How To Help Kids Adjust to School Life as Expats

Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure for the whole family, but it also comes with challenges—especially for children who need to adapt to a new school environment.

Adjusting to school life as an expat student requires time and patience, along with plenty of parental support.

If you’ve recently relocated or are planning an international move, here are some ways to help your kids transition smoothly into their new school life.

Prepare Your Child Before the Move

Preparation is key to making the transition smoother.

Before the big move, talk to your child about what to expect in their new school. Show them pictures, discuss the school’s curriculum, and, if possible, visit the school together beforehand.

If the school has an online presence, explore the website together to learn about activities, faculty, and student life.

Additionally, discuss cultural differences they may encounter, from new languages and traditions to different teaching methods.

If the language spoken at the school is different from your child’s native language, enrolling them in language classes before arrival can help ease communication barriers.

Choose the Right School

Depending on where you’re moving, language barriers may be an issue, initially. If possible, look for schools that do at least some instruction in your child’s native language.

Parents moving to Cyprus, for example, may want to opt for an English school in Limassol instead of a Greek one, to help ease their child’s transition into a new style of schooling.

Choosing a school that offers bilingual teaching can also be a great choice, allowing your child to immerse themselves in a new language without falling behind in their learning.

Explore Local Culture

Children often feel nervous when they leave their old routines. Learning about local traditions can help reduce that stress.

Look for nearby places to explore, like farmer’s markets, museums, or beaches. Consider taking kids along when you run errands, so they can get a feel for daily life and social norms.

The more opportunities your kids have to learn about their new country, the more likely it will be that they embrace their new environment with excitement instead of fear.

Dive into Language Learning

Knowing the local language can be an essential part of ensuring your child’s confidence stays high when they’re in a new country.

Remember that, while children are naturally gifted at learning new languages, regular practice is the best way to ensure they progress quickly.

Listening to local radio or watching subtitled cartoons can help boost understanding. Even short daily chats with classmates are a great way to encourage improvement.

Build Friendships and Social Connections

Long-term friendships often form when children share interests. Joining clubs, sports teams, or after-school activities are a good way to promote these bonds.

Group settings let children meet both local peers and other expat students, so take the time to see what extra-curricular activities are available in your area.

Opportunities to collaborate on projects or tournaments build teamwork. Shared goals create unity, which eases any lingering homesickness.

Explore the Country Together

Remember that adapting to a new country goes beyond simply memorizing local phrases or learning how to navigate the neighborhood.

The chance to explore the places that both locals and tourists enjoy is a way to help your child start to form a bond with their new home.

Look into local hotspots, famous landmarks, and other areas that might help your child feel a bond with their new home.

Exploring them together is a great way to create a connection with your country while also enjoying quality time together as a family.

Indulge in Local Cuisine

One of the best things about living in another country is the chance to explore an entirely different style of food.

However, kids can be notoriously picky eaters. If your children are shying away from trying local dishes, it’s time to get a bit more creative.

First, remember that the most popular dishes of any culture are also usually the most universally enjoyed. Start by introducing your kids to those dishes in a fun environment, like a top-rated restaurant.

Parents should also consider combining familiar meals with local specialties when cooking at home. This balance keeps children comfortable while still letting them explore new flavors.

Encourage Communication

There’s no question that moving to a new country can be stressful for a child. Your little ones may need emotional support to get through the initial transition.

Whether they’re feeling uncertain about being able to keep up with the rest of their class, or missing old friends, communication is key in helping them through any worries.

Encourage your kids to share their concerns, and be ready to listen without judgement.

Reassure them that it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions after such a major change, and consider sharing your own experiences of adjusting to your new country to help them know they’re not alone.

If your child is struggling significantly, consider seeking professional support, such as a school counselor or a therapist specializing in expat transitions.

Embrace Technology in Education

Technology has become a major part of most educational programs around the world.

And, for a student adjusting to school in another country, it can be a valuable tool to help make the transition easier.

Language learning apps like Duolingo or Babble can be a valuable tool in helping kids improve their skills in another language quickly.

School forums and social media groups can also be a great way for your child to connect with classmates and start making new friends.

• Language Learning Apps: Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone can help children develop proficiency in the local language before and after the move.
• Virtual School Tours: Many schools offer virtual tours on their websites, allowing children to familiarize themselves with the new environment before arrival.
• Online Friendships: Encourage your child to connect with classmates through school forums, social media groups, or educational platforms before school starts.
• Educational Support: Platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, and YouTube educational channels can help children catch up on different curricula and teaching styles.
• Video Calls with Family and Friends: Maintaining regular contact with loved ones back home can provide emotional comfort and a sense of continuity.

Encourage a Growth Mindset

Adjusting to a new school comes with ups and downs. Teach your child to see challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than obstacles.

Praise their efforts in adapting, whether it’s learning a new word in the country’s language, making a new friend, or completing a tough assignment.

A growth mindset fosters resilience, and helps children develop the confidence they need to navigate new experiences successfully.

Be Patient and Give It Time

Adjusting to a new school in a foreign country doesn’t happen overnight. Some children may adapt quickly, while others may take longer.

Avoid placing too much pressure on them, and give them the time they need to settle in at their own pace.

Every child’s experience is unique, and there will be moments of frustration along the way.

Celebrate small victories, be patient with setbacks, and remind your child that they are capable of thriving in their new

Conclusion

While moving to a new country will always come with challenges, it can also be incredibly rewarding.

Children, especially, have an innate ability to embrace new routines, cultures, and friendships, letting their sense of belonging grow with each passing day.

By blending familiar comforts with local customs, and giving your children time to learn and adjust to their new environment, you’ll help ensure they’ successfully adapt to their new environment.

They’ll enjoy the unique benefits of being able to discover new languages, make friends from various backgrounds, and strengthen academic skills.

And the skills they gain in the process are ones that will benefit them for a lifetime.