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Moving to Portugal with children
Hi all, I was wondering if you could help me?
So I have decided that I want to move to portugal in the near future and have started doing my research. I am finding it hard to get the feel of where to look properties within a budget should I want to buy. I have specific requirements regarding the house, I would like a 4 bedroom minimum, peferable a new build (loving the contempary designs) and I would like a swimming pool (for health reasons). No so many things I have to consider for example being near to international school, my youngest could potentially go to a local school and pick up the language, but I wouldn't want my eldest schooling to be affect by the language barrier, such a life changing move would have. Secondly having a child with a life threathening allergy and would want to not expose them to this so, choosing an area based on this the most important factor. I though Lisbon would be ideal, but I don't think choosing properties with what I want would be viable, I was looking at Setubal (but I don't know if this area is ideal for my child's allergies), the the Algarves and prices are too high and potentially to touristy for me, I want to emmerce myslef into the Potuguese lifestyle and create friendships with both locals and expats. I also wanted to know if anyone rents out properties in England and the uses the income to live off in Portugal & how does that work interms of tax (this is something I am looking at, to support myself). |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
With property rental income the tax has to bee paid in the country where the accommodation is located. You will not have to pay extra tax on that property in Portugal, however you will still need to fill in a Portuguese tax form. Good luck.
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Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Why have you decided to move to Portugal?
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Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by miisy_c
(Post 12595726)
Hi all, I was wondering if you could help me?
So I have decided that I want to move to portugal in the near future and have started doing my research. I am finding it hard to get the feel of where to look properties within a budget should I want to buy. I have specific requirements regarding the house, I would like a 4 bedroom minimum, peferable a new build (loving the contempary designs) and I would like a swimming pool (for health reasons). No so many things I have to consider for example being near to international school, my youngest could potentially go to a local school and pick up the language, but I wouldn't want my eldest schooling to be affect by the language barrier, such a life changing move would have. Secondly having a child with a life threathening allergy and would want to not expose them to this so, choosing an area based on this the most important factor. I though Lisbon would be ideal, but I don't think choosing properties with what I want would be viable, I was looking at Setubal (but I don't know if this area is ideal for my child's allergies), the the Algarves and prices are too high and potentially to touristy for me, I want to emmerce myslef into the Potuguese lifestyle and create friendships with both locals and expats. I also wanted to know if anyone rents out properties in England and the uses the income to live off in Portugal & how does that work interms of tax (this is something I am looking at, to support myself). As said, is there a particular reason for wanting to move to Portugal, with two children, including one needing medical care? You don't say whether it's the elder or the younger, nor how old they are, but the allergic child will have a lot to cope with, esp. as he/she doesn't speak Portuguese.... If you'd be depending on UK rental income to support you and your family, bear in mind the fluctuating exchange rates and any restrictions that Brexit might create... |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by dmu
(Post 12595879)
Hi, you should ask your child's allergy specialist for advice about which areas in Portugal to avoid.
As said, is there a particular reason for wanting to move to Portugal, with two children, including one needing medical care? You don't say whether it's the elder or the younger, nor how old they are, but the allergic child will have a lot to cope with, esp. as he/she doesn't speak Portuguese.... If you'd be depending on UK rental income to support you and your family, bear in mind the fluctuating exchange rates and any restrictions that Brexit might create... I was also thinking about learning portuguese before the impending move, so we can navigate life better. I want to move because of my own ill health and the warmer climate will help me manage my condition, because the cold weather triggers symptoms, a move outside of the U.K. has never been on the cards before, but now I want to reduce the change of it ruling my life and I can live a normal life, like before. Portugal is only 3 hours away, so we can visit family and the can come visit us also, so it seems like the perfect place to settle, imo. It is my eldest child with the allergies, we manage the allergies perfectly well here & have done when we've been abroad. |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by miisy_c
(Post 12595934)
Hi, the move wouldn't be right now but in a few years, so my kids will be around 14 and 9 at the projected time of the move.
