WhiteOrchid | ExpatWoman.com
 

WhiteOrchid

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Latest post on 13 September 2013 - 08:47
Yes thanks rose. There are some great deals to be had at salons in Satwa once you build up a relationship with them :-)
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Latest post on 13 September 2013 - 08:46
Hi, does anyone know of a private swimming instructor who would be willing to come to Jumeira 1 on a Friday or Saturday morning? It would be to teach 2 or 3 little girls aged 6 and 4. Possibly others too. TIA x
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Latest post on 12 September 2013 - 15:50
I call my regular salon if some times I need such service in odd timings....and they make an early appointment for me. However , They are in satwa. Really? Which salon is that, if you don't mind me asking? They sound good :-)
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Latest post on 12 September 2013 - 15:49
I think you could do that anywhere in Satwa or Karama too. Blackout curtains can be v useful, esp if you have small kids or work shifts. BUT they can be v cumbersome and heavy too. I had to have 2 separate poles installed and the blackout hung from the outside pole as the sheer weight of the curtains was causing problems and even broke the original pole.
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Latest post on 12 September 2013 - 15:37
I have one from The One. Lol.
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Latest post on 12 September 2013 - 15:35
I agree! TDB you're one of our 'top' contributors :-)
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Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 21:58
I found the uk v v cheap... esp for things like breakfast cereal. Less than half price!
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Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 21:54
Wow, didn't know about brazil nuts! Will try that too. Not that I'm suffering much these days but you never know :-)
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Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 21:31
I was living in Taiwan at the time and because of the time difference, I did not see anything live. I got woken up at 4 am by a frantic phone call from my sister in the USA. She said that they had all been evacuated from work because the country was under attack and no one had any idea when it would stop. The Taiwanese seemed to be totally oblivious to what happened and when I went to work on the 12th, no one even mentioned it! Bizarre!
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Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 21:30
I was on the Greek island of Samos doing an Erasmus exchange with a Greek uni as part of my masters. Dh and I were working on our projects in an office when my mil called and told us. Totally shocked of course, and couldn't get onto the BBC website as it was so busy. Ended up watching and listening to everything in French and translating for my dh.
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Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 11:51
When they were little it was a lot easier to get them to bed early, now with the homework and activities it is almost impossible... I know what you mean. I think the key is cutting back on after-school activities during the week. Last year my dd had them 4 times pw which was way too much. By the time we got home, I had to prepare dinner etc and with 2 younger siblings in tow my dd didn't start her homework until around 7pm - much too late. This year she only has one activity - on Mondays - but I find that even that can mess things up. Last night she didn't get to bed until nearly 9pm as we were preparing a spelling test!
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Latest post on 10 September 2013 - 11:34
Try Jim Will Fix It.
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Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 08:07
Hi Parisienne, I just wanted to say that I sympathise! My kids are in the French system too and the workload can be quite heavy. This year I have decided only to have one after-school activity during the week as last year we overdid it and my dd was quite tired by the time we sat down to do homework (much later in the evening). I'm also going to try the 'no tv or pool' rule... let's see how it goes. My main issue will be keeping her siblings entertained while we work as I don't have help at home. Good luck and let us know how you get on xx
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Latest post on 07 September 2013 - 08:02
Hi vidadalen, as far as I'm aware there are extra Swedish classes at DIA (Dubai Intl Academy). It's also possible to take after-school classes at a Swedish college: http://sbcuae.se/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=91&Itemid=161. Hth x
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Latest post on 06 September 2013 - 10:05
Congrats TDB :-)... wonderful news. In short: no, I wouldn't. It's quite late in your pregnancy to be flying so far. Several of my friends ended up with premature labour or long periods of bedrest after long haul flights at a similar stage. Plus it wouldn't be much fun holidaying so pg with a lo in tow (just my view). Better to re-arrange for a more convenient time or delay your holiday until after lo2 is born.
