Research Schools: Start by researching schools in your destination city. Check out our Schools section for information on various curriculums and a list of different schools by major city. Consider below factors for your kids school selection.
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | Look into the curriculum offered (e.g., IGCSE, IB, CBSE, ICSE) to ensure it aligns with your child’s educational needs and future plans. |
| School Facilities | Evaluate the school’s facilities, including playgrounds, sports availability, labs, libraries, and other extracurricular amenities to support a well-rounded education. |
| Second Language Choices | Consider the options for second language learning and ensure the school offers languages that align with your child’s needs and interests. Many schools offer Spanish and French as well. |
| Maximum Grade | Check if the school offers education up to the grade your child will need, whether it’s up to 10th grade, 12th grade, or beyond. |
| Fees | Review the school fees to ensure they fit within your budget, considering tuition, extracurricular costs, and additional fees for materials or activities. |
| Proximity | Ensure the school is within a reasonable commuting distance from your home to minimize daily travel time and stress for your child. |
| Admission Availability | Verify if the school has available spots for all your children and understand the admission process, including any waiting lists or entrance exams that may be required. |
Find Places to Live: Refer to our Apt Vs Villa section to help you decide between living in a villa or an apartment. Each has its pros and cons depending on your family’s needs. There are furnished rental options available which can be very convenient. These move-in-ready places can make the transition smoother, ensuring that kids don’t have to compromise on their comfort. This will help ensure a smoother transition, which is key for kids adjusting well to a new place and country.
Sort and Declutter: Begin sorting through your belongings and decide what to sell, donate, or keep. In our experience, the less stuff you plan on bringing, the better. Categorize items into Must-Have (essential items that you need immediately upon arrival), Memories (sentimental items that hold personal value), and Sell/Dispose (evaluate if you can sell these items and buy similar ones in India).
Ship vs. Sell: Consider the following factors when deciding to ship vs. selling/getting rid of items: By carefully evaluating these factors, you can make a more informed decision about what to bring and what to leave behind.
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Cost of Moving | The expense of shipping items internationally can be quite high. It includes packing materials, professional movers, shipping fees, customs duties, and potential insurance costs. |
| Shipping Time | Potential waiting period of several months for items to arrive due to international shipping processes, customs clearance, and potential delays. Additional planning for interim solutions during this period is required. |
| Risk of Damage | The possibility of items being damaged during transit due to rough handling, weather conditions, or accidents. |
| Adjusting Without Furniture | The hassle of adjusting (especially for kids) without furniture until they arrive. This can include sleeping on temporary beds, and managing without familiar home comforts. |
| Local Availability | Many household items can be purchased in India, often at a comparable cost. This includes furniture, kitchenware, and electronics. Buying locally that suits the new place can reduce shipping costs and help you settle in more quickly. |