Tag: living abroad

Are International schools better at teaching kids?

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Global events happens at Singaporean international schools such as food bazaars where parents bring dishes traditionally associated with their country of origin, for everyone to taste. This year on my school, a stall run by a Ukrainian couple was set up adjacent one offering guests beef stroganoff, knish and shashlik which is managed by two Russians.

There was a vigorous conversation between the two parties for sure, but based on the good cheer and interactions of dishes – a friendship seemed to be being forged. Anyone expecting a major international confrontation over the borshch and deruny have been surprised for sure.

Diversity bonded by harmony

The above situations are normal in an international school. Such schools are actually melting pots that many may expect to boil over as the cultural, social, and political ingredients mix to cause division and bitterness. However, what’s nice about these schools is how harmony happens so naturally and comfortably alongside diversity, for the benefit of not just the kids, but everyone in the community.

In any case, tension does arise between students in some cases, especially when 76 countries from all over the world are in one place forging a school identity, which has a set of common and agreed set of values. However, the two are not irreconcilable, and can even be mutually beneficial.

International evenings; academic curriculum projects on global sustainability and international human rights; trips to Tanzania to take part in service projects; attendance of Model United Nations conferences; the display of the students’ national flags in the school canteen; these are all features of international schools wherein the International Baccalaureate provides the ties that bind institutions together.

As you know, IB is not just a school curriculum offering qualifications. It is actually a 3 – 18 programme of learning, which is underpinned by a philosophy of education, permeating everyday life in schools that offer it.

Contained therein is the promotion of academic rigour – which is basically a concept often associated only with the 11 – 18 age range. However, the IB Primary Years Programme, which students begin to study as young as three, offer the foundation on which the Middle Years (11 – 16), as well as the Diploma programmes (16 -18) are created.

Whilst it is not required to start studying the IB at this early stage, research shows that it is more likely, all other things being equal, that students will start to have better potential to get a high IB Diploma score, to which entry to many top universities worldwide is a condition.

Furthermore, IB is so much more than scores and results. It is also about the ‘process’ and the ‘outcome.’ There is no direct conflict between the practice of this uniform set of values and the diverse community, as the example of the Russian and Ukrainian parents illustrate.

The 21st century offers the globe’s parents and teachers with some extraordinary challenges. International schools worldwide spearheaded by one of the top Singapore international schools offer a timely model, and students are equipped with all the necessary qualifications and values to meet those challenges. Plus, they’ll be in a fascinating environment where they can study and work to maximize their potentials.

Should you buy or rent a home in Dubai?

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Choosing between renting and buying a home is one of the biggest decisions most expatriates have to make in Dubai. Even though the market conditions seem to sway in favour of the buyers, it is still a very big decision facing most people. Currently, due to increased competition in the market, property prices are coming down. It is a ripe time for those looking to own a home in the UAE. On the other hand, rent prices are also favourable.

Here are some few factors you should consider when deciding to either buy or rent a home

1. Your stay

The first thing you need to consider is how long you are planning to stay in the country. Considering how long you are going to live in the country will help choose the most viable option.

Are you planning to spend the next ten years In the UAE? If you are planning to stay for a couple of years or permanently, buying a property may be a good option. On the other hand, if you are not absolutely sure about your stay, renting might be the best option.

2. Budget

Budget is an important factor that determines the choice you will make. If you have a reliable and steady source of income, buying a property may be easier. You will only need to make a minimum deposit of 25% and pay the balance in monthly instalments.

Before taking the liability of a tenancy contract, you should consider your financial position. However, if you are going to be making a monthly rent, why not pay towards owning a home? After some few years, you will be a property owner.

3. Market condition

It is very important to take a look at the property market before making any investment decision. Currently, the real estate market in the UAE is favouring buyers with strong ROI across the whole country.

Staying up-to-date with the market conditions will help you to make a better decision.  There is huge competition in the market and prices are falling significantly.

4. Level of control

The level of control you desire on your property may also influence your decision when choosing between buying and renting a property. For example, owning property gives you control over modification and customization especially when buying off plan property in Dubai.

Damac Towers by Paramount Hotels and Resort is a development that comprises of a hotel and residency towers. It is developed by Paramount Hotels in conjunction with Damac Properties.  The best part is that the residential suites are sold off plan at affordable prices which expats can also invest in.