I was also thinking about learning portuguese before the impending move, so we can navigate life better. I want to move because of my own ill health and the warmer climate will help me manage my condition, because the cold weather triggers symptoms, a move outside of the U.K. has never been on the cards before, but now I want to reduce the change of it ruling my life and I can live a normal life, like before. Portugal is only 3 hours away, so we can visit family and the can come visit us also, so it seems like the perfect place to settle, imo. It is my eldest child with the allergies, we manage the allergies perfectly well here & have done when we've been abroad. https://www.livinginportugal.com/en/...ional-schools/ gives info on International Schools, which you can research already, and, if your allergy specialist hasn't got the data, make a search for specific allergy zones in Portugal. For example any one allergic to cypress wouldn't choose to live in Provence.... I'd recommend starting to learn Portuguese as from now (the children, too) - it's not an easy language to learn, even if you speak French, for example. It's work in progress for me at the moment.... HTH |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by treacle38
(Post 12595847)
With property rental income the tax has to bee paid in the country where the accommodation is located. You will not have to pay extra tax on that property in Portugal, however you will still need to fill in a Portuguese tax form. Good luck.
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Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by dmu
(Post 12596147)
Fair enough, but the present conditions for living in Portugal might not be valid "in a few years", after Brexit.
gives info on International Schools, which you can research already, and, if your allergy specialist hasn't got the data, make a search for specific allergy zones in Portugal. For example any one allergic to cypress wouldn't choose to live in Provence.... I'd recommend starting to learn Portuguese as from now (the children, too) - it's not an easy language to learn, even if you speak French, for example. It's work in progress for me at the moment.... HTH I was thinking of going to some sort of class with the children, so we were all prepared to communicate in Portuguese and have a smooth transition from country to country, with minimal limitations. Also what is cypress never heard of it? |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by Mac and Mabel
(Post 12596214)
Not strictly correct. Income from property in the UK will remain taxable by the UK. As a resident of Portugal, you will also have to declare it on your PT tax return, as you are taxed on worldwide income. Tax will be calculated by Portugal on the UK property income, but a tax credit will be given for the the amount of tax already paid to the UK on the same income, thereby reducing your PT tax liability. If you successfully apply for NHR tax status, the UK property income should be entirely exempt from PT tax liability, although you will still have to declare it on your PT tax return and will still have to declare it in the UK. Would it be more advisable then to buy and rent out properties in Portugal rather than the UK, if this is what I do, to create a regular income? |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by miisy_c
(Post 12596357)
I don't like to disclose much on the internet, however I suppose to get the help I require from informed people, I need to disclose my child's allergy and that it is a fish one. The issue is that the allergy isn't just triggered by eating it, it also is triggered by ingesting the particles when fish is being cooked & because I see that fish plays a huge part in the Portuguese diet I was wondering if the smell of fish is prevalent in the atmosphere?
I was thinking of going to some sort of class with the children, so we were all prepared to communicate in Portuguese and have a smooth transition from country to country, with minimal limitations. Also what is cypress never heard of it? Not applicable to your child, but here's an informative link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupres...haracteristics I know a French couple in Provence where the wife suffers so much from the allergenic pollen from cypress trees that they have to move back to the north of France during the pollen season. They only discovered her allergy the season after they moved there.... |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by Mac and Mabel
(Post 12596214)
Not strictly correct. Income from property in the UK will remain taxable by the UK. As a resident of Portugal, you will also have to declare it on your PT tax return, as you are taxed on worldwide income. Tax will be calculated by Portugal on the UK property income, but a tax credit will be given for the the amount of tax already paid to the UK on the same income, thereby reducing your PT tax liability. If you successfully apply for NHR tax status, the UK property income should be entirely exempt from PT tax liability, although you will still have to declare it on your PT tax return and will still have to declare it in the UK. |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by dmu
(Post 12596409)
Sorry to hear that. Unfortunately, as you say, fish plays a huge part in the Portuguese diet! Maybe if you look for a place well inland? And silly details like school canteens should be considered, although a Doctor's certificate should be acceptable to obtain a "special diet" menu on fish days.
