MOBILITAS Group’s Expansion: AGS Bahrain and AGS Oman

While AGS Bahrain is a fully owned MOBILITAS subsidiary, AGS Oman is a joint venture with Omani-owned Allied Logistics, a leader in that country’s international moving sector. Allied Logistics will be fully integrated into the MOBILITAS network as AGS Oman but will continue to serve its significant client base under the leadership of Managing Director Marcus Maguire.

“I am thrilled that Allied Logistics LLC has combined forces with MOBILITAS,” Maguire commented. “This partnership represents a significant step forward in our expansion, and I am confident that it will greatly benefit both our organisations. By combining resources and expertise, we are creating a strong and dynamic alliance that will deliver exceptional value to our customers.”

Serving Clients Across the Gulf States

Together with AGS Saudi Arabia, which is scheduled to open its doors later this year, the new branches in Bahrain and Oman allow the MOBILITAS Group to serve clients across the Gulf States.

Established in 2011, AGS Dubai was the Group’s first subsidiary in the region, followed shortly by Abu Dhabi and Qatar. The group’s expansion into Bahrain and Oman brings the number of AGS branches in the region to five and to 146 worldwide.

1. Spanish Visa Types

There’s no need to let Brexit stop you from exploring Spain. UK citizens can still enjoy up to 90 days of visa-free travel within a 180-day period. If you dream of soaking up the Spanish vibes for the long haul, you’ll need a long-term visa (visado nacionale). There are different immigration routes and visa types, depending on the reason for your stay, and each comes with its unique set of requirements.

If you’ve got a job waiting in Spain, for example, you’ll likely need to apply for a work permit (visado de trabajo y residencia) either as a paid employee, a self-employed entrepreneur, or an au pair lending your skills to a Spanish family. To retire in the land of siestas and fiestas, you’ll need a Non-Lucrative Visa.

While the requirements for each visa type differ, some common factors include a medical certificate that gives you a clean bill of health, a clean criminal record, and proof that you’ve got enough funds to support yourself. Heads up, some documents may need to be in Spanish so you’ll need to get them translated. To dive deeper into the specifics, make sure to visit the Spanish government’s official visa application portal. There, you’ll find all the details on what immigration routes to follow to make Spain your new home sweet home.

2. Finding Work in Spain

There are plenty of job opportunities in Spain for UK expats. In particular, the tourism, IT, engineering, finance, healthcare (especially pharmaceuticals), automotive, chemicals and sales sectors have many vacancies to fill.

The Spanish authorities have also recently revised the criteria for obtaining an EU Blue Card, making it easier than ever for highly skilled Brits to get a job.

You can start your job search on Empleate, the Spanish government’s online job portal, and Sistema Nacional de Empleo. Both websites are available in English.

Also be sure to visit the country’s most popular (but Spanish-only) job search websites: Indeed Spain, infoempleo, infojobs, and for vacancies in tech, tecnoempleo.

3. Find a Home in Spain

Surprisingly, it is generally easier to purchase a home in Spain than to rent one as the rental market is tight with a limited number of properties available. Owning your own home will also increase your chances of obtaining a Golden visa. But if you do decide to rent, here are some helpful tips:

• Whether you’re renting or buying, always get a written contract in place. It’s important to protect yourself and your rights.
• Spanish laws are generally on the tenant’s side, but it still pays to be cautious when signing a property agreement.
• Location matters. Places like Barcelona, Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, and Bilbao are dazzling but come with a hefty price tag. You’ll find more affordable housing in regions like Castilla la Mancha, La Rioja, and Extremadura.
• Long-term rental contracts typically run for 5 to 7 years, while short-term leases last 12 months. Choose wisely.
• Landlords foot the bill for the estate agents, not you.

To find your dream home, check out local newspapers, chat with the friendly locals, or browse real estate websites like Idealista, Fotocasa, and Spainhouses.

4. Spanish Schooling System

If you’re relocating with your little ones, making the right choices for their education will be a top priority.