Residents in Dubai are raving about these 3 neighbourhoods

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From the world’s biggest hotel, tallest building to the largest shopping mall, Dubai is packed with some of the most amazing destinations in the world. The large population of expatriates is an indication that the city is a preferred destination. In addition, the low crime rate is attracting a lot of people to live and work in the city.

Here are the top three residential places in Dubai

1. Arabian Ranches

The Arabian Ranches villas and townhouse is developed by Emaar Properties. It is a prestigious community that will offer residents with an exceptionally comfortable living environment. The project features Arabic architecture that is complemented with European sophistication and is placed in 700 thousand acres of land.

Since it is located next to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, residents will access key locations within the city with ease. There is a natural and unspoiled setting that will provide homeowners with utmost privacy and seclusion combined with exemplary services and sporting activities. Among these are swimming pools, parks, basketball and tennis courts, and walking trails among others.

On top of that, there is a world class golf course and prestigious Polo and Equestrian club near the project. For those with kids, there are special children’s swimming pools and numerous play areas. Arabian ranches offer the ultimate lifestyle in the desert.

2. Emaar Beachfront

Located between Palm Jumeirah and JBR, the Emaar Beachfront is set to bring ‘Miami lifestyle’ to Dubai. Some of the residential developments on the beach include the Beach Vista, Sunrise Bay, and Marina Vista. The whole project will have approximately twenty-seven towers each with its own private beach.

All the towers have been designed with a contemporary flair with floor to ceiling windows in order to maximize the view of the sea and the city. Most of the towers comprise of between one to four bedrooms apartments that will offer the best coastal opulence.

3. Dubai Creek Harbour

The Dubai Creek Harbour is an iconic waterfront situated on the banks of the Dubai Creek. This project is a pioneer of integrated living featuring a perfect combination of dynamic experiences, innovation, and unique designs. It is a perfect mix of world-class living that is connected with excellent transport links. This development promises residents and visitors a serene environment that is close to water and stunning surroundings.

The best events and activities for expat families in Singapore

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Moving to Singapore with your family is a chance to truly immerse yourself in a culture that is vibrant, ever-changing and brilliantly unique. There is so much to see, do and learn, making the city a popular choice for expats. And for good reason: Singapore ranks second in the Safe Cities Index 2017 (beaten only by Tokyo). In 2014, Bloomberg highlighted its healthcare system as the most efficient in the world, citing it as the place that healthcare costs go furthest (most expats choose to take out global health insurance). Here are a few of the incredible events and activities that expat families can visit and take part. We hope this inspires you to make the most of your new home.

Delicious events for food lovers

The annual Singapore Food Festival is a must for expat families. Since 1994, the Singapore Tourism Board has held the festival to show off the city’s diverse culinary culture. Entry is free, which is ideal for large families with lots of hungry mouths to feed! It is a great chance to sample local delights and multicultural cuisines – from abacus seed (yam gnocchi) and kimchi popiah (spring rolls) to rojak (a local salad with fruits and vegetables). If your kids are finding it hard to settle into their new home, or you just want to keep them engaged with the local culture, then exploring the different stalls and dishes of the Singapore Food Festival might bring back their appetite for the city.

Festivities that show off Singapore’s multicultural character

Chinese New Year is an annual celebration that you absolutely must experience in Singapore. From bright red lanterns and gold money cats lining the streets, to spectacular dragon processions and delectable smells of oriental spices wafting from the city’s restaurants, Chinese New Year is a treat for the senses. It’s also an important part of Singapore’s culture, as the Chinese community makes up more than half of the city’s population. Singapore does not do the celebration by halves: the annual River Hongboa takes place on board a floating platform with colourful fireworks and Chinese zodiac lanterns. The Chingay Parade involves sparkling dancers, wondrous dragons, magnificent stilt walkers and vibrantly decorated parade floats.

The Hindu festival Thaipusam is also an important date in Singapore’s cultural calendar, and is a spectacle for people of all ages. It’s a two-day festival that begins at the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and finishes at the Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple. The colourful procession travels just under three miles and is an amazing glimpse into the traditions of the Hindus, who prepare spiritually for one month on a strict vegetarian diet. The most committed devotees put skewers through their tongues (which can only be done once the mind is free from material longing and the body is exempt from physical pleasures) and carry spiked kavadis (altars). Others balance wooden kavadis on their shoulders with flowers and peacock feathers, and some simply carry a jug of milk.

