Hi
Have been an expat for half my life and happy to move any time any place - however have been very happily settled in the UK (am British) for the past 5 years and for the first time ever feel I've put some roots down. Husband's only taste of expat life was 4 years in Saudi (we had a fantastic time it has to be said!). He's enjoyed the UK job (has not followed up seriously any headhunter approaches for various things) but has been approached about a job in Kuwait and is very taken with the idea ... I am soooo not!!!
I know all the things - it's what you make it, can make great friends, kids being at school will be a ready supply etc etc but come September all 4 kids will be at school - what will I do all day?!?! Husband says that I will enjoy not having housework etc!!
Are there jobs for travelling spouses - will I need to be sponsored? I was a freelance writer/editor in Saudi and do various things here but have not worked properly since having children - 12 years ago!!) Anyone doing Open University out there? I was three years into a part-time degree before foolishly having #4!
My children are 12, 10, 8 (born in Saudi!) and 4 - how does everyone keep theirs entertained? In the UK they do Brownies/Guides/Ballet/Violin/Piano etc etc plus enjoy long walks and endless days at the beach in the summer. Is there a cinema? Is there a pool club that westerners can hang out at - beach clubs were a life saver in Saudi. ( I learned to swim at the pool at the British Council in Kuwait when I lived there 75-77 and went to The English School!)
Have looked at schools and would love to send the children to The English School but the elder two wouldn't have long there - is it a feeder school for somewhere else? They are in a tiny primary at the moment and the eldest is at a secondary with under 500.
Houses - we lived on a compound in Saudi, a villa in DXB and an apartment in Salmiya when I was teeny - Salmiya seems to have changed a bit since I was there! Are there villas with pools? Do people live on compounds?
Sorry - waffling. Would be so grateful for any advice - if anyone has made it this far!!
Thank you !!
FB
Have been an expat for half my life and happy to move any time any place - however have been very happily settled in the UK (am British) for the past 5 years and for the first time ever feel I've put some roots down. Husband's only taste of expat life was 4 years in Saudi (we had a fantastic time it has to be said!). He's enjoyed the UK job (has not followed up seriously any headhunter approaches for various things) but has been approached about a job in Kuwait and is very taken with the idea ... I am soooo not!!!
I know all the things - it's what you make it, can make great friends, kids being at school will be a ready supply etc etc but come September all 4 kids will be at school - what will I do all day?!?! Husband says that I will enjoy not having housework etc!!
Are there jobs for travelling spouses - will I need to be sponsored? I was a freelance writer/editor in Saudi and do various things here but have not worked properly since having children - 12 years ago!!) Anyone doing Open University out there? I was three years into a part-time degree before foolishly having #4!
My children are 12, 10, 8 (born in Saudi!) and 4 - how does everyone keep theirs entertained? In the UK they do Brownies/Guides/Ballet/Violin/Piano etc etc plus enjoy long walks and endless days at the beach in the summer. Is there a cinema? Is there a pool club that westerners can hang out at - beach clubs were a life saver in Saudi. ( I learned to swim at the pool at the British Council in Kuwait when I lived there 75-77 and went to The English School!)
Have looked at schools and would love to send the children to The English School but the elder two wouldn't have long there - is it a feeder school for somewhere else? They are in a tiny primary at the moment and the eldest is at a secondary with under 500.
Houses - we lived on a compound in Saudi, a villa in DXB and an apartment in Salmiya when I was teeny - Salmiya seems to have changed a bit since I was there! Are there villas with pools? Do people live on compounds?
Sorry - waffling. Would be so grateful for any advice - if anyone has made it this far!!
Thank you !!
FB
