Sketch a typical day before choosing a city
Take a sheet of paper and describe an ordinary Tuesday: waking up, breakfast, journey to school, working day, school pick-up, dinner, homework, bedtime. Then slot in the hours of the job you are considering. If a gap appears between the end of school and your return, you will need childcare, and its cost goes into your calculation.
This simple exercise reveals more problems than ten general articles. Repeat it for two or three cities under consideration, because school rhythms, distances and office hours differ. Choosing a city only because an interesting employer is based there is a common mistake, and it is paid for in the first week of term.
Schools, the school calendar and the language of teaching
The main options are the local state school, a private school, an international school or a French school abroad. The AEFE directory helps you find schools in the French network, but places, levels offered and fees vary from place to place. Contact schools directly to learn about availability.
The school calendar may also differ from the one you know: the start of term, the holidays and even the age at which children start school change from country to country. A child arriving mid-year may have to wait for a place or join a different level. Find out the language of teaching and any language support offered to pupils who do not speak it.
- Types of school available in the area
- Enrolment dates and places available
- Tuition and canteen fees
- Support for pupils who do not speak the language
Childcare and working hours
Childcare arrangements vary widely: group nursery, childminder, home nanny, after-school clubs, family help. Their cost, availability and quality are not easy to compare with what you know. In some cities waiting lists are long; in others the system relies mostly on private solutions.
Ask the employer whether flexible hours, partial remote work or help with childcare exist. Commitments should be in writing. Also question parents already living there through local groups: they know which childcare options are reliable, when to register and which pitfalls to avoid.
Residence, registration and social cover for each family member
Each member of the household must be examined separately: partner, children and sometimes older relatives. A child’s right to stay depends on the parent’s status, and a partner’s right to work may differ from yours. Do not rely on a simple “accompanying family” rule without checking the detail.
On social protection, the Cleiss presents the rules that apply to French nationals who go to live or work abroad. Depending on the country and the contract, the family may be covered by the local scheme, by a French scheme that is maintained, or by private insurance. Get a precise answer for each child before the departure date.
Employer support: separating what is written from what is said
Some employers offer to pay part of the removal, school fees or family housing. Others settle for general phrases such as “we support families”. Only a written mention with an amount, a length and conditions has any value for planning your budget.
Ask what happens if the contract ends during the school year: does the support continue, or must it be repaid? Put the question before you sign. A child pulled out of school mid-year because a contract broke down is a difficult situation that is better anticipated.
Staggered or joint departure: choosing the right scenario
Leaving all together is not always the best option. One parent can go ahead of the family by a few weeks or months to find housing, meet the school and start the job. This costs a temporary double rent and takes organisation, but it avoids settling the children into a precarious situation.
Compare the scenarios on three points: cost, stability for the children and the load on the parent left behind. If the school year is approaching, set the dates around it rather than around the contract. A delay of a few weeks is sometimes better than changing school in the middle of a term.
Talking to the children about the plan, by age
A six-year-old, a middle-schooler and a teenager do not share the same worries. The youngest fear losing their bearings, while adolescents dread leaving their friends. Explain the plan early, with concrete information: the city, the school, the home, and when they will see relatives again.
Involve them in possible decisions, such as choosing a bedroom or an activity. Keep links with their current circle through video calls and planned visits. If a child has special educational needs, meet the receiving school before committing, so you know what support really exists.
Preparing the family’s documents
Gather civil status certificates, school reports, health records, vaccination certificates, any court decisions on custody and permission to leave the country. Depending on the destination, some documents have to be translated or legalised. Ask the school and the local authorities for the exact list.
If the parents are separated, check that the other parent gives written consent to the child’s move. Leaving without agreement can cause serious legal difficulties. Make digital copies of all papers and keep them in a secure space that you can reach from abroad.
Frequently asked questions
Can my children continue their schooling in French abroad?
It depends on the city. The network of French schools abroad exists in many countries, but places, levels and fees vary. Consult the AEFE directory, contact the school directly and ask for enrolment dates before accepting a job in a particular area.
Is my family’s health cover automatic?
No. It depends on the country, your contract and your status. You may fall under the local scheme, keep a scheme from home in some cases or take out private insurance. Ask for written confirmation for each family member before you leave.
Will my partner be able to work in the host country?
Not always. A partner’s right to work depends on nationality, the main permit holder’s status and the country’s rules. Check this with the competent authority before counting on a second income in your family budget.
Should one parent go first, or the whole family together?
Both options exist. A staggered departure lets you find housing and a school without rushing, but it costs more and separates the family for a time. Weigh the cost, the children’s stability and the load on each parent, then set the calendar around the school year.