The Spanish education system is governed by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, however the education standards and funding are managed by the local communities, which are automonous (Comunidades Autónomas). School is compulsory for children aged 6-16. Homeschooling is permitted but unlegislated.

In a nutshell, Spain’s education system has 4 stages:

 
Early Childhood Education 0-6 years
From newborn to 6-year-old cuties, you’ve got two cycles – 0-3 years old (nurseries) and 3-6 years (kindergarten). Nurseries are optional, but senior kindergarten is compulsory as it forms a crucial part of the country’s public education system.

Primary School 6-12 years
Primary education begins at age 6 and goes up to age 11. Public schools are free but each public school and/or teacher decides their preferred teaching methods, so research the results of your candidate schools before making any final decision.

Spanish children generally attend the school nearest their home, but it’s fine to send your child to a school further away. Just bear in mind that if there are limited spaces available, these will be assigned according to a points system which considers various factors, including distance from the family home.

Secondary school 12-16 years
If they’re in their teens, your children will likely attend an Instituto (secondary school). The curriculum is set by the ministry of education, but as with primary schools, teachers are free to choose how to teach it. Secondary schools are also free, although you might have to pay for textbooks and stationery.

Bachillerato and Vocational Training 17-18 years
After receiving their Título de Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (GESO), a certificate that confirms they have passed compulsory lower education, students can choose to continue with the last two years, called Bachillerato. Then they can pursue higher vocational training or head to university, provided they pass the admission test.

While most schools instruct their children in Spanish, Spain also has numerous international schools for children of English-speaking expats, including the British School of Barcelona, The British College, Cambridge House, the British School of Alzira, just to name a few.

5. Shipping to Spain from UK

Whether you’re taking only your most precious possessions or everything but the kitchen sink, you’ll be pleased to hear that if you’re moving to Spain, you don’t have to pay customs duties on the household goods you ship from the UK. That’s because they are considered to be for personal use.

For the same reason, you won’t be required to pay import tax on:

• Cars, motorbikes, and recreational boats
• Domestic animals
• Any tools you need to perform your job

To enjoy these exemptions, you will be required to prove you are moving to Spain permanently. The easiest way to do this, is to supply a copy of your registration certificate (certificado de empadronamiento). You’ll also need to draft a list of everything you’re bringing with you. Each item must be assigned an estimated value and an approximate date of purchase. All goods, including vehicles, should be at least 6 months old. Customs may request additional documents, depending on the circumstances of your move.

If this sounds like too much of a headache, a reputable moving company will be able to handle all the customs formalities on your behalf.

Moves to Spain from the UK usually take place via road. You might have to wait a bit for your belongings, but it’s the cheapest option. Air freight is costly, so save it only for the items you cannot be without, not even for a day.

6. Healthcare in Spain

As an expat who’s legally living or working in Spain, you’re automatically eligible to enjoy the benefits of Spain’s public health care system, the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). The SNS is renowned for its high-quality healthcare services, and it (mostly) comes free of charge.

You’ll enjoy full coverage for doctors’ visits, emergency trips, paediatric care, nursing/midwife services, and both inpatient and outpatient care. You’ll also be assigned a family doctor.

It does take several months after you move to Spain to become eligible for the SNS, however, and you must have valid private health insurance until you qualify.

Also, under the SNS, medicine prescriptions, wheelchairs, prosthetics, and orthopaedic equipment are only subsidised up to 40%. Non-emergency dental care, eye care, and eyeglasses are not covered at all.

For this reason, many expats opt for private insurance as well.

7. Driving in Spain with a UK license

Following an agreement between UK and Spanish authorities, UK expats living in Spain prior to 16 March 2023 are allowed to drive in the country for 6 months using their valid UK driving license. If you arrived in Spain after that date, you’ll be allowed to drive on your UK license for six months from the date you obtained a residence permit. After this period, you must exchange your UK driver’s license for a Spanish one, but no new driving tests are required.

You are allowed to drive UK-registered vehicles in Spain so long as you have a valid driver’s license and meet the necessary requirements. But bear in mind that driving a right-hand-drive car in a left-hand-drive country will be a challenge.

