beebu68 wrote:My hubby just accepted a job transfer to SG last week. He will be visiting SG for a few days in July and the entire family will move in Aug. We have two children, age 2 & 5. His company will not provide school or housing allowance, so everything is on us and seems to add up quick!
Since we only have 6-8 weeks before the move, look for a place to live and school, I'm a little overwhelmed. Are we better off finding a temp service apartment/housing until we settle then look for school and move near the school, or are we better off bitting the bullet and just pick a more centrally located neighborhood for a one year lease and move in a year if needed?
I heard commute is crazy during rush hours. I'm not too fond of the idea of busing my child for 45min to an hour each way to school. Ideally I'd like to live walking distance to the school (not sure which yet), but that'll mean hubby will have a long commute.
As for schools, I'm looking for a school that's nurtures creativity, critical thinking, social skills, love for learning (not learn to memorize), and genuinely care for the students. Parent involvement would be a plus. My son will turn six in 2014, so I'm assuming he'll be entering k2? What's a good option for a 2 yo (3 in 2014)?
Any advice and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
I have no advice on schools except it's rather interesting that your husband's salary will be in the range that could cover tuition there, but the company will provide no relocation assistance whatsoever. That's just... bizarre. Companies receive tax benefits on assistance provided vs salary. It's in their interests to give you 15k/month salary and 5k assistance for whatever vs 20k salary. But whatever, I trust you understand the costs you're getting yourself into.beebu68 wrote:Thanks for all the helpful info! Hubby will be working near Ruffles. The schools that were recommended to us are SAS and UWC. I'm not sure if they have a spot for my older child in either of those school. Hubby will be contacting them today or tomorrow for more detail. If those schools are full, which schools are good alternative?
Hubby also mentioned that we will only bring the essentials over since we don't have repo assistance. What are the must haves that we need to bring vs buying new at SG?
That is not correct. Any expenses paid to an employee are normal tax deductible expenses to the company. Doesn't matter how I compensate you.zzm9980 wrote: That's just... bizarre. Companies receive tax benefits on assistance provided vs salary. It's in their interests to give you 15k/month salary and 5k assistance for whatever vs 20k salary.
I can't find it now of course, but I read that if a company gives a housing allowance to an employee who maintains a residence back in the US, the company receives further tax breaks on that payment. I've heard similar about educational reimbursements also.Strong Eagle wrote:That is not correct. Any expenses paid to an employee are normal tax deductible expenses to the company. Doesn't matter how I compensate you.zzm9980 wrote: That's just... bizarre. Companies receive tax benefits on assistance provided vs salary. It's in their interests to give you 15k/month salary and 5k assistance for whatever vs 20k salary.
The only benefits I see are in housing where the individual gets a tax break. But for the company, an expense is an expense is an expense.
Other schools to investigate might be Stanford American, Chatsworth, Canadian, ISS, OFS, Australian, also for preschool some of the Eton House preschools in the city area are quite good (but finish at age 6).beebu68 wrote:Thanks for all the helpful info! Hubby will be working near Ruffles. The schools that were recommended to us are SAS and UWC. I'm not sure if they have a spot for my older child in either of those school. Hubby will be contacting them today or tomorrow for more detail. If those schools are full, which schools are good alternative?
Hubby also mentioned that we will only bring the essentials over since we don't have repo assistance. What are the must haves that we need to bring vs buying new at SG?
About 50% of kids in International School have parents who pay the school fees themselves. So most companies pay enough for you to send your kid to school even if they don't give you a package.zzm9980 wrote:>
Sounds like you're leaning towards private. Again, what's your budget for all of this? I hope you've thought that through, because I'm a bit surprised a company would pay a sufficient salary to cover the life style you're looking for, but not give housing and/or school allowances. a good option for a 2 yo (3 in 2014)?
Such a high figure surprises me. Most of the foreigners I know and work with have their company paying for it. I don't doubt some pay their own way, but that % is surprises me.Chantikki wrote:About 50% of kids in International School have parents who pay the school fees themselves. So most companies pay enough for you to send your kid to school even if they don't give you a package.zzm9980 wrote:>
Sounds like you're leaning towards private. Again, what's your budget for all of this? I hope you've thought that through, because I'm a bit surprised a company would pay a sufficient salary to cover the life style you're looking for, but not give housing and/or school allowances. a good option for a 2 yo (3 in 2014)?
i believe that was a statistic from UWC and only foreigners go to this school. We came 7 years ago and even then our company no longer did packages, just generous salaries that covered school and rent. many of my friends are in the same boat. Do you have children in an International school?zzm9980 wrote:Such a high figure surprises me. Most of the foreigners I know and work with have their company paying for it. I don't doubt some pay their own way, but that % is surprises me.Chantikki wrote:About 50% of kids in International School have parents who pay the school fees themselves. So most companies pay enough for you to send your kid to school even if they don't give you a package.zzm9980 wrote:>
Sounds like you're leaning towards private. Again, what's your budget for all of this? I hope you've thought that through, because I'm a bit surprised a company would pay a sufficient salary to cover the life style you're looking for, but not give housing and/or school allowances. a good option for a 2 yo (3 in 2014)?
Also, how many are well-to-do locals or PRs vs actual foreigners moved here for work?
We once negotiated an oven and got a toaster oven! hehe (not funny at the time :0 ) Yes, take nothing for granted.BedokAmerican wrote: Also, ask lots of questions beforehand. The word "furnished" means something different to everyone. Are the appliances functional? When was the last time the A/C was serviced? How do they define an oven? (Some say a little toaster oven is an oven!) The type of stuff Americans take for granted shouldn't be taken for granted here.
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