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London Schools: Where Should American Expats Send Their Children?

There are a multitude of education options for expat kids in the London, so how can you choose which one is right for yours? The opportunity to live and go to school in the U.K. can be a remarkable experience for any child, which will influence the rest of his or her life. The core subjects of the national curriculum will have a different focus than in the United States, and your child will be exposed to new and different topics of study than those his or her previous American classmates. There are three primary options for schooling: government-run state schools, private schools (called “public schools” in the U.K.), and international schools. Of the three, only state schools are tuition-free for all students. ...

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Which Countries Have the Best Education Systems?

Top 10 countries for education around the world One of the primary advantages to moving abroad with school age children is that they are given a unique opportunity to experience a new culture, a new language, and a different way of life There are a number of different options for educating children abroad, including home schooling, public schools, and international schools that follow the same curriculum, language, and calendar across the globe. However, many parents opt to enroll their kids in local schools precisely to immerse them in an authentic environment.  Even if the local language of instruction is not English, local schooling is not prohibitively difficult for children and is, in fact, desirable to the family. According to the ...

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Moving to Canada with Kids: International school vs. public school

When making the move to a new country such as Canada, navigating a new education system can be a daunting prospect full of conflicting advice. Where should you send your children: an international school like other expats, or a local district public school? Or perhaps you might prefer to home school. There are advantages to each and the decision is not always straightforward. The Canadian education system is known for its high standards, and comprises four public school models, private schools, and home schooling. To help you make the best decision for you and your children, we have summarized the main features of each. Overview of Canadian School Systems By law, children in Canada must go to school from the ...

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Around the World on the Fourth of July

To me, Independence Day has always meant parades, barbeques, fireworks, and national pride bordering on the ridiculous – with flags emblazoned on baseball caps, bald eagles proudly flaunted on t-shirts, and Yankee Doodle playing enthusiastically ad-nauseam. But around the world, the fourth day of July is no different than the fifth or the twenty-fifth . . . except to the expats whose heart still beats to the sound of “The Star Spangled Banner” even in their new homelands. Around the world, the Fourth may not be like it is at home, but there are certainly some celebrations for Americans and Americans-at-heart. London London is teeming with Fourth of July celebrations. Though a bit ironic (since the day does celebrate Independence ...

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Fun Facts About Moving to Israel

Israel, “the land of milk and honey”, has been welcoming immigrants for over 100 years. On May 14, 1948 (the 5th of the month of Iyar, 5708) the Israeli government proclaimed that, “The State of Israel will be open for Jewish immigration and for the ‘Ingathering of the Exiles.” Since then, the Israeli government has enforced an active and positive immigration policy that empowers their position as the world’s only Jewish state. As part of that policy, the integration of immigrants into Israel’s community has been a top priority for the State of Israel since the establishment of the state. Those arriving in Israel with the intent to immigrate will find an exceptional level of support from Ministry of Aliyah ...

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What You MUST Know Before Moving to the Netherlands

Named the 4th happiest country in the world by the United Nations World Happiness Report, the Netherlands top tier ranking is probably a reflection of its high quality of life, relatively stable economy, and mild climate. “Vibrant”, “alive”, “fresh”, and “open” are but a few of the words used to eloquently describe Amsterdam, the city of canals and bridges that is almost synonymously associated with the Netherlands. Still, the Netherlands is so much more than just Amsterdam, with Rotterdam being the largest cargo port in Europe, and The Hague being home to the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, as well as host to the United Nations along with New York, Geneva, Addis Ababa and Vienna. Home to ...

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Free to a good home: How to donate your unwanted belongings

While it’s true your “junk” may be someone’s “treasure,” how do you decide what to donate and to whom? Depending on your community, the answers to those questions may vary. There are places that will take anything, in any condition; however nowadays, most charities have some basic rules to prevent an inundation of, well… junk. Follow these handy guidelines to help you thin out your belongings and to be sure they are on their way to good homes. Be Ruthless After all, you are moving; do you really want to pay for the privilege of packing it, shipping it, and unpacking it, only to relegate it to a corner in your new attic? Heirlooms, antiques, and family treasures aside, if ...

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Things to Know Before Moving to Italy

Italy is a top destination for those looking to make a move abroad, and with good reason; whether you’re in search of nightlife, culture, or natural beauty, Italy offers all that and more; à la Under The Tuscan Sun, when people visit Italy, they inevitably find a good number of enchanting reasons to move there. Enthralled by the natural beauty and abundance of art and history, travelers are often hooked by the time they say Ciao to this captivating country. Italy’s Appeal: History Everywhere you look in the Italy, you’ll be surrounded by thousands of years of antiquity. A simple walk down the street can turn into an impromptu history lesson as you pass remarkable churches, homes, and even castles. Culture On ...

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Spring cleaning tips and tricks

You are moving overseas. Perhaps your move is job-related or perhaps it’s the realization of a lifelong dream. Either way, you know where you’re going to live, how you are going to get there, and what legalities you need to complete to enter the country. Now, it’s time to start prepping for the move: you need to do some spring cleaning. To reduce stress and save your sanity, leave yourself plenty of time. Start at least eight weeks before moving day. There is too much to do to leave it for the last few days. Categorize The first step is to categorize what George Carlin famously called “stuff.” You need to decide whether to: Donate gently used stuff Toss worn-out ...

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Retire abroad for under $2,000 per month

Retire abroad from NYShipping With the high cost of living today, many retirees are choosing to pack up and move out of the United States and Canada, finding that their pensions and retirement funds will go much further in other areas of the world. We’ve compiled a list of the World’s best places to live, and it just so happens you can live in each one for under $2000 a month: Europe: Many people think of Europe as an extremely expensive option for expat living, and the truth is: it is costly in many areas. Still, there are some hidden gems that are both affordable and lovely, granting the European standard of living on a budget that retirees can handle. ...

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