Not applicable to your child, but here's an informative link: I know a French couple in Provence where the wife suffers so much from the allergenic pollen from cypress trees that they have to move back to the north of France during the pollen season. They only discovered her allergy the season after they moved there.... Now I've been doing my research and Setubal looks perfect on paper, good international school & I could purchase a house that is not too far from this school without having to break the bank, only thing is the mention of it being a fishing town, when researching. Do you have any area's you'd recommend for me to look into, being close to the sea isn't high on my list. Location to a good school (international would be good) but if we become fluent of at least functional in Portuguese we could look at local schools, a brand new home, minimum 4 bedrooms and a swimming pool & parking space. Now with the tree pollen, you got me all worried because I have terrible hayfever, however I think I have grass pollen, I only tend to get it in the UK because anywhere I have been on holiday I have never suffered. |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by treacle38
(Post 12596487)
This is totally wrong, tax on property income and any pension paid by the UK gov is taxable in the UK. Private pensions and any profits on shares etc, will be exempt under NHR, this under the double taxation treaty.
N.b. to the original poster, without NHR tax status in Portugal, you will pay tax on that income in Portugal and the UK, although, in theory at least, the total paid in both countries will not be higher than the highest amount charged by either country (Portugal would probably be the higher calculation). Re PT-sourced rental income, it’s not something I know about but re tax and particularly NHR, NHR will not give you exemption from paying tax on that income, only overseas sourced rental income. |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Sorry to hear that your child is allergic to fish: I think that might be pretty hard to handle in PT especially if the allergy triggered by fish particles in the air, which would mean that even going to a restaurant for a meal would be out of the question. Even inland fish features pretty heavily on the menu since the PT speciality is dried cod and you don't need to be anywhere near the sea to have a good dose of cod. There is practically nothing BUT fish in Setubal though, so that might not be the best place. Also, have you been to Portugal in winter? It's cold and wet and most houses don't have any heating.
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Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by Mac and Mabel
(Post 12596564)
Hmm, bemused as to how you think my post was “totally wrong” and your further information makes it no clearer... However, I confidently stand by the information in my previous post, having been resident and tax resident in Portugal since 2016, declaring my UK-sourced property income in both the UK and Portugal (using accountant), and, because of NHR status, paying no further tax on that income in Portugal, although of course I do pay tax on it to the UK. Without NHR, I would be paying additional tax on that income to Portugal, basically the PT amount due minus what I had already paid to the UK. N.b. to the original poster, without NHR tax status in Portugal, you will pay tax on that income in Portugal and the UK, although, in theory at least, the total paid in both countries will not be higher than the highest amount charged by either country (Portugal would probably be the higher calculation). Re PT-sourced rental income, it’s not something I know about but re tax and particularly NHR, NHR will not give you exemption from paying tax on that income, only overseas sourced rental income. Could you please explain NHR status more to me, thank you. |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by sherbert
(Post 12596697)
Sorry to hear that your child is allergic to fish: I think that might be pretty hard to handle in PT especially if the allergy triggered by fish particles in the air, which would mean that even going to a restaurant for a meal would be out of the question. Even inland fish features pretty heavily on the menu since the PT speciality is dried cod and you don't need to be anywhere near the sea to have a good dose of cod. There is practically nothing BUT fish in Setubal though, so that might not be the best place. Also, have you been to Portugal in winter? It's cold and wet and most houses don't have any heating.
So Setubal is a no, no in your opinion, what about Lisbon and the Algarves? Their are international schools in Lisbon, but in areas that seem far from homes within an affordable/justfiable price range for myself. |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by miisy_c
(Post 12596506)
He's been Jamaica numerous times, altough we have generally been in land for the most part, fish factors in the Jamaican diet quite heavily also, but this was only a 4-6 weeks stints.
