Topping the list of family issues that are critical to the success of an international assignment is the children’s education. HR officials see this as the most serious challenge.
No.1 concern
It’s the first time that the issue of education has been cited as parents’ No.1 concern in the annual Global Mobility Trends Survey, published by Brookfield GRS. Some 42 per cent of parents see the issue as “very critical”, ahead of spouse/partner resistance (40 per cent) and family adjustment (38 per cent).
Cost cutting
Cost cutting is the likely reason, the survey says. “Companies are increasingly expecting assignees to utilize local schools, versus international schools, and/or are cutting or capping school tuition assistance payments.”
Less choice in emerging markets
At the same time, companies continue to push into emerging markets which often offer less choice when it comes to securing a good international education. In some locations, it has become very difficult to enrol children in the most popular schools.
Proactive structured approach
Commenting on the findings, Peter Zuidema, Managing Director of educational consultancy Edufax, said that many concerns can be addressed by taking a proactive, structured approach to school choice. This, he said, would also manage the expectations of parents and their children.
Often local schools are perfectly suited
“You always have to start with what’s best for the child. We often find that local schools are perfectly suited to the needs of expat children. But you have to know what you are doing in a given location and for a given child. Often, companies and parents don’t have that knowledge,” Zuidema said.