For one, overtaking will be almost impossible without a passenger, as oncoming traffic will be on your far side and you’ll have a limited view. Your insurer could also (not unreasonably) decide you are a higher risk and raise your premium.

You don’t need to own a car to survive in Spain, but many expats love to have personal rides because of the freedom it affords. Just be sure to consider all your options before packing your car into a container.

8. Opening a Bank Account in Spain

While your UK bank account is still good for a lot in Spain, you’ll need a Spanish IBAN number to set up utilities in your new home.

Luckily, opening an account in Spain as a UK expat is a breeze. All you must do is provide the necessary documents.

• Valid means of identification
• Spanish NIE (that’s your foreigner’s ID number)
• Some proof of your income or employment contract.
• Proof of an address in Spain,

You’ll can expect to receive your cards in less than a week. Be prepared to pay about €50 every year for maintenance fees and such.

9. Learning Spanish

Do you need to speak Spanish to live in Spain? You can get by without it, especially if you live in an expat hotspot like Costa del Sol or Malaga, but knowing the local language will make life so much easier.

Most jobs will require you to have a minimum level of Spanish. Being able to speak Spanish and English will make you a more attractive candidate and open more job opportunities.

Plus, you can expect official communication to be in Spanish, so if you want to get on without having to rely on a translator, it’ll be helpful to have some Spanish under your belt.

Learning Spanish before you make the move will give you a head start, so you won’t feel completely lost when you arrive. Free options include apps like Duolingo and Mondly. Another, more personal (paying) option is iTalki, a language learning platform that connects you to a tutor for real-time lessons. You can choose between private sessions or group classes, which are the more cost-effective option.

Trust AGS for a Seamless Move to Spain

Are you considering starting a new chapter in España? AGS has offices in the UK and Spain, so we are perfectly placed to get you to your new life in the sun.

Our experienced team can move your belongings from door-to-door and handle all the customs formalities on your behalf.

Get your free moving quote

This informative guide will help you understand the essential aspects of moving to the US, providing valuable insights and practical tips for a successful transition.
 

Understanding US Immigration Options:

Before making the move, it is crucial to determine the appropriate immigration path. The US offers various visa categories listed below.

• H-1B Visa: designed for skilled workers in specialty occupations such as doctors, lawyers, architects, and IT specialists. It has specific criteria, such as possession of an advanced educational degree and a labour condition application. You will also need sponsorship from a US employer.
• The L-1 Visa: designed for employees being transferred to a US branch, affiliate, or subsidiary of their current employer. To be eligible, applicants must provide proof of employment with a recognised organisation and that they possess specialised knowledge or serve in executive/managerial positions.
• The EB-5 Visa: for immigrant investors willing to make a significant investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs in the US.
• F-1 Visa: allows students to enter the United States to study full time at an accredited academic institution, including colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, elementary schools, or language training programs. To qualify, students must be enrolled in a program or course of study leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate and attend a school authorised by the US government to accept international students.

Other visa options to consider include the IR (Immediate Relative) Visa, and the F (Family Preference) Visa. Find out which US visa is best suited to your circumstances.

Cost of Living and Budgeting:

The cost of living between India and the United States can vary significantly due to differences in buying power, economic development, and lifestyle. Here’s a comparison to help you understand the variations:

Housing: In India, housing costs are notably lower than in the US, especially in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore. However, consider location and amenities when budgeting for housing in either country.

Food and Groceries: India offers relatively more affordable food and groceries, especially with local produce and traditional dishes. In the US, dining out and grocery expenses can be higher, particularly in metropolitan areas. Opting for home-cooked meals can save money.

Transportation: Public transportation in the US is less budget-friendly than in India. While cities like Delhi and Mumbai have affordable buses and trains, the US relies heavily on personal vehicles, incurring additional expenses like car insurance and fuel.

Healthcare: Healthcare in the US is a mix of private and public sectors. Medical care is of high quality but could cost considerably more and is not always accessible. Health insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring individuals can receive medical care, thus private insurance is common in the US.

