Categories ArchivesStudying Overseas

9 Signs You Have Been Living in Sydney Too Long

Who could ever say they’ve been living in Sydney for too long? It’s such a diverse, beautiful, exciting, and vibrant city that “forever” would not be long enough. But you’ll certainly notice when you’ve assimilated (read this blog post for tips) and have almost become a “Sydneysider” (you can never really be one, unless you’re born there). There are certain little signs and clues that suggest you’re shaking off the US and getting more into NSW and your international move to Australia has been successful. 1. You start finding it a lot easier to get around. At least once you know where you’re going. And you don’t take the trains anymore. They don’t come often enough and when they do ...

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Moving to London? Learn these Must-Know Phrases

So you’re moving across the pond to London, eh? Think you’ll know what they’re talking about over there, do ya? Moving abroad even to a country with ostensibly the same language, can be pretty stressful. As George Bernhard Shaw is reputed to have once written: “America and Britain are two countries divided by a common language.” Check out this blog post for some additional tips that will help a lot in your international move to the UK. Once you’re living in London, don’t ever say you’re going to be wearing a vest to a meeting – because people will look at you pretty weirdly: a vest is a British undershirt: what you really mean is a waistcoat. And if somebody ...

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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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How to Move Overseas After Graduation

After years in higher education, many young adults graduate fully-prepared to take on a career in a field related to their education. Others leave college and university ready to take on the world, literally, by moving overseas after graduation. But, before you jump on that plane and head east or west, there are some steps you should take to ensure you’re overseas leap of faith has you landing on solid ground. Look for Work in Your New Location Notice how “look for work” is pretty much the same advice you’d get if you stayed stateside after graduation? That’s because it’s hard to live anywhere without  steady income. For most of us, that means work. Use online job boards and other ...

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Home Schooling Laws Overseas

Homeschooling is often the first choice for North American families who choose to live abroad because of language barriers, differing school year calendars, learning disabilities that may not be addressed sufficiently overseas, and basic personal preference, among other reasons. Countries abroad that report the highest instances of home education include New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Australia and while many countries around the world are legally open when it comes to home education, some are stringently regulated. Others allow homeschooling, but only as an extension of a mandated school system and still others have outlawed the practice completely.  Socially speaking, when it comes to widespread acceptance, only North America, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand make the list; in ...

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How to Prepare for Studying Overseas

So you’ve been accepted to a terrific study abroad program and can’t wait to start your overseas adventure. To make the most out of your experience, follow these expert tips on how to prepare for studying overseas. Passport and Visa Without a valid passport and student visa, you’re not going to get very far off the ground! Be sure your passport is up to date, giving yourself at least three months to apply for a new passport. If you intend to return to your home country, be sure your passport will not expire within six months of your intended date of return. If this is your first time getting a passport, you will need:   Birth certificate Two passport-sized photos ...

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Educating Your Kids Overseas

The thought of educating children in a new country, often speaking a foreign language, can be frightening at times. Fortunately, there are several educational choices available, each with their own set of pros and cons. While you can search the Internet for information on each of the schools in your area, it often pays to listen to the advice of those who have traveled this road before you and who have been through this same experience with their own children. To help you get a better understanding of the ins and outs of local schools versus international schools and of the costs involved in educating a child abroad, here is some advice from expats who have come before you.   ...

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The Advantages of Studying Abroad

There are plenty of great reasons for why over 250,000 students travel abroad each year to study in a foreign country. While some look forward to gaining independence and confidence through the experience, others are excited about the opportunity to experience a new culture, learn a new language, meet new people, and have the adventure of a lifetime. According to the Institute of International Education, the number of students applying for overseas study programs is on the rise. Studying abroad offers students a chance to grow personally, academically, and professionally as well. As the world’s global economy continues to grow, students with foreign language skills and travel experience are at a significant advantage when it comes finding a job, and ...

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