Would you move your 10 yr old to Europe?

[Anonymous]

Yes, yes, yes! We did this! I moved overseas as a child (11-15) and as a result, when the opportunity arose for my husband to take a position in Germany, we jumped at it. Our kids were 5 and 8 at the time (so a little younger). We moved to the Frankfurt area and the kids attended an amazing international school (FIS - do not confuse it with IFS) and made such wonderful friends and incredible memories. We loved the German way of life. On Sunday stores are closed and you are not allowed to mow your lawn). They became family days and forest hiking days for us. If you enroll your child in an International School, they will have no problem making friends - about 60-70% of families move in and out of the area so the school is used to new kids. Honestly, best decision we ever made. Our kids realize that they had opportunities to travel, learn another language really well, and make friends with kids from all over the world that they would not have had if we had stayed in the US. They have both inherited the travel bug and loved all of our adventures overseas. I have to say, expect it to take about 5-6 months to acclimate, but afterwards...it changed the way my kids view the world and really helped cement our family ties. We only returned to the US because our 5 years was up. My youngest talks about living overseas someday when she is older! Also, our extended families came to visit us often and took amazing trips with us. We also flew back to the US every other year to visit with those who could not come to us and to help my kids remember what it is like to live in the US. Best thing that we have done and I would absolutely recommend it! If you are looking at moving to the Frankfurt/Wiesbaden area or the Cologne (Koln) area, please let us know. I have lots of information on these places and schools! Now, if you are thinking about placing your child in German school at age 10, that I would strongly discourage!

[Anonymous]

A million times, yes. We are crossing our fingers for the same opportunity in Sweden shortly.

I have spent 2 months in Germany with my kids and it was just amazing. It is such a family friendly country.

[Anonymous]

I think it really depends on the kid. Living abroad now (moved with younger kids so the adjustment was super easy for them). All around fabulous, the conflict comes with trying to figure out where and when next. Timing a return, or deciding on a return at all is complicated as they begin to get older and not something I really thought about when we moved.

[Anonymous]

Not to Germany bc I have zero desire to live there.

[Anonymous]

Germany? No. France or England, possibly.

[Anonymous]

Yes!!!

[Anonymous]

We are back in the us after 8 years abroad and 3 continents. Absolutely, go have an adventure! I would pick up and move again if we could, even though our kids are now in high school and middle school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Never, ever for either of my kids. But I can imagine there are kids who would do well.

I think this is a question you need to answer based on what you know about your kid.

Agree. My older kid, no way, younger one, in a heartbeat.

[Anonymous]

Friend of mine moved to Germany with military spouse; kids 10 and 12 at time. Tried German school but ended up having to pull them and send them to base/American school. German school was too tough/sink or swim - impossible to keep up with not much/beginner German language ability. Okay if you don't mind kids failing their courses while they try to learn German the immersion way.

[Anonymous]

Where in Germany? Depending on location and ability to put your kid into an international school, I’d do it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it really depends on the kid. Living abroad now (moved with younger kids so the adjustment was super easy for them). All around fabulous, the conflict comes with trying to figure out where and when next. Timing a return, or deciding on a return at all is complicated as they begin to get older and not something I really thought about when we moved.

This PP is spot on.
Moving abroad can be exciting and it works for many families, but some kids have a really hard time adjusting - I have a kid in a similar situation. They miss their friends and their previous life and have a very hard time finding joy and purpose in the move.

As other pps mentioned:

International school available? This is going to be crucial unless your kid speaks German.

And as this pp mentioned: what’s your plan long-term? That can be more complicated than you anticipate: stay or leave, find a right moment to leave, etc.

[Anonymous]

Does your kid have any special needs? The German education system is notoriously hostile and non-accommodating to kids SN/learning disabilities. You *might* be able to find an international school that would out up with a very mild learning issues. And homeschooling is illegal.

[Anonymous]

Yes. After 13 it’s harder to speak a foreign language without your foreign accent

[Anonymous]

Sure. Easy time to move.

[Anonymous]

Yes 💯

Travel within Europe is extremely easy. Other parts of the world are more accessible. Children and families are seen as an important and integral part of society unlike here in the US. There is more walking and sense of community. Kids are allowed more independence and there's more structure/adherence to societal norms. Not cultural, societal. Like there are rules you will need to learn about when you can do what and how to separate trash and recycling. I think it would be a wonderful experience and it's something we looked into but my husband was not selected since he was outside the agency but applied anyways since we were so interested 😕.