Originally Posted by DublintoIbiza

It's not something i had thought about in great detail as i didn't think it was as complicated as others seem to suggest.I take it it's not as simple as upping my current health insurance to take in international cover.

Originally Posted by morpeth

Depends a lot on the children in terms of their aptitude and diligence. We had one child move to a new country/school/language at that age- first year very difficult, by second year somewhat tolerable- by third year everything fine. We found that non-school activities helped enormously in the child becoming comfortable in the new language, in our case it was football. We also "forced" immersion, no English language television nor movies, and we secured a secondary school student to tutor the child regularly along with the school. We didn't allow our children to play video games, but if you do, then perhaps have them play the Spanish version. We would watch films , initially with subtitles in the local language before the move, The Spanish accent is a pain in the neck ( compared to say Mexican or Colombian accents). You may also consider carefully whether a private or government school more appropriate in terms of language immersion. We also chose a location with the least amount of foreigners so that child had more opportunity to be surrounded by the local language.

My wife teaches Spanish online at university level, often with some of her students she locates students at same age in Spanish-speaking country she is from to practice with the student via Skype- one conversation to practice Spanish, one to practice English. Seems to work well with younger students to get them used to language and realize the similarities in youth culture any where.

Good luck !

Originally Posted by DublintoIbiza

That sounds like a great idea and will be something i will try organise for the kids when they get to that point when it is possible for them to hold even a little bit of conversation.