How to Ease School Transitions When Moving Internationally

Congratulations! You just got the news… you’re moving—perhaps it’s something you’ve always dreamed of a posting you never thought you’d land, or an opportunity that’s come completely out of the blue.

After the initial adrenaline rush, reality kicks in, and you may find yourself scribbling down a seemingly endless to-do list: visas, shipping, housing, driving tests… and of course, making sure your child has a smooth transition into their new school.

“This being my tenth year at BISW, I’ve been lucky enough to welcome countless families into our school community.”- Mr. Holland (Year 6 Teacher) Every child and family approaches an international move differently—and despite what you might read online, there’s no guaranteed recipe for a seamless transition. That said, there are a few common threads I’ve seen over the years that really do help.

First and foremost: Talk about the feelings.

However your child may appear on the surface, there are likely a lot of mixed emotions bubbling underneath. It’s completely normal for children to swing between not wanting to move at all and being incredibly excited the next minute. For many, this is the biggest adventure they’ve ever been on—and with that comes a whirlwind of feelings.

Talk openly with your child about what’s ahead. Name the excitement but also give space for the nerves and sadness. Validating their emotions—whatever they are—goes a long way in helping them feel secure and understood.

Secondly: Get curious together.

Once you’ve chosen a school, involve your child in exploring it. Visit the school’s website together and point out things that look familiar—maybe they’ll recognize a similar uniform, sports offering, or classroom layout. Identifying these similarities can be a comforting reminder that not everything is changing.

Encourage them to explore the area around the school, too. For families joining BISW, for example, it doesn’t take long to discover some brilliant parks and ice cream spots just a short walk away. Small details like this help children begin to build positive associations with their new environment—and give you both something to look forward to.

Thirdly: Communicate openly with your new school.

During the application process, most schools will ask about your child’s strengths and areas for development—and it’s worth answering these questions with honesty and detail. Every person involved in your child’s education wants the transition to be a success. A strong, open relationship between home and school is key to making that happen.

If something’s on your mind—whether it’s an academic concern, a social worry, or just a question about day-to-day routines—reach out and ask. Your new school is there to support you.

And finally: Every child is different.

Your child might come home after the first day declaring it to be “the best school ever”, or they might tell you how much they miss their old friends. Both reactions are completely normal—and many children will experience both at different times.

Settling into a new school often takes time—usually a few months—and it’s normal to experience ups and downs along the way. The key is to stay patient, stay present, and keep the conversation going.

The adventure you’re about to embark on is an exciting one. From what I’ve seen time and time again, it’s a decision that so many families look back on as one of the best they ever made for their children. And before long, that “new” school will start to feel just like home.