Moving abroad as a family: what was it like for these moms?

Preparing for a family move abroad

Preparing for an expatriation is essential! And it’s all the more crucial when it comes to living abroad as a family. Three expatriate moms, living in three different countries, agreed to share their stories with santexpat.fr. Discussions covered a wide range of topics, from education to professional development, from motherhood to health. These women’s accounts of their new lives, in different corners of the world, created a most enriching dialogue. Present to discuss these various topics were:

• Aurélia, mother of 3 children aged 6, 4 and 1. She and her family have been living in Amsterdam for less than a year. With a friend, she has set up the blog “Pick et Pick et Amsterdam“.
• Sophie, mom of a 6-year-old daughter. Sophie has lived in London for 11 years, and her daughter was born in the UK.
• Sara, mother of 3 children aged 10, 8 and 5 months. Her family has been living in the USA for 7 years. She arrived with her two daughters and gave birth to her youngest in California. So she’s experienced pregnancy abroad. She has also created a blog: “Les aventures de la famille Bourg“.

In this webinar, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the differences and similarities between school and cultural systems, as well as disparities in healthcare systems. The moms present will also share tips on how to keep in touch with your loved ones and make the most of this new life abroad. They will also talk about adapting to a new country where cultural differences with France can sometimes be numerous. Watch the full replay :

Education systems and schooling for expatriate children

This webinar covered a number of important points. For example, the question of schooling, which is often on the minds of parents when considering expatriation. Faced with the choice between the local system and the French school, many questions arise. How do children adapt to the linguistic differences between French and the language of the expatriation country? Some opt for a 100% French curriculum. Others opt for a bilingual curriculum to encourage their children to learn English (or other languages). And then there are those who consider home schooling, an option that is more developed in some foreign countries:

“School doesn’t really start until your child is 4 years old. So there’s this whole different stage. And schooling is another matter: do we choose a French school or an English school? There are a lot of questions that come up when you become a mom”Sophie, expatriate in London for 11 years

Education systems are evolving, and options for expatriate families are diversifying. In 2024, many international schools offer bilingual or multilingual programs, facilitating the integration of expatriate children. It is advisable to find out what schools are available in the host country, and to consider options such as distance learning or online schools, which have gained in popularity in recent years.

How to manage family distance?

Managing distance from family and friends also raises concerns. It’s perfectly legitimate to wonder how you’ll cope personally, and how your children will feel about it. Proximity to the country of expatriation plays a crucial role in how both children and parents may experience distance:

“In France, I have my parents, I have my brothers and sisters, I have my job. But expatriation, frankly, it’s worth the cost. It’s still a great experience and you get out of your comfort zone a bit. I’ve had the feeling of having had a thousand lives in one year, of encounters, of discoveries, even cultural and intellectual. It’s really, really worth it!”Aurélia, expat in Amsterdam for 1 year

Moving abroad with your family is a culturally enriching experience, a journey into the unknown full of wonderful surprises. It involves learning to live in a new country, which includes understanding the culture, the administrative system, and sometimes even the language. It’s also an opportunity for every member of the family, parents and children included, to find their place

Healthcare for French families abroad

Health care is an essential issue, especially when you have a baby or young children. Costs, differences in healthcare systems and infrastructures vary from country to country. That’s why it’s important to ask the right questions and find out everything you can! For example, it may be a good idea to find out whether there is a paediatric ward in the hospital in the town where you plan to live. Evaluate the quality of maternity services for a pregnancy abroad if you plan to give birth in your expatriate country. In addition, it seems important to look into expatriate health insurance for your family:

“Unlike Sophie and Aurélia, we’re a long way from France, so we can’t go back just because we have a health problem to get treatment. So it’s better to be insured here. […] Depending on your insurance and how your employer covers you, or if you have no insurance at all, it can cost at least $50,000 to give birth. You really have to pay attention to what type of insurance you have, how you’re covered, and if you don’t have coverage, take out international health insurance.”Sara, expat for 7 years in the USA

Healthcare costs continue to rise worldwide. According to a PwC report, medical costs are expected to rise by 7% between now and 2024, due to factors such as inflation and shortages of medical staff. This trend has a direct impact on expatriates, particularly in the USA, where medical care is particularly expensive. For example, a consultation with a pediatrician in New York can cost $360, not including vaccinations. So it’s essential to take out appropriate international health insurance to cover medical expenses in your host country. Platforms such as Santexpat.fr offer health insurance comparisons for expatriates, making it easier to choose the right coverage.

Teleconsultation services

With the rise of digital technologies, teleconsultation services have become increasingly popular. Platforms now enable expatriates to consult French-speaking doctors 24/7, facilitating access to remote care. These services are often included in international health insurance plans, offering comprehensive coverage tailored to the needs of expatriates. Going abroad with your family raises many questions. Rest assured that we’ll be with you every step of the way, ready to provide guidance and sound advice on expatriate health insurance. Don’t hesitate to contact one of our international health experts for personalized assistance