Moving abroad with kids is a life-changing decision that comes with its own set of pros and cons. From our personal experience of leaving the US in 2013 to travel the world when our sons were 13 and 8, we have navigated both the rewards and challenges of this adventurous lifestyle. Having traveled to over 60 countries across 6 continents and lived full-time in diverse places like Costa Rica, South Africa, Thailand, and China, we’ve gathered a wealth of insights into this unique journey.

Pros:

1. Cultural Exposure: One of the biggest advantages is the cultural exposure our kids have received. Living in different countries has allowed them to experience diverse cultures, traditions, and languages firsthand. This has made them more open-minded and adaptable.
2. Education: Traveling and living abroad has been an educational journey beyond traditional schooling. Our sons have learned about history, geography, and social studies through real-world experiences. Visiting historical sites, museums, and interacting with local communities have enriched their learning in ways that textbooks cannot match.
3. Family Bonding: The shared experiences of exploring new places and facing challenges together have strengthened our family bond. We’ve created unforgettable memories that have brought us closer together.
4. Language Skills: Living in non-English speaking countries has provided our children with the opportunity to learn new languages. They have picked up bits of Spanish, Mandarin, and Thai, which is a valuable skill in today’s globalized world. Plus, dozens of useful phrases in a wide variety of other languages!
5. Resilience and Independence: Moving frequently has taught our kids resilience and independence. They have learned to adapt to new environments, make new friends, and handle the ups and downs of an expatriate life.

Cons:

1. Stability and Routine: One of the main challenges is the lack of stability and routine. Constantly moving can be disruptive, making it hard for our kids to establish long-term friendships and a sense of permanence. We have done our best to overcome this by continually encouraging our sons to keep in touch with friends across the globe.
2. Educational Consistency: Ensuring consistent education can be tricky. While they gain a lot from their experiences, aligning with different school curriculums and dealing with potential gaps in their education is a concern we’ve had to address. We our sons were young, we moved and traveled. However, before our older son entered high school, we started looking for a long-term city that would be best for their education. We settled in Beijing since it offered top-tier education and served as a hub to travel around Asia and Southeast Asia whenever possible.
3. Homesickness: Being away from extended family and familiar surroundings can lead to homesickness. Our kids have missed out on family gatherings, holidays, and the everyday presence of grandparents and cousins. While it will never replace seeing family in person, technology has made it easier to have regular video calls with the people we love.
4. Healthcare and Safety: Ensuring access to quality healthcare and safe environments has been a priority. Some countries we’ve lived in had excellent healthcare facilities, while others required us to be more cautious and prepared for emergencies.
5. Legal and Logistical Challenges: Navigating visas, residency permits, and local regulations has been a constant task. Each country has its own set of rules, and keeping up with these requirements can be time-consuming and stressful.

Overall, moving abroad with kids has been an enriching experience for our family. The benefits of cultural immersion, education, and personal growth have far outweighed the challenges, making our journey an incredible adventure we wouldn’t trade for anything.

Check out our new YouTube Channel and watch this quick video with some more Pros and Cons of Moving Abroad with Kids!

Connect with me in Instagram to get up to date travel inspiration! Brian.Walt on Instagram