Finding suitable schooling in a number of important expat locations is one of the great challenges facing expatriating companies. It is especially difficult to get expat children enrolled in international schools in Hong Kong, London and Brazil.
Specific challenges for expat parents
In a recent article in the Mobility magazine, Liz Perelstein, founder of School Choice International, mentioned some specific challenges that expat parents could face: a limited number of places; high costs; curriculum gaps; and long commuting times.
Debenture schemes in Hong Kong
Debenture schemes are now the norm in Hong Kong. Parents (or, in most cases, expatriating companies) have to buy non-interest-bearing bonds to secure placement. That can cost up to US$ 250,000.
Waiting lists in Brazil
Waiting lists for international schools in Brazil can be particularly long, as local, well-to-do parents also use the schools to educate their children.
