Is back to school the same in every country?
Our Back to School this year means GCSEs, something totally foreign to me (yes, I intentionally used that phrase!). Because I’m an expat I am aware that I don’t always key into the same concerns the other parents do at my daughter’s school–sometimes at risk of creating a disadvantage for my daughter. But because I’m married to a local I can ask him and he’s usually able to set me straight.
Most recently I experienced the whole GCSE drama. In my mind, these kids are three or four years away from applying to university, why would what they take now have such a major impact on their university applications that people are tying themselves into knots over the decisions? Because the exams UK kids take at the end of year 11 are often looked at by universities and certainly considered if the child wants to move to another institution for their A-Levels.
I’ve lost some of you, I can already see the glazed eyes staring back at the computer screen. Don’t worry, if you’re not living in Britain you can ignore the last paragraph. But if you are and if you’re kids are little, just you wait. But then again, don’t go making a mountain out of a mole hill like I nearly did with the GCSE options!
What kinds of issues affect other exapts returning back to school?
In Dubai, there’s tactics to be considered when dropping kids off at school, and Circles in the Sand offers useful (and quite funny) Tips and Tricks she’s learned.
Dubai’s Desperate Housewife provides Back to School stats, which are both entertaining and enlightening–I shall never ever complain about how many miles (or km) I do on a school run again!
And I have to say I have never heard of such a palavar just to get a kid to school–the amount of enrollment checks Nikki has to go through with her kids will make your eyes water, but more with tears of laughter. This account of a multi-country expat entering the American school system is hilarious.
One of the things about my daughter returning to school this year has been the realisation that I only have her at home with me for four more years. So a lot of the Back to School issues for me were not so much about GCSE anxiety, more about ‘did I spend enough time with her this summer?’ I want to hold her close and yet let her learn how to fly. I’m not normally clingy so it’s a new feeling for me.
Expat Mum’s back to school post is also more about how the new school year will impact on her life–in her case she won’t have to walk her youngest to school anymore so will she end up wearing her PJs all day every day from now on? (Well, why not?!)
Another mum for whom the back to school season has a personal significance is Iota over at The Iota Quota. Freshly back from living in the States, where she thought often of her home in Scotland, she is now in Scotland thinking of the home she made in the States, and having a bit of a wallow. But I think she’s allowed to wallow.
And what about you readers? Have you written any posts about how Back to School is different in your country or do you have any memories from your experiences? Leave a comment or fill in the linky below, it’s always great to see more expat stories!
About Michelle Garrett
Michelle Garrett is the author of The American Resident, where she blogs about making a life overseas, raising a blended family, herding cats, chasing chickens and attempting the Good Life in Essex. Michelle is a freelance writer.
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Expat Mum
Monday 10th of September 2012
Thanks for the shout out. I remember when the Queenager first went into high school here, I almost had a heart attack trying to figure the schedule out. They pretty much have to put something together themselves, and college is even worse. At least now, she knows what she's doing even if I don't!
Emma
Sunday 9th of September 2012
Lots of great posts there, thanks Michelle! :)