Education: Higher education tuition fees are generally higher in the US, but scholarships and financial aid options are available for international students.

Miscellaneous Expenses: Day-to-day expenses like clothing, entertainment, and utilities vary by location and lifestyle.

Navigating Cultural Differences:

The United States is home to a diverse set of cultures, which may initially feel overwhelming to newcomers. However, by familiarising yourself with American customs, traditions, and social norms, you can integrate seamlessly into your new community and foster lasting relationships.

India’s culture emphasises social hierarchy and collectivism. People are strongly influenced by their family and community and urged to respect their elders and other authority figures. In contrast, the US is more individualistic, valuing personal freedom and self-expression and promoting equality.

Communication Styles: In India, communication is often indirect and relies on implicit cues and polite language. Americans, on the other hand, are straightforward and value clear and direct conversations.

Personal Space and Touch: Indian culture places less importance on personal space, and physical touch in daily interactions is interpreted as a sign of warmth. In the US, personal space is respected in all situations, and physical touch is reserved for close relationships.

Time Keeping: Indian culture is more flexible with time, while punctuality is highly valued in the US.

Food and Eating Habits: Indian cuisine varies regionally, leading to a diverse range of flavours. Meals are served family style, and Indian diners wash their hands thoroughly before eating using the tips of their fingers. American cuisine is a fusion of various global cuisines. Food is often served in individual portions and eating habits are diverse.

Religion and Spirituality: Hindu is the largest faith in India but coexists harmoniously with other faiths. The US is even more religiously diverse, with Christianity being predominant.

Attitude Towards Authority: In India, respect for authority figures is ingrained, while Americans tend to question authority and promote open dialogue.

Make sure to note:

Traffic Laws: The traffic laws in the US are stricter than in India. Even crossing at a ‘No Crossing’ sign can result in a hefty fine. US vehicles have their steering wheels on the left-hand side, while Indian vehicles have their steering wheels on the right.

Units of Measurement: The US uses the imperial system while India favours the metric system. As such, kilos, kilometres, and degrees Celsius, are replaced by pounds, miles, and degrees Fahrenheit.

Moving to the United States from India is a life-changing journey filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth. By understanding the immigration process, securing employment, embracing cultural differences, and planning your finances wisely, you can make a smooth and successful transition. Remember to research thoroughly, seek advice from experts, and embrace the new experiences that await you in your new home. Good luck on your exciting adventure!

For professional assistance, get in touch with AGS Movers India for your big move to the US.

Get your free moving quote

Here is a rundown of ‘all things culture’ to help you soak it all up and make the most of your new life in France.

All things culture in France

• • Festivals.
    The French like to celebrate. Festivals at Christmas and Easter are the norm, but there is a lot more besides!
    ‘La fête nationale française’, also known as ‘Le 14 Juillet’ marks the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a turning point in the French Revolution. Celebrations are held all over France, from small villages to large cities, involving fireworks and dancing at the ‘Bal des pompiers’ (literally, the fireman’s ball). In Paris, the Bastille Day military parade takes place on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées.‘La Fête de la Musique’, or ‘Music Festival’ takes place on 21 June, with the purpose of promoting amateur and professional music. Free concerts are organised all over the country, and there’s a wonderful party atmosphere. The festival was the brainchild of former Minister of Culture Jack Lang, and its success has led other European cities to stage their own music festivals.
    Many small towns and villages also have their own local festivals. It’s not uncommon to stumble across festivals such as a ‘Foire du vin’ (wine fair) a ‘Fête de la crevette’ (Shrimp festival) or even a ‘Fête de la pomme de terre’ (Potato festival). Go along and join the locals to sample the delicacies on offer!

• • Cinema.
    The French film industry is one of the oldest in the world, and is the most successful in Europe, perhaps thanks to the protections afforded to it by the French government. In France’s cities, you’ll find a cinema on every corner, and the biggest film festivals, such as Cannes and the Nuit des César in Paris, are important events both nationally and internationally. Be a part of this cultural experience by watching some of France’s cinema classics from the last few decades, such as Jean de Florette, Amélie, La Haine, Intouchables, and Le Grand Bleu. Be sure to watch them in ‘Version Originale Sous-Titrée/ VOST’, (in French with English subtitles), to really get the full cultural experience, and improve your French too.