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Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 19:34
Unless life can be hugely improved in UAE for your family, both mentally and financially speaking, I would not move here on 30K. Being 'poor' here makes you feel awful as everyone else just seems to be much better off(even if they are not that what it seems like, the glamour is very hard to overlook here as its just in your face). Of course you can manage on smaller salaries, living in an okay villa, flat thats further out, no eating out that often, etc...if you dont mind starting out on the cheap but managable side go for it. Otherwise I would choose staying in my home country a zillion times over coming here. Friends, family are priceless. Wow. I admire your honesty, iveranodxb. But I am shocked that people value superficial things that much! I hadn't realised it but I guess I am a total reverse snob - I actually take pleasure in knowing that I don't need to keep up with the Joneses. Thankfully that also means that I end up saving more than average. Lol!
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Latest post on 04 September 2013 - 09:19
Part of the draw to DXB is the 'glamour' and BS if people say it is the culture - for most western people it is he assisted home help, the larger houses, the 4x4, the load of sporting activities, the luxurious hotel and beach clubs, the opportunity to travel to exotic destinations.. if you can't do that, why come if you have an option to continue with a comfy life in your home country? For *some* ppl this is the draw... it all depends on your value system. Imo all of those things lose their appeal after a few months! If the OP is materialistic and enjoys 'keeping up with the Joneses' then fair enough, she will find it tough... but that would also be the case on a bigger package as there would be a tendency to spend it all. If on the contrary she enjoys simpler things (e.g. walks on the beach, drives out to the desert, day trips, days at the park, at the pool, interacting with ppl of different cultures) then I'd say to the OP that she could easily manage on the proposed package. SalsB - you make valid points re: dewa. For that reason I would def recommend living in an apt where the costs are much more stable. I'm surprised at your sudden charge as that sort of increase is normally limited to villas. In my 9 years of living here, my dewa bill in apts has been very stable (about AED750 for a 2 or 3 bed). OP: it all depends on your current lifestyle in your home country. If you are scraping a living and fed up with cold, looking for a change of scene then yes make the move. If on the other hand you love your life then maybe stay put. I think it's important to look at the longer term. EK is a good company to work for with a lot of opportunities. Job offers made to ppl back in the west are now few and far between, so imo you this is an opportunity worth grabbing. I am assuming they would pay for your relocation and flights home which is great. They may also lend you money for the 1st 1 or 2 rent cheques (my employer did this when I first came out which was very helpful). As I said earlier, once you have been here for a couple of years there will be other opportunities. It is much easier to find a job once you have built up a reputation here. What is your field? You may be able to find work too once you have settled and your lo is in school. To put it into perspective: in certain communities here, 30k would be considered fantastic. And the main difference in their lifestyle is the schools they send their kids to. But you are getting an excellent education allowance (many companies have stopped paying fees altogether). So in the grand scheme of things, it's not all bad :-) Good luck x
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Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 22:49
Thanks Feefmick :-) OP - here is a list of all the school fees: http://www.expatwoman.com/dubai/monthly_faqs_school_fees_6135.aspx And as for rental accommodation, I would do a good few searches on Dubizzle. For 100k you can easily get a 3 bed apt in Motorcity.
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Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 21:46
Hi OP, I think you could manage on that package, provided you: - Rent a place for about 100k - try villas in Mirdif or 3 bed apts on Dhiyafa (Satwa) for that much (check Dubizzle - there is a 3 bed villa in Jumeira for 110k today) - Select more reasonable schools (e.g. Safa or English College - not sure about secondary though), and do not put your lo in nursery - Live a frugal lifestyle (no brunches, fancy dinners, weekends away, flashy cars, maid). We manage well on an average income because we do all of the above - and still save regularly :-) Also remember that this would be temporary - you could always look for work once you get out here and improve your income. Likewise, your dh won't be on that package forever as he may find something better once he has established himself here. I would say go for it - assuming you can resist overspending, Dubai is a wonderful place to live. Good luck x
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Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 21:32
Hi why not look at Hendon? It's not glamourous but has become quite gentrified and is yet still reasonable and well connected. Also has vg schools if that's important to you.
