If like me, you’re a bit of a travel addict, then there’s always the
chance you might get sick of where you live and want to move your family
elsewhere. It’s a natural way of thinking, particularly after
experiencing different parts of the world and seeing how other countries
live.
By no means am I saying everyone should pack their belongings and
emigrate to a new place right now! But, if you enjoy travelling and
feel like it’s time for a change, then why not? My partner Jacek emigrated from South Africa and moved to Ireland when he was twenty-two, thirteen years later and he's still here!
Ultimately, your
decision should come down to what is best for your family. So, here are
some of the best countries in the world to raise a family in.
Canada
Canada is almost like the US, but better in pretty much every single
way for families. Many people from Ireland and the U.K. have started going over there,
and you will soon see why. From a purely aesthetic point of view, it’s a
beautiful country. There are snowy, mountainous regions, and then there
are big and bustling metropolitan cities. If you don’t end up moving
here, then I highly recommend it as a family holiday destination
instead!
This country treats people that emigrate there very well so you
won’t have to worry about being singled out. Plus, it’s a mostly English
speaking country, so there’s no language barrier to be concerned with
either. Even in the French areas, people still speak fluent English.
Arguably the biggest reason to come here is the healthcare system - it’s
probably the best in the world. There are loads of schools as well, and
it has a reputation for being a friendly and welcoming country -
perfect for families.
Singapore
There are
massive cultural differences in Asia that make it a pretty brilliant
place to raise a family. Children in this part of the world are exposed
to exceptional educational systems, but the main issue is the language
barrier. I chose Singapore from a whole list of countries here because
it’s the most modern and westernised place of all. A lot of people speak
English, so it shouldn’t be hard for you or your kids to get by.
However, the main reasons this makes the list are the safety of the
place, the job prospects, and the property. A quick look at the latest
Singapore property news will show you that houses are very cheap over
there. Not only that, but they’re diverse as well - you have plenty to
choose from when looking for a family home.
Along with this, there is no
shortage of work, and some of the biggest companies in the world have
bases here. Lastly, it has a very low crime rate, which is what every
family wants to hear!
Sweden
You only have to go to your local Ikea to see that the
Swedes have it all figured out. This country has always been at the top
of everyone's list of the best places to raise a family. If you want to
keep your family in Europe, then this is probably the second best place
to go - the first best will be discussed later on! What makes this
country so perfect for raising a family? Well, I discovered numerous
things that will very much interest you.
For one, you get loads
of paid leave when you work in Sweden. Most employers will give you a
minimum of five weeks off - plus over 450 days of parental leave if you
have kids - and all of this is paid. Furthermore, the health care system
is really good - you pay a bit to start with, and then it ends up being
free.
The education system follows in the same vein, it’s free for
children to go to school, and many of the universities are also free as
well - provided you’re an EU citizen. There are plenty of jobs for you
to apply for, and the language barrier isn’t overly difficult to get
around.
Plus, the public transport system is good, and there’s a nice
laid back and friendly way of life here! Also, as a random bonus, Sweden
can boast some of the fastest broadband speeds in Europe - which I’m
sure your family will be pretty happy about.
Denmark
If Sweden takes the silver medal, then Denmark sits at the top of the
podium with a gleaming gold one around its neck. The two countries are
very close to one another, some may even refer to them as Scandinavian
brothers. After seeing how brilliant Sweden seems, how can Denmark raise
the bar and be an even better place to raise your family? The two
countries are pretty similar, but here are some key things that make
Denmark amazing.
Much like Sweden, Denmark is built around the core concept of
equality. The aim of the government is to try and give the people as
much as they deserve. Taxes are high, but you see all of what you pay
pumped back into the country.
Healthcare and education are easily
accessible for every single person that lives in Denmark - as is
childcare. What’s more, there’s a big emphasis on getting the work-life balance right. As such, working weeks usually are 37 hours long, with
most businesses closing at 4 pm, giving you an extra hour in the
evenings with your family.
Plus, you get that massive five-week holiday
pay as a minimum here as well. Probably the biggest thing that sets
Denmark apart from Sweden is the safety and security. It has a very low
crime rate, and people feel incredibly safe living here. It’s a great
place for kids to grow up, a wonderful place for adults to work, and
just a downright super place to live.
So, there you go; some of the best
countries to raise your family in if you want to move abroad. The one
thing I suggest is that you go on family holidays to any destinations
before you think about moving there. It’s just the smart thing to do as
you can learn more about the country and get a taste for life there.
Sweden is similiar to Sweden. You get all these benefits in Germany too. Even when your kids are sick and you are in work, you are entitled to three weeks in a year. It's a bit of a joke that you only get three days every three years or so.
ReplyDeleteWe all know any health system in the world is better than the Irish one lol You picked some good destinations here. I am a travel addict and would have no problem emigrating somewhere, considering I am an expat myself. :)