Now I've been doing my research and Setubal looks perfect on paper, good international school & I could purchase a house that is not too far from this school without having to break the bank, only thing is the mention of it being a fishing town, when researching. Do you have any area's you'd recommend for me to look into, being close to the sea isn't high on my list. Location to a good school (international would be good) but if we become fluent of at least functional in Portuguese we could look at local schools, a brand new home, minimum 4 bedrooms and a swimming pool & parking space. Now with the tree pollen, you got me all worried because I have terrible hayfever, however I think I have grass pollen, I only tend to get it in the UK because anywhere I have been on holiday I have never suffered. Me, too, I'm allergic to grass pollen and suffer every season here in the Languedoc. Antihistamines don't work any more and I stay indoors as much as possible.... I'm afraid I can't recommend any suitable areas in Portugal, as I live in France:o. I happened to be browsing around and was struck by your thread which raises issues applicable in all Continental European countries! |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
For pollen allergies, get near the west coast if you can. The prevailing sea breeze blows everything inland most of the year. If you can get within 6km, you'll have a happy life.
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Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by miisy_c
(Post 12596712)
From looking at a UK propety website, it looks like the new builds are incorparating heating systems. Salt fish (dried cod) I am familiar with and featured in my diet pretty much up until I found out he was allergic to fish and have cut fish out of my diet, for the health implications for him.
So Setubal is a no, no in your opinion, what about Lisbon and the Algarves? Their are international schools in Lisbon, but in areas that seem far from homes within an affordable/justfiable price range for myself. Back to your choice of Portugal for your own health reasons, is this definite? Have you considered Southern Spain, for example? |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by dmu
(Post 12596915)
I haven't checked on the link I gave, but many International Schools have facilities for boarders. BUT what would be the point of moving to another country and only seeing one's child at weekends/holidays? And the school fees would increase significantly....
Back to your choice of Portugal for your own health reasons, is this definite? Have you considered Southern Spain, for example? In terms of why I decided upon Portugal, from what I have seen the culture is a huge bonus for me, but more importantly the weather. My health condition is greatly affected by the cold weather and it is something I am getting used to. Moving out of this country didn't cross my mind, before my health took a turn for the worst & I know many people have to weigh up the pro's and the con's of a move to another country, I just have to factor more things than most at this moment in time. I'm guessing my son's health issues like PP states will be a factor in moving to any other country, I haven't considered spain I may have to look into it and see how a move will affect him in terms of his allergies. Thank you for your help. |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by liveaboard
(Post 12596815)
For pollen allergies, get near the west coast if you can. The prevailing sea breeze blows everything inland most of the year. If you can get within 6km, you'll have a happy life.
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Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by miisy_c
(Post 12596986)
Hi, I wouldn't want to send them to boarding school, I feel neither of my children would like that & I personally would rather stay in England if that was the only option, especially because of his allergies and I would not want to burden the school with that responsibilty.
In terms of why I decided upon Portugal, from what I have seen the culture is a huge bonus for me, but more importantly the weather. My health condition is greatly affected by the cold weather and it is something I am getting used to. Moving out of this country didn't cross my mind, before my health took a turn for the worst & I know many people have to weigh up the pro's and the con's of a move to another country, I just have to factor more things than most at this moment in time. I'm guessing my son's health issues like PP states will be a factor in moving to any other country, I haven't considered spain I may have to look into it and see how a move will affect him in terms of his allergies. Thank you for your help. I should check the Autumn/Winter weather in Portugal if this is an important factor for you. As I understand it, there's more and more rainfall there, like in the South of France where it has been wet and miserable since the long, hot summer. Your son's allergy shouldn't be an issue if you look at inland towns in Spain.... |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by dmu
(Post 12597020)
Just the older one. The younger one would soon pick up the language in your local Primary school. I only suggested boarding at an International School, as you said living nearby would be beyond your price range.
