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We are trying to decide where to raise our family: America or Europe? Thinking of the long term benefits of the opportunities available to American children as opposed to England, France or Belgium. Any comments or advice welcome!
Are European kids happier? Are American children really more outgoing and confident? Is the education system really so much better in Europe? Do children in Europe go to summer camp? Do they have as many sports clubs and sports programmes in Europe as in America? Is Europe really any safer than the States?
Europe by a long shot. The American education system is horrendous (except for our universities). Employers here also don't care about work/life balance. You'll get fired for taking too many sick days to take care of your ill children and we have some of the worst maternity policies in the world. While other countries (like Canada or places in Europe) get up to a year paid after having a child, we are expected to come back after mere weeks and oftentimes do not receive maternity leave pay. For example, if I was to get pregnant while at my current job they offer no paid maternity leave. The only way i'd have income is if I paid myself for short term disability insurance. It's disgusting and one of the many reasons I'm thinking of moving to Vancouver, CA before starting a family.
Europe by a long shot. The American education system is horrendous (except for our universities). Employers here also don't care about work/life balance. You'll get fired for taking too many sick days to take care of your ill children and we have some of the worst maternity policies in the world. While other countries (like Canada or places in Europe) get up to a year paid after having a child, we are expected to come back after mere weeks and oftentimes do not receive maternity leave pay. For example, if I was to get pregnant while at my current job they offer no paid maternity leave. The only way i'd have income is if I paid myself for short term disability insurance. It's disgusting and one of the many reasons I'm thinking of moving to Vancouver, CA before starting a family.
Interesting! I hadn't even considered maternity leave, as I already have children, but England might lose their right to a whole year of maternity leave if UKIP do well at the next election.
One big thing to consider is that there are likely going to continue to be far greater economic opportunities for a child who grows up in the U.S. as opposed to in Europe.
However, I'm not saying that is the be-all and end-all necessarily.
A whole large country vs a whole continent? usually when most people who are looking for good places to raise a kid they look into school districts, i find it interesting you are choosing a whole country and a whole continent both of which are very diverse and different.
I did mention either England, France or Belgium in the op. We are very flexible and can choose to live anywhere in the EU, but prefer these 3 countries first because of the language. As far as the US goes, it would just depend on which state we can get the best job opportunities. It's a broad question because we're not very restricted at the moment.
My mom always says she wishes she raised us in Europe, at least for part of our childhoods.
The US education system is steadily on a decline. In addition, the health care system, vacation time, and general lifestyle seems to be much better in Europe, particularly Northern European areas like Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, etc. Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany are also great options. Especially since Germany's colleges are now free, even to foreign students. Something to think about for when your kids are old enough to go to college.
As far as vacation time goes, I remember hearing that France gets I think the entire month of August off for vacation. I was in Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) 3 and a half years ago, and the resort I stayed at was full of French! You'll also have more places to go. Want a beach vacation? Head to Greece, Croatia, or Spain. Want history? Italy, Greece, England, France, Ireland, Russia, Portugal and Spain...so many options and all co close together that you can just take the train for a trip instead of always flying.
Aldo, Europe is a lot safer on the whole than the US. Our crime rates are just terrible. England and France have higher crime than other European countries, but still better than what we have here.
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