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Latest post on 28 August 2013 - 23:11
Hi and congrats :-) If you a) do not have insurance *and* b) are high risk then I would def recommend Latifa. It may be a bit more than Iranian but has the best (and cheapest) nicu whereas I'm not sure Iranian can cater for high risk cases at all. Imo paying the higher price for Latifa is like an insurance policy in itself in that it gives you access to a reasonable but v advanced facilities should anything go wrong. Good luck x
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Latest post on 27 August 2013 - 18:09
Great idea. I guess they just have the number on their database from registration.
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Latest post on 27 August 2013 - 18:01
Hi I resigned after having dd1 so can't speak from direct experience of having a baby in nursery. BUT I can confirm that Hummingbird in DIFC is a great daycare facility. I had dd1 there from 2.5 yrs (when I had dd2). They also took my 2nd baby for a morning due to an emergency and they were wonderful with her. There is a very nice nanny who works with the babies (assuming she hasn't left). Her name is Maritess and she is lovely and v v experienced (worked for the Maktoum family and basically raised several of their kids). Good luck with your decision but imho your ds would be in good hands there :-)
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Latest post on 27 August 2013 - 15:38
Hi Tosh I'm really sorry to read your story - what a complete scumb@g. But I agree with the PPs - as pollydxb says, it could have been a lot worse. Just cut yourself off in every way - move house as soon as you can, change your mob num and block him from all your social media. I think I would even consider moving jobs if you can. I know it's hard but you will feel *so* much better when you have done all of that. Then as PP says, he may well get deported or have to leave of his own will so you will be shot of him. Good luck and stay strong :-) xxx
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Latest post on 26 August 2013 - 12:38
Yes I agree they are a great idea. Would *love* to know where I can find some. TIA x
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Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 16:50
Wow, quick response! Thanks a lot Beansprout. Will check out Sharaf DG. Cheers x
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Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 16:49
You could post on classifieds on EW. But personally I don't do this as in my exp people just email you offering peanuts, so I prefer to pass onto friends and family - much easier and at least you know they are going to a good home. Lol :-)
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Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 16:46
Hi has anyone purchased MS Office recently? I need to download the software onto my laptop, but the 'local' store I am directed to online is all in Arabic. I wouldn't mind just clicking on the green buttons and entering my payment details but I don't want to end up paying for a software in Arabic that I can't use (lol)! When I select the US site it won't approve my billing address as it isn't in the USA. Any ideas? TIA x
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Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 13:28
Hi mollydxb, can't help unfortunately but just wanted to say I can't believe your maid is 59! She looks amazing... must be the oil of ulay ;)
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Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 13:25
I am not a teacher but studied Latin to degree level (classical studies) and have experience translating large tracts of Latin texts such as Virgil, Ovid and Caesar. What does your friend need? Wow. Impressive :-)
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Latest post on 21 August 2013 - 13:11
Hi Mathnasium have just opened a branch at Jumeira Plaza which seems quite good.
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 22:25
TDB, what are the delivery costs at Latifa? I had to go there for emergency care and liked their ER over City's ER care but when I looked at their packages the antenatal is only 500 AED less than at City. Are the delivery costs different?? True... on the face of it, it doesn't seem much cheaper *but*: a) You are much less likely to end up with a cs at LH b) If you do have a cesarean birth it is *much* cheaper than in AH, City etc (I paid about 12k including private room) c) There are little or no extras added on (the only one I can recall is the individual room fee - everything else was free) d) Once you have paid for the antenatal package (5k?), should you require admission while pg it is v v cheap (I paid AED360 for one night, countless tests, scans etc when I was admitted for dehydration at 36 wks) whereas this would be charged much more privately (well into the thousands). e) Last but not least, should your baby require nicu care this is top notch at LH at a fraction of the cost of private hospitals. And remember that insurers often only cover a couple of days in intensive care so cost can become an issue very quickly. I had my 3 babies at LH despite having insurance for all of the above reasons. Hth x
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 21:31
Hi there's no photo on this ad but it may be worth a look: http://dubai.dubizzle.com/property-for-rent/residential/apartmentflat/2013/8/10/satwa-near-by-iranian-hospital-spacious-2--2/?back=ZHViYWkuZHViaXp6