I should check the Autumn/Winter weather in Portugal if this is an important factor for you. As I understand it, there's more and more rainfall there, like in the South of France where it has been wet and miserable since the long, hot summer. Your son's allergy shouldn't be an issue if you look at inland towns in Spain.... I was thinking that about my youngest going to a local school, but I don't know if by the time we leave, picking up the language will be as easy as it would be now, he is young (reception age uk)! I have only been able to get property prices from rightmove & really only looked at houses but I have seen some really high spec apartments on offer and better value, in terms of price, however I'm not to sure if apartment living is for me, I want my own garden space. Thw houses nearby I have seen are £500,000 plus, then some nice cheaper houses with great spec the international school is over 1 hour away. I guess this is why many people choose to move in retirement or before they have kids. |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Hayfever - my husband suffers extremely badly from hayfever to such an extent that whilst living in the UK we would have all the windows in the house shut during the pollen season and he wouldn't go out for walks. Even so he would have bad reactions, eyes swelling up, sneezing etc. He is allergic mainly to tree pollen and to a slightly lesser extent grass pollen. So summers were always a little misersble for him. The best relief for him (medication only helped slightly) was sailing, bring on the water away from the pollen.
Anyway we moved to Lagos in the Algarve in November 2016. It was the best thing to do for his hayfever. He had pretty much no hayfever during the two summers since we moved out here. Admittedly we are in a villa very close to the sea (300m away) and there aren't many trees around. But even when we drive out into the countryside he doesn't have bad hayfever. Brilliant! Our friends have an 6 year old girl who had moderate eczema in the UK. This has been much better out here and almost gone. |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by miisy_c
(Post 12596992)
Hi, thanks for the info, do you have any areas you'd recommend or property sites you'd recommend?
We're really happy here and after 10 years have no intention of leaving. Try; www.Remax.pt www.era.pt Provenda II Mediação Imobiliária Aljezur - Mediadora Imobiliária http://www.marcelapropriedades.com/ there's a house for sale behind mine that isn't listed anywhere; it's very private, sea view, german spec villa but the seller isn't letting it go cheap. PM me if you want details. |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by SaffyRosie
(Post 12597941)
Hayfever - my husband suffers extremely badly from hayfever to such an extent that whilst living in the UK we would have all the windows in the house shut during the pollen season and he wouldn't go out for walks. Even so he would have bad reactions, eyes swelling up, sneezing etc. He is allergic mainly to tree pollen and to a slightly lesser extent grass pollen. So summers were always a little misersble for him. The best relief for him (medication only helped slightly) was sailing, bring on the water away from the pollen.
Anyway we moved to Lagos in the Algarve in November 2016. It was the best thing to do for his hayfever. He had pretty much no hayfever during the two summers since we moved out here. Admittedly we are in a villa very close to the sea (300m away) and there aren't many trees around. But even when we drive out into the countryside he doesn't have bad hayfever. Brilliant! Our friends have an 6 year old girl who had moderate eczema in the UK. This has been much better out here and almost gone. |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by liveaboard
(Post 12598184)
I live near Aljezur, which probably doesn't meet your other criteria. There is an international school but not so prestigious as the ones down south.
