Moving abroad with children: a school-focused relocation checklist

International moves come with long to-do lists. This checklist focuses on school and the children’s wellbeing, the part families most often wish they had started earlier.

9–12 months before

• Shortlist cities and neighbourhoods around schools, not just the office.
• Research schools with our country guides and the choosing a school checklist.
• Check application deadlines and waiting lists.
• Find out what your employer covers (education allowance, school search support, a look-see visit).

6–9 months before

• Submit applications to two or three schools.
• Request school reports and a reference from the current school.
• Gather medical and vaccination records, translated if needed.
• If your child has learning needs, get up-to-date assessments.
• Start some light language learning as a family. Apps and conversation are enough at this stage.

3–6 months before

• Accept a place and pay the deposit.
• Arrange housing within reach of the school bus routes.
• Book flights around term dates. Starting at the beginning of a term helps children settle.
• Talk with your children about the move openly, with photos and videos of the new city and school.

The last month

• Collect original documents: birth certificates, passports, school records, medical files.
• Arrange a proper goodbye for each child with their friends. Closure matters.
• Pack a “first week” bag for each child with familiar items.
• Ask the new school about uniform, supplies and the first-day routine.

The first term

• Attend the school’s induction and new-parent events. They are the fastest route to a social network.
• Encourage one or two extracurricular activities to build friendships.
• Keep in touch with the form tutor and agree a check-in after a few weeks.
• Expect a dip after the honeymoon period, often around weeks 6–10. It is normal.

Third culture kids

Children who grow up between countries, often called “third culture kids”, gain adaptability and a global outlook. They can also struggle with identity and repeated goodbyes. Good international schools understand this. Ask how they support transitions, both for arrivals and for leavers.