• • Cuisine.
    France is of course famous for its culinary delights, and each region has its own set of culinary dishes to sample. Bretagne, for example, is famous for crêpes, Bourgogne for Boeuf Bourguignon, Toulouse for its Cassoulet, and Provence for its ratatouille, to name but a few. But the act of eating itself is indeed a favourite French pastime. If you’re invited around to a French friend’s house for lunch, expect to be there for the rest of the day sampling five or six courses. Whatever you do, don’t forget to take a gift of flowers or chocolates with you. This is a must! A bottle of local wine will also be warmly received and is a great way to discover ‘the terroir’ (how a particular French region’s climate, soils and aspect (terrain) affect the taste of the wine produced there).

• • Fashion.
    Paris is officially the fashion capital of the world, and rightly so. Dior, Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Louis Vuitton are just a few of the most famous names, not to mention the new generation of talented French designers. Take a wander down Paris’ Avenue des Champs-Elysées and you won’t be disappointed, but you may be a little poorer!

• Art.
  France has almost as many famous artists as art galleries. The most famous such as Monet, Cézanne and Renoir are known the world over, and Paris has many galleries where you can view some of the finest masterpieces. The Louvre, the Centre Pompidou and the Musée d’Orsay are just some of the most renowned. Many of France’s smaller towns and cities have their own local artists and galleries, and even touring exhibitions that you can explore too.

So now that you know what to look out for, how can you find out about places of cultural interest and events happening where you live in France? Look out for local newspapers and posters up at your town hall (La Mairie). Join some local groups (in person or on social media); yes, you can join the expat ones, but be sure to join the French ones for your local community too. Learn some French and make friends with your neighbours. If you don’t speak French, Google translate is your new friend to help you find your way!

There’s so much going on ‘culture-wise’ in France, but if you’re moving to France and you choose to surround yourself with only the British and other expats, you’ll miss it all! Take the time to learn the language and immerse yourself into the culture, and you won’t be disappointed.

Planning a move and need help settling into your new life? We can help with all aspects of your relocation from removals and finding a home to finding schools for the kids. Get in touch with AGS Movers UK today!

GET YOUR FREE QUOTE

Unique in Africa, Tchiloli combines theatre, dance, and music. “The tradition is extremely popular with Santomeans,” says Nathalie Jeanneau, AGS Network Director for Africa. “For expatriates it is the ideal way to discover an aspect of the island’s culture that has been kept alive for centuries.”

AGS Movers São Tomé, which – given the size of the island – is the smallest branch in the AGS Group, completed 31 local moves, 5 imports and 4 exports in 2021. It also provides logistics services to local clients.

A 16th century piece

While it honours French history, Tchiloli has its origins in Portugal. Baltasar Dias, a 16th century playwright born in Madeira, wrote a play titled The Tragedy of the Marquis of Mantua and the Emperor Charlemagne, which he based on six Spanish novels, themselves derived from the eleventh-century Carolingian cycle, a body of literature associated with the history of France, which includes La Chanson de Roland.

The play was subsequently brought to São Tomé to entertain Portuguese colonists on their way to India. Slaves consigned to the deserted archipelago to work sugar cane gradually adapted the epic tale, adding their own nuances.

Tchiloli tells the story of Emperor Charlemagne’s son, Charlot, who murders the Duke of Mantua’s nephew during a hunting trip because he is in love with his wife. The Mantuans demand justice, and the emperor is forced to choose between the interests of the state and fatherly love. Charlemagne ultimately sentences his son to death.

Up to six hours of entertainment

Each Tchiloli performance is an interactive experience, lasting up to six hours. Performed in a courtyard or public square, the stage is visible from all sides and the audience is expected to comment and laugh.

