I have become interested in the idea of a move from the UK to Spain. I have lived in the UK all my life and am now 31. I have 2 children aged 5 and 4 and a wife. None of us speak Spanish, but having learned fluent German, I think the acquisition of a foreign this time shouldn't be that much of a problem - I hope! I am planning to start learning soon with a view to a move in 2 to 3 years.

I am concerned re schooling firstly - has anyone out there sent English speaking children to a Spanish speaking school? What were the main issues? Any problems? Were they happy?

How would you compare the overall standard of life and lifestyle compared to the UK?

I do have a well paid job in the UK and am managing well, but despite this I cannot get away from the feeling that a move abroad will add an exciting new dimension to things. I had considered New Zealand, but have heard much bad press about finances and high failure rates for emigration there from the UK. I would be grateful for general views on those having gone to Spain to take the idea further of a possible move there.

Thanks.
Fabian

Hi,

I have a flat in Spain (Valencia area) and go there all the time for my holes. Would I move there? Not now. I have a pretty well-paid job in the UK and would not give this up lightly to become poor in Spain. I think Spain can be a lovely place to live if you are retired and have independent means to get by. If you are young and need to work then think again. If you are taking children there you have to decide if the new Spanish life will really be better for their futures.

Regarding the children - you have 2 choices really: Private international school where they would be taught in English (and you pay) or Spanish state school. If they go to an international school they probably won't learn Spanish very well or integrate with the local Spanish kids. If they go to a Spanish school they will learn fluent Spanish quickly but their English writing and reading skills will almost certainly be poor. Can you remember how long it takes to learn to read and write English to a reasonable standard?
What I mean is if you put your kids into a Spanish school at 5-6 years and then went back to the UK when they were, say, 12 or 13 years they would have very poor English reading and writing skills.

Also there are some stories about bullying and racism in Spanish schools (Raquel?).

Personally from my travels I think the middle to northern parts of Spain are a bit more cosmopolitan and sophisticated such as the areas of Valencia and Barcelona compared to the Costa-Del-Sol.
Thanks
Ismael