just wants to go back to the UK!?

My son is at an international school and loves it and is doing really well, sadly I cant afford to send my daughter there too, altho the reason she´s at a state school now is because she didnt like the international school much either, it was her choice to change.

My children still seem to much prefer to play on their games consuls and watch tv than to go outside. I do "kick" them out to get some fresh air, but they soon get bored and want to come in. They are bored with the swimming pool, they dont like the beach, my daughter doesnt like insects so wont play in the fields..... I have wierd kids!!!

I often wonder why people think kids will have a better life here.... I used to think so before I came here, but apart from the fact that there doesnt appear to be quite so much aggression, I cant really see many differences or benefits???

Jo

[emeraldspace]

I take your point. My kids were of a younger age when we lived in Spain before so they would probably get bored of the pool now too! Its generally hard to get them outdoors anywhere & I guess I could be guilty of too much wishful thinking.... I can only say they made friends very easily in Spain & that has definitely not been the case in Ireland. What about yours - did they find it easier in Spain? On the school front, again we've had loads of problems - bullying, etc so I am under no illusion that schools are better elsewhere. Just hopeful! I sympathise re your daughter; my middle son left his existing school twice but discovered nothing better! I know people usually have positive experiences of international schools (including us) but unfortunately cannot afford this. So still researching all options. Thanks for your honest opinions, and for reminding me about the insects - my eldest son hates them !! I guess I have weird kids too..

[mickybob]

Any one know if johngerard did move to Spain? I ask as i am in a similar possition and would like to know how he got on.