We're really happy here and after 10 years have no intention of leaving. Try; www.Remax.pt www.era.pt Provenda II Mediação Imobiliária Aljezur - Mediadora Imobiliária http://www.marcelapropriedades.com/ there's a house for sale behind mine that isn't listed anywhere; it's very private, sea view, german spec villa but the seller isn't letting it go cheap. PM me if you want details. |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Hi,
Below may or may not be helpful: Re Schools: Queen Elizabeth's school - Lisbon - we are extremely happy with this one, but only goes until year 4 (Portuguese system). Its not 'International' but they have mornings in PT and afternoons in ENG and other classes such as 'Primary maths'. My little one is a bilingual PT / ENG mix, but there are Chinese kids there who had to learn both languages and managed well There is Guadalupe collegio here on the south side of the river too, not really 'International' but have older Curriculum in English NB International schools get very expensive (and clientele may well have 'money no object' culture too ...) However, I'm not going to even try to advise on something as important as schooling, just FYI since those two don't always show up on Radar. Re allergies I have strong tree pollen allergies but since moving out of Lisboa to near Praia Fonte da Telha I'm much, much better, which confirmed what my Allergista Dr said could happen - worse in cities Fish allergy: I have no idea on this, but grilled fish is everywhere in PT, Lisbon to the countryside - although I suppose we do have fish in the UK as well ;) Good luck |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by Midgo
(Post 12603352)
Hi,
Below may or may not be helpful: Re Schools: Queen Elizabeth's school - Lisbon - we are extremely happy with this one, but only goes until year 4 (Portuguese system). Its not 'International' but they have mornings in PT and afternoons in ENG and other classes such as 'Primary maths'. My little one is a bilingual PT / ENG mix, but there are Chinese kids there who had to learn both languages and managed well There is Guadalupe collegio here on the south side of the river too, not really 'International' but have older Curriculum in English NB International schools get very expensive (and clientele may well have 'money no object' culture too ...) However, I'm not going to even try to advise on something as important as schooling, just FYI since those two don't always show up on Radar. Re allergies I have strong tree pollen allergies but since moving out of Lisboa to near Praia Fonte da Telha I'm much, much better, which confirmed what my Allergista Dr said could happen - worse in cities Fish allergy: I have no idea on this, but grilled fish is everywhere in PT, Lisbon to the countryside - although I suppose we do have fish in the UK as well ;) Good luck What are people's opinions on Leira and surronding area on the silver coast? |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Hi all, after going off and doing more research I have decided that perhaps The Algarve is best suited because it's easier for us to fly from Faro to England with direct flights to our local airport, unfortuanatly Lisbon, which is one of the highest requirements on our list.
If my finances work out better, I could be looking at moving sooner that I initially predicted and my children will be 12 and 8, I know my youngest could go to a local school and be offered additional support with learning the language, my eldest I'm not sure if sending him to a local school would be detrimental or not, because he would be in high school at this point. Has anyone moved with a 12 year old and sent them to a local school? How did they cope with learning in a completely different language? I know I have a few years to plan and perhaps, I should get them to learn at least the basics of the language, however I don't even know where to look regarding language classes. Lasly, I like the idea of building my own home, I have read this is an extremely difficult process, I do like the look of the contempory/modern deseign of the homes & I want to add things that I like to my house build, has anyone sucessfully built a home in The Algarves? How did you find the whole process? What problems did you encounter? How long did it take you to build your home, from start to finish including buying the land and the design? |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by miisy_c
(Post 12624113)
Hi all, after going off and doing more research I have decided that perhaps The Algarve is best suited because it's easier for us to fly from Faro to England with direct flights to our local airport, unfortuanatly Lisbon, which is one of the highest requirements on our list.
If my finances work out better, I could be looking at moving sooner that I initially predicted and my children will be 12 and 8, I know my youngest could go to a local school and be offered additional support with learning the language, my eldest I'm not sure if sending him to a local school would be detrimental or not, because he would be in high school at this point. Has anyone moved with a 12 year old and sent them to a local school? How did they cope with learning in a completely different language? I know I have a few years to plan and perhaps, I should get them to learn at least the basics of the language, however I don't even know where to look regarding language classes. Lasly, I like the idea of building my own home, I have read this is an extremely difficult process, I do like the look of the contempory/modern deseign of the homes & I want to add things that I like to my house build, has anyone sucessfully built a home in The Algarves? How did you find the whole process? What problems did you encounter? How long did it take you to build your home, from start to finish including buying the land and the design? Was it worth it , yes but patience is a virtue. |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
''Has anyone moved with a 12 year old and sent them to a local school? How did they cope with learning in a completely different language?
I know I have a few years to plan and perhaps, I should get them to learn at least the basics of the language, however I don't even know where to look regarding language classes'' Place yourself in your 12 years olds position. To be taught and examined in a language you do not know, how well do you think that would go for you? On line self tuition maybe a good place to start, if for no other reason than to gauge the initial reaction. Does your son study any other languages, other than English . Some take to languages more readily than others |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by miisy_c
(Post 12624113)
Hi all, after going off and doing more research I have decided that perhaps The Algarve is best suited because it's easier for us to fly from Faro to England with direct flights to our local airport, unfortuanatly Lisbon, which is one of the highest requirements on our list.
