A survey of expats showed that Australia offers the best opportunities for families relocating with children.
(1888PressRelease) March 20, 2010 - Expat Explorer Survey Report Three: Offshore Offspring
One third of people who relocate abroad, relocate with children. In the final HSBC survey of expatriates (3 of 3), the Expat Explorer Survey focuses on expats' experiences when bringing up children abroad.
The report looks at which focuses on six key global locations the best opportunities and experiences for their children.
Expats rated childcare, education, ease of integration, costs of raising children, time spent outside, and time spent taking part in outdoor activities. In addition, they also rated the relative ease in which they were able to do the following in their new country of residence.
Key findings
One in three of the expats surveyed (31%) have dependent children (children under the age of 18) living with them abroad in a total of 26 different countries around the world.
Of the top six countries (UAE, US, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia), expats in Singapore are the most likely to have children who currently live with them (46%), while just a quarter (24%) of expats in the UK have dependent children.
Generally, 37% of expats have experienced an increase in the quality of family life since moving abroad. Of the top six countries, Australia had the largest proportion of expat parents (55%) who reported an improvement in the quality of family life compared with where they used to live.
Some expats reported that moving to the UK can have a negative effect on their family life - 45% reported a decline in quality compared with only 16% who reported an improvement.
Australia Takes Best Overall for Children
Of those countries surveyed as part of the Offshore Offspring report, expats living in Australia feel the country provides the best environment for healthy and active children. For example, parents report that these children are the most likely to spend more time outdoors than in their previous country. Children in Australia are more likely to have increased the amount of time spent playing sports (68% vs. 44% globally) and are also the most likely to spend less time watching TV and to eat healthily when compared with their home country; making Australia the best place for children to adopt a healthy way of living.