A tower on wooden stilts, covered with palm branches, represents the imperial palace, while a hut made of green branches signifies the mourning family of the Mantuans.

A quasi-original script

Volunteer actors, mostly men, perform the near-original script in seven-syllabled verses. Certain acts, about the criminal investigation and prosecution, are in modern Portuguese to make the tale easier for the audience to understand.

Tchiloli actors retain their roles for life, passing them down from generation to generation. They perform in black frock coats decorated with multicoloured ribbons and sequins, bicorns, masks and white gloves. Between scenes, they dance to music played by an orchestra composed of flutes and percussion instruments.

The island of Principe also has its own traditional theatre, called Auto de Floripes, performed every August. Also featuring Emperor Charlemagne, the play brings the medieval battles between the Christians and the Moors back to life.

Are you planning a relocation to Sao Tome? Contact us for a free quote.

Even the New York Times was surprised by the series’ global success, which came just one year after the movie Parasite, by South Korean director Bong Joon-ho, won four Oscars and a Palme d’Or.

Paving the way for these triumphs of the big and small screen was K-pop, the uniquely Korean music genre that has now firmly secured its place on music charts worldwide. K-pop’s most famous representatives, the group BTS, were even invited to the UN to speak in support of sustainable development in 2021.

Beyond cultural influence

These pop-culture phenomena have transformed Korea into a cultural, economic, and diplomatic heavyweight. In terms of cultural exports (films, series, music, television programmes, etc.), the country has seen significant growth: 10.8 billion dollars last year alone, an increase of 6.3%.

The overwhelming global success of films and series like Squid Game has sparked new interest in the Southeast Asian nation spurred millions around the world to learn the Korean language. The Duolingo app, which allows people to learn languages online, reported a 76% jump in registrations in Britain, and a 40% increase in the US in the two weeks after the series was released. In total, eight million people are now learning Korean on the platform.

Soft power supported by the state since the 90s

Although this trend seems recent, its origins date back almost 30 years. Known locally as “Hallyu” (한류), literally “Korean wave”, the phenomenon is the result of South Korean government policy that promotes domestic arts abroad. Combined with the innovative promotion of celebrities and a dynamic fan culture, this strategy has shaken up the international entertainment market, positioning the Korean underdog as a competitor of dominant North American pop culture.

The first k-drama (Korean television series) to enjoy global attention was What is Love in the early 90s. However, it was in 1997 that the Korean government decided to diversify its economy and focus on culture. Affected by the Asian financial crisis, it sought an alternative to hard power (electronics and automobile industries).

The state invested heavily in the country’s entertainment industry, allocating more than 500 million dollars annually to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for approximately a decade.

Korean culture became a tool for economic and diplomatic influence. So much so that the country, now the world’s 10th largest economy, has been invited to the G7 for the past three years.

Expatriates attracted by Korean pop culture

According to the Korea Tourism Organization, more than 13% of tourists visited Korea in 2019 specifically to experience pop culture and attend fan events, with spending totalling 2.7 billion dollars.

While the pandemic has slowed expatriate settlement on Korean soil, numbers had been growing steadily and are expected to pick up again once the pandemic is over. The country’s foreign population had already passed one million in August 2007 and 2 million in June 2016. In 2019, the number of foreign nationals staying in the country exceeded 2.5 million for the first time.

“More than a cultural trend, Korean soft power is spreading throughout the world and making the Land of the Morning Calm an increasingly popular destination among foreign holiday makers and expatriates on long-term assignments,” emphasises Clément Fagon, MOBILITAS Director for Asia. “The younger generations who want to come and live in Asia are no longer necessarily betting on China or Singapore, which have become too expensive, but are turning to Korea, for which they now have plenty of cultural references.”

Key dates of the Korean Wave

Do you need advice to prepare for your expatriation to Korea? Contact us!

Read on to find out the basics of the French education system, how it compares to the British system, and what the options are for British expats if your children’s French isn’t fluent (yet!).

How does the education system work in France?

It is compulsory for children in France to attend school between the ages of 3 and 16.