Colour, sound and sensation!

Whether you’re living in Singapore with your baby, toddler or teenager (or family members of all ages), you might also enjoy a trip to Sentosa to see the Wings Of Time performance. This is an outdoor night show set against the backdrop of the sea that features lasers, water displays and music. While little ones will no doubt be mesmerised by the bright colours and dancing lights, older children may enjoy the magical story. It is popular with tourists and expats alike who want to escape to a fantasy world for the night.

Staying healthy

There are many ways to have fun and stay healthy in Singapore. From yoga and meditation classes to jogging and going to the gym, there are a lot of widely available fitness options. For kids, there are plenty of swimming pools to splash around in and parks where they can let off steam. As a treat, attractions like the water park Wild Wild Wet are popular for families that want a fun day out that involves lots of exercise and fresh air. Combined with a healthy diet – high-protein, low-fat foods with lots of fibre are widely available in Singapore – it’s possible for all the family to stay fit and healthy while living in the so-called ‘garden city’.

Fun family learning

While you’re getting settled into your new lives in Singapore, consider educational trips to boost your children’s confidence about going to school in a new country. The Science Centre is a popular trip for expats as there are lots of interactive exhibits to inspire budding young scientists.

For parents who want to teach their children about the local culture, the Singapore Discovery Centre could also be worth a visit. It has information about the birth and development of the city, galleries that highlight unique Singaporean quirks and an exhibition that explains the vision for the city’s future. All this makes the Discovery Centre a truly educational experience that could help expat families to feel more in tune with their new home.

These are just some of the exciting events and activities in Singapore that you and your family can explore. From food and culture to science, history and entertainment, you should be able to find activities to inspire family members of all ages and help everyone settle into their new life abroad.

10 Benefits of Being a Travel Registered Nurse

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There are a lot of reasons as to why people choose travel nurse careers. So many, in fact, that it is becoming an increasingly popular choice for those who graduate with a nursing degree. If you are an RN (Registered Nurse), then here are 10 reasons why you may want to consider travel nursing.

  1. You Get to See the Country, or Even the World

If you have always wondered what the weather is like in New England, or whether it is true that nobody is obese in California, then you can find out as a travel nurse. You can often choose the destinations that you are interested in, so you can truly see the country.

  1. The Pay Is Really Good

There is a massive demand for travel nurses, so you will be royally compensated. You can expect to earn around $40 an hour, and you will get travel, housing, and even a food allowance.

  1. Your Resume Will Look Fantastic

As a travel nurse, you will be able to work in various health clinics, performing different roles. This will build a very impressive resume should you ever want to settle down in just one location.

  1. You Get to Choose Where You Work

Your travel nursing agency will contact you with a list of assignments, and you can decide which one to go for. Perhaps you like the idea of a rural physician’s office, helping with house calls. Or maybe you like the challenge of living in a massive city like Seattle and see what that is all about.

  1. You Control Your Career

If you have saved up a bit of money from your previous assignments, you can take a month off. You don’t have to accept any new assignments if you don’t want to, so you can have as much time off as you want.

  1. You Can Earn Great Bonuses

Just for signing on, you could receive a $6,000 bonus. And you can also earn referral bonuses. Further, you may receive a bonus on successful completion of your assignment.

  1. You Can Travel with People You Like

It is likely that you will start to get to know other travel nurses and build friendships with them. You can then decide to take on assignments together, since it is common for assignments to require more than one person.

  1. You Get to Live in Great Accommodation – For Free

Housing is provided for travel nurses when on assignment. These houses are modern and well-equipped. In fact, some even have swimming pools and gyms! All homes will be fully furnished, so you only have to bring your clothes and toiletries.

  1. You Will Make Lots of New Friends

You can make friends among other travel nurses or among the staff at the clinic you go to. Further, you can build social contacts with members of the community in which you work. And with the advent of social media, you don’t really need to see people in real life all that often anymore.

  1. You Can Visit Locations Before Moving

Many travel nurses are sent on assignments and absolutely love or hate the place they are sent to. This will give you a good idea of where to go once you feel like settling down somewhere.