Holly989blue

Hello! I'm thinking of moving from cold, bleak Scotland to sunny Spain! I've been to Barcelona 4 times and just love the place. However, I doubt I could afford to live in the city itself (plus, I have a son, 2 cats and a dog so would prefer a bit of outside space). I've read a bit online and can see that Badalona and Mataro are close by, as well as Castelldefels. Does anyone have any experience of these places? Also, if we were to learn as much Spanish as we can during the next few months to a year, do you think my 9 year old would be able to manage a Spanish school? He is very bright and does really well at school here. However, I don't want him to fall behind due to the language barrier. I doubt I can afford a private British school though (I currently work in a bank but would like to do CELTA and teach English). What about biligual schools; are they any cheaper?
Thanks in advance for any advice!

Moses2013

I don't live in Spain permanently but have a place around an hour away from Barcelona but north. If you are looking for outside space Castelldefels won't be that cheap either depending what you consider cheap. You get a lot more value for your money if you go a bit further inland from Barcelona, Vallès Oriental for example and then urbanisations outside Malgrat, Blanes, Lloret are cheap and very quiet but obviously have longer commutes. Depends if you are renting or buying and what will you be doing, or let's say do you have a job? Your child will have to learn Catalan & Spanish, so that might be a problem but of course kids learn quicker than adults.

Holly989blue

Thanks Moses! I'd be renting at first, until I'm certain I like the area, and don't think I can go over 800 euros..maybe 1,000 at the very most. Like I say, I'd have a CELTA certificate and have some teaching experience already, so I would hope to do that
I imagine my son would learn the languages in school...however, to learn Spanish AND Catalan may be a bit overwhelming for him. Maybe I could look into a private school for the 1st year, which wouldn't be so much of a shock, and then move him after that.
Thanks for your advice though - I'll take a look at the areas you suggest!

Rosemary

Hi and a warm welcome to the Spanish forum on BE. Myself and Fred James are the moderators for the Spanish forums whilst BEVS moderates Europe. Moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. This is so that members gain the information that they are looking for and find their experiences on the forums to be friendly and worthwhile.

Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderator who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are usually friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge about the issues of living in Spain. I hope that you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Tadd1966

At 9yrs old your son may struggle and you will need to invest heavily in private lessons for him (and yourself) in order to ensure he is at a good enough level to get to high school (12yrs old). Remember if your son fails any year he will have to repeat that year

2 other things
1. If you can get a job at an international school your sons fees may be reduced

2. Remember in schools in Barcelona the main teaching language will almost certainly be Catalan and NOT Spanish which will be the second language taught.