If my finances work out better, I could be looking at moving sooner that I initially predicted and my children will be 12 and 8, I know my youngest could go to a local school and be offered additional support with learning the language, my eldest I'm not sure if sending him to a local school would be detrimental or not, because he would be in high school at this point. Has anyone moved with a 12 year old and sent them to a local school? How did they cope with learning in a completely different language? I know I have a few years to plan and perhaps, I should get them to learn at least the basics of the language, however I don't even know where to look regarding language classes. Lasly, I like the idea of building my own home, I have read this is an extremely difficult process, I do like the look of the contempory/modern deseign of the homes & I want to add things that I like to my house build, has anyone sucessfully built a home in The Algarves? How did you find the whole process? What problems did you encounter? How long did it take you to build your home, from start to finish including buying the land and the design? It will also answer your questions about 'fish smells' what ever that is. ? the supermarkets do carry lots of dried cod which smells horrible to me ,but I just avoid those areas. That seems to be the least of your worries though Ask yourself if your being realistic in bringing older children to a foreign country .I can assure you that it is a convenient 'myth' that children learn languages quickly. Indeed some do, but some don't and they struggle. I moved with two daughters to the Netherlands ,one age 6 and one aged 9. The 9 year old spoke Dutch like a native within three yrs. The 6 yr old just got by, never spoke it well. Just like some adults in fact. I learn't Dutch in 3 yrs, so did my OH. It was very very tough.We were always exhausted at the end of the day speaking a foreign language . He took latin at school and now speaks reasonable Portuguese . I do not ,after 7 yrs . It's not a forgone conclusion.this is a very serious step for your children. Older children are especially vulnerable How will you live ? How will you earn a living ? Will you be able to learn Portuguese yourself ? ( one tip... Go online and find Michel Thomas lessons. They re very good. be sure to find Portuguese Portuguese and NOT Brazilian,very different Babble only teaches Brazilian. ) Then you have Brexit to deal with. Whilst the Portuguese are the gentlest people I know, there has been some irritation at the British bashing of the EU. I have noticed several now asking how my Portuguese is. Why don't i speak it better by now. ( 7yrs) Like the Dutch it will be expected of you sooner rather than later. Not like the old days when one could say 'well they all speak English so why bother ' ( not me I hasten to add) Plus of course things may change radically after March. A lot to think about. I wish you well in any event . This is indeed a lovely country p.s Just seen that one of the allergies is to fish. Hmm.. Fish is the staple diet of this country. It will be everywhere and on every surface. Hard to avoid |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
I'm a pretty patient person, I think the pace of how portugal moves is well suited to my personailty actually, I like to take things easy. I don't mind renting for a long period until the house is built.
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Re: Moving to Portugal with children
I have already spoken to my children about the possibility of moving and they are on board, might I say excited for the possibilities, they do like to play outside and are pretty active children, but are restricted by the cold weather in the winter.
I am not against sending my eldest to an international school & that will probably be the only option given his age at the time, I was wondering if at 12 it would be better to go to a local school since he would have 6 more years of schooling left, at the age of 12. I also prepared to send my youngest to an international school if going to a local school isn't beneficial also. Thanks for your help. |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by miisy_c
(Post 12624454)
I have already spoken to my children about the possibility of moving and they are on board, might I say excited for the possibilities, they do like to play outside and are pretty active children, but are restricted by the cold weather in the winter.