Children attend primary school (École primaire) between the ages of 3 and 11. This part of the school system includes nursery school (Maternelle), where they spend three years, between the ages of 3 and 6, and École Élémentaire, where they spend 5 years between the ages of 6 and 11. French pupils then move to Collège at the age of 11, where they spend four years, before finally transferring to Lycée for the final three years of school from the ages of 15 to 18.

Beyond the age of 18, students can choose to study at one of France’s state funded or private universities, or at privately funded higher education establishments, such as business or engineering schools or those specialising in training for specific careers, such as journalism.

What options are there for expats?

Expats moving from England have three main options. Firstly, children can join the French state education system where teaching is in French. State education is free in France, and if your children already speak French, or are young enough to learn, and you’re planning on moving to France for the long-haul, this can be a great option and your children will receive an excellent standard of education. The French state system also offers a programme specifically to help non-French speakers to integrate into the school system.

France also has French-speaking private schools. And as is the case in most European countries, many of them offer a religious element to the curriculum. Early application (up to a year in advance) is advisable as it can be very difficult to get a place.

The third option is to enrol your children into a fee-paying international school. France’s big cities, including Paris, Lyon and Nice to name a few, have an excellent selection of bilingual or foreign-language schools. Those offering a purely British curriculum (such as the British School of Paris in Croissy-sur-Seine) are fully fee paying. These can be very expensive, but may be the best option if your children are older and don’t speak French or if your stay in France is temporary.

However, many of the international bilingual schools operate ‘sous-contrat’ (under contract), meaning that they provide education in line with the French state curriculum. In addition, they offer a private element that makes up the international curriculum. This part is taught in English (or another language), and fees for these schools are much more affordable as you only pay privately for the international element. There are plenty of these bilingual schools in and around France’s larger cities, such as L’Ermitage International School in Maisons-Laffitte in the western suburbs of Paris. Children may, however, find it harder to integrate if they are older, as a good level of French is required to be able to keep up with the French side of the curriculum.

Those that are lucky enough to live close to one of France’s ‘Lycées Internationales’, such as the Lycée Internationale in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, can attend one of France’s unique, state-funded international schools. For a small financial contribution, your children can study in the British Section (or the German, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, etc., sections if they are fluent speakers and nationals of these countries) and will receive an excellent standard of education. The fees are a fraction of the price of other international options and the schools rank among France’s top state schools. However, competition for entry is fierce so it’s best to have a backup option.

What are the most surprising differences between schools in France and the UK?

• Children in French state schools don’t wear uniform. Many international schools have introduced uniforms, but don’t be surprised if the uniform is much lower key than what you’re used to in the UK.
• A key part of the French constitution is that all state institutions, including schools, are secular. The church and the state are wholly separated, meaning that there is no expression of religion in the state education system in France.
• Whilst “La Rentrée” (the date that children go back to school after the summer holidays) is in September, your September to December born child will be the oldest in the school year in the UK, but the youngest in France. This is because all of the children born in the same calendar year are in the same class together in France.
• The curriculum can be quite different in France and the UK at different stages of education. Children aged 4 or 5 in ‘Reception’ year in the UK learn to read and write, whilst children of the same age in ‘Moyenne Section’ focus more on learning through play and on the rules and norms of going to school, as well as on learning how to be independent.
• Parents may choose to put their children into a different year to the one that they should be in according to their age. Whilst this is unheard of in the UK, if your December-born child (the youngest in the year in France) is struggling to keep up with the work, particularly if they are in a French-language school, you can request for them to repeat the year. The school will usually allow this if there is good reason.

School holidays in France

For the expat in France, there are some surprises when it comes to school holidays, but once you get used to how the system works, your only worry will be to decide whether to spend your summers on the beaches of the rugged Atlantic or the French Riviera!

Find your zone!

The French “Ministère de l’Education Nationale” or Ministry for Education fixes school holiday dates each year, and each part of the country is placed into one of three zones, known as Zones A, B and C. There are many websites, such as Vacances Scolaires, with a handy map to help you to find out which zone you’re in. French state schools will all follow these dates, and most of the international schools follow suit, though do check with your school to be sure.

