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kbfsc
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| Posted: Jan 27 2012 at 7:23pm | IP Logged
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Much to our surprise, but my husband and I are praying about a few opportunities that might take our family on a wild adventure to live in Europe (or possibly even Latin America) for a time. I've lived in Florida all my life, so this feels like a crazy train of thought - unless it is God's plan for our family, in which case it will be wonderful (but probably still crazy  ). Are any of you 4Real families living abroad? What's it like? Would you recommend it? Any hints or suggestions for the discernment process or for preparations for this kind of adventure?
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Kiera
happy mama of ds '02, dd '03, ds '06, dd '09 and little ones in heaven
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guitarnan
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We've been stationed in Italy twice. It was great both times. If Italy is on your list, PM me and we can talk specific duty stations, etc. etc.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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kbfsc
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Thanks, Nancy! This would actually be a civilian gig. My husband is interested in some apprenticeship schools in Europe, and one in Peru. There is nothing like that here in the U.S., so it's travel or find another line of work. (Which he has tried hard to do for the last two years to no avail.) So we are praying. A lot.
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Kiera
happy mama of ds '02, dd '03, ds '06, dd '09 and little ones in heaven
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St. Ann
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Kiera, are you thinking about a particular European country or just in general?
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Stephanie
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kbfsc
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Germany? Austria? Norway? All possibilities. And I'm sure there are others. Those are just the specific ones my husband has researched.
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Kiera
happy mama of ds '02, dd '03, ds '06, dd '09 and little ones in heaven
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kristinannie
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I am so jealous! That has always been a dream of mine!
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John Paul 8.5
Meredith Rose 7
Dominic Michael 4.5
Katherine Elizabeth 8 months
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SallyT
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Have done, when my older kids were younger. We lived in England for four years. Highly recommended if you can pull it off -- these tend to be expensive ventures, but well, well worth it.
Sally
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Castle in the Sea
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pmeilaen
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Before you plan this, check out the homeschooling laws in each country. Some European countries are very strict about that or don't allow homeschooling at all, even when you are not from that country.
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Eva
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guitarnan
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Eva is right...and Germany is one of those countries. If you went via the military you could still homeschool, but you would have to enroll your children in German schools if you go there as civilians.
If you want info on that, I have a friend who's done it twice - they homeschool, except when her professor husband teaches in Germany. During those semesters, her children attend German schools. I'm sure she would be happy to give you information on how to make that kind of transition.
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Carole N.
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We live is Wales which is part of the United Kingdom. It has been wonderful as we are able to travel to so many different places. Like you, we are civilians, not military. It is quite expensive to live here, but well worth it. My children are teens so we have been able to take advantage of their mobility and readiness to travel.
Homeschooling is legal in the UK, but there is a certain amount of monitoring through age 16. I had no difficulty as it involved a yearly meeting which was a review of the student's work. I do know that in London, Oxford, and Cambridge there are groups of homeschool families who get together for various activities.
Let me know if you have any more questions. And keep us posted on your decision.
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 Carole ... in Wales
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stefoodie
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We homeschooled in Italy for just a very little bit (3 months) but it was awesome. We got to travel several times to Rome and other parts of Italy and only wish we could do it again. Germany is a possibility for us, but the laws there are holding me back. I've asked hubby to consider any and all options for work/homeschooling in Europe. Right now though is not a good time for us because we have scouts working towards their Eagles. But maybe in a couple of years depending on available assignments, etc. I think it's great if you could do it, just the history and geography and foreign language -- oh the possibilities!! -- so excited for you!!!
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stef
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kristacecilia
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I am a US citizen living in Canada, but I doubt it qualifies for 'abroad' lol. I can be back in the US in 2 hours.
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Krista
Wife to a great guy, mom to two boys ('04, '06) and three girls ('08, '10, '12!)
I blog at http://kristacecilia.wordpress.com/
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kbfsc
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Another option has become a possibility: my husband could go visit one of the apprenticeship programs for a short time, particularly the one in Peru. He is most interested in that one, anyway. So perhaps we won't all be going? Just when I get used to the idea of our family abroad, and start to get excited about the possibilities...
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Kiera
happy mama of ds '02, dd '03, ds '06, dd '09 and little ones in heaven
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4Real Forums : Mothering and Family Life
Topic: Americans abroad?