I am not against sending my eldest to an international school & that will probably be the only option given his age at the time, I was wondering if at 12 it would be better to go to a local school since he would have 6 more years of schooling left, at the age of 12. I also prepared to send my youngest to an international school if going to a local school isn't beneficial also. Thanks for your help. On the other hand, your youngest shouldn't have any problem in Primary School and should quickly pick up the language and culture before going up to Secondary. HTH |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Hey dmu thanks for the reply. Yes I meant a local school, I wanted to know if it was a possibility. I don't want one of them having a British education and the other doesn't, I suppose this is more to do with me wanting to ensure they have the same opportunities. It would cost £24000 plus a year to school them both, this doesn't even include transportation, meal...etc.
I also want them to integrate with their portguese peers and fear that sending them to an international school will limit them somehow, I could be wrong, but these are things I need to consider. |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by miisy_c
(Post 12625472)
Hey dmu thanks for the reply. Yes I meant a local school, I wanted to know if it was a possibility. I don't want one of them having a British education and the other doesn't, I suppose this is more to do with me wanting to ensure they have the same opportunities. It would cost £24000 plus a year to school them both, this doesn't even include transportation, meal...etc.
I also want them to integrate with their portguese peers and fear that sending them to an international school will limit them somehow, I could be wrong, but these are things I need to consider. It's a difficult decision for you - your younger would benefit from Portuguese Primary, picking up the language quickly and making local friends, but your elder would suffer in Portuguese Secondary. And it would be illogical for them to have different educations.... While doing as much research as possible, and all of you concentrating on learning the language and Culture, you don't need to make decisions right now, but bear in mind that your elder will be an adolescent "in a few years" and may have lost his present enthusiasm! I'm no child psychologist, but he'll also be going through the usual torments suffered by teenagers and might find it difficult to cope with them and the other issues in a foreign country without his pals for support. (Parents are the last to learn about their problems, if at all....) Good luck with the language - I was in Portugal over Christmas, and thanks to my limited vocabulary base and notions of grammar, I could communicate, but was floored by the locals' high-speed replies. The pronunciation is difficult to understand, to say the least - unfortunately I had started learning with Babbel which teaches Brazilian Portuguese which is easier to understand... The EuroNews site in Portuguese, using the sound, is a good exercise, esp. if you already know what the news is about... All the best!:) |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by dmu
(Post 12625531)
You're right, International pupils wouldn't have any schoolfriends living nearby for their social life at weekends, and without the language, they wouldn't be able to make friends easily with the local children (who, it might be suspected, might avoid them as being "different"). You would be spending weekends taxiing them around to their respective remote friends' homes. My daughters' French State Collège/Lycée in the nearest town had a vast catchment area and we spent weekends and Wednesdays (day off school in France) driving them to various destinations for their activities and social life. Something else to consider....
It's a difficult decision for you - your younger would benefit from Portuguese Primary, picking up the language quickly and making local friends, but your elder would suffer in Portuguese Secondary. And it would be illogical for them to have different educations.... While doing as much research as possible, and all of you concentrating on learning the language and Culture, you don't need to make decisions right now, but bear in mind that your elder will be an adolescent "in a few years" and may have lost his present enthusiasm! I'm no child psychologist, but he'll also be going through the usual torments suffered by teenagers and might find it difficult to cope with them and the other issues in a foreign country without his pals for support. (Parents are the last to learn about their problems, if at all....) Good luck with the language - I was in Portugal over Christmas, and thanks to my limited vocabulary base and notions of grammar, I could communicate, but was floored by the locals' high-speed replies. The pronunciation is difficult to understand, to say the least - unfortunately I had started learning with Babbel which teaches Brazilian Portuguese which is easier to understand... The EuroNews site in Portuguese, using the sound, is a good exercise, esp. if you already know what the news is about... All the best!:) It is innscurate to say the children would not have local friends ,far from it.. Our friends daughter firmed friendships with not just British but , Dutch, Portuguese and others attending the school. |
Re: Moving to Portugal with children
Originally Posted by EMR
(Post 12625605)
The international school at Porches is attended by children from the large local non Portuguese and Portuguese community.
It is innscurate to say the children would not have local friends ,far from it.. Our friends daughter firmed friendships with not just British but , Dutch, Portuguese and others attending the school. |
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