Holiday dates

There are five main school holidays in France, and something different happens at each.

• Vacances de la Toussaint (All Saints’ Holidays). A two-week break in October/ November, this is usually the same two-week period all over France. Traditionally, 1 November is the day to honour  the dead, but Halloween on 31 October is becoming increasingly popular in France too, so it’s also the time to carve pumpkins and trick or treat!
• Vacances de Noël (Christmas Holidays). A two-week break in December/ January to celebrate the Christmas festivities and again, the dates are usually the same all over France.
• Vacances d’Hiver (Winter Holidays). A two-week break in February that is staggered across the three zones. The purpose? Skiing of course! Many families from all over France head to the Alps or the Pyrenees for a week of snow-filled fun!
• Vacances de Printemps (Spring Holidays). The final two-week break of the school year in April/ May, also staggered across the three zones. The sun is shining and many families head to the coast for a few days away, whilst older students start revising for exams!
• Pont de l’Ascension. Translated literally, the Christian holiday of Pont de l’Ascension means the Ascension “Bridge”. It is an extra-long weekend at the end of May where students get the Thursday and Friday off school. Coincidentally, “Un pont” (a bridge) is a word often used in French to describe ‘bridging’ a public holiday to a weekend. When a public holiday falls on a Thursday (or Tuesday), employees will take the Friday (or Monday) as a vacation day from work to enjoy an extra-long weekend break.
• Vacances d’Été. Ah, the long summer holidays! Usually beginning at the end of the first week in July, French children have around eight weeks of summer holidays before ‘la rentrée scolaire’ (when they go back to school) which is usually on or around 1 September. French families often holiday in France, on the west and south coasts, or in the mountains. In the larger cities of the north, particularly in Paris, it’s not uncommon for employees to take three or even four weeks off in the summer and head for the coast. Small businesses may even close throughout August.

Now you know what happens when, get your calendar, get your guidebook, and decide which part of France you’re going to head to for skiing or sunshine during the Vacances Scolaires this year!

Where can you find out more?

Children, especially younger children, are incredibly resilient and have a phenomenal ability to learn a language once immersed in the country and the culture. Your children will be fluent in French far quicker than you’ll believe (and far quicker than their parents will be!). There are plenty of options for your children’s education all over France, and in particular in France’s biggest cities.

Planning a move and need help with finding the right school for your children in France? Get in touch with AGS Movers today!

GET YOUR FREE QUOTE

 
 
See also: Moving to France from the UK: Tips & Resources

At AGS, we wholeheartedly agree with Confucius, because we definitely love what we do. But today is not about us, it’s about our employees. It’s about recognising and celebrating employees around the world!

Happy International Workers’ Day to you, wherever in the world you may be working.

Carnival in the Caribbean is synonymous with joyous celebration and troops of glittering dancers shimmying through the streets, but originally it was the last opportunity for medieval peasants to eat well as food supplies dwindled towards the end of winter.

On what is now called Shrove Tuesday, commoners would eat the remaining lard, butter, dairy, and meat before they began to spoil.

Fast forward to the present and food is still very much at the center of Carnival celebrations. “Barbeque is everywhere during Carnival on Curacao,” points out Tom Bielsma, branch manager of AGS Curacao. “Why? Because it’s the easiest thing to eat while you watch the parades from the side of the road!”

Across the Caribbean, February and March mark the beginning of Carnival festivities. During this time, many islands share their traditions, including Jump-ups – parties where you “jump up” to dance, and parades of all kinds set to the beat of Tumba and Calypso rhythms.

Celebrations culminate with the burning of the Momo, a papier-mâché effigy who is introduced as the king of proceedings when Carnival begins. Momo is the symbol of mischief and decadence who is set alight to demonstrate that no matter how fun the Carnival was, all good things must come to an end, much like the winter food supplies of the past.

Covering 142 locations in 96 countries, AGS has one of the largest networks in the international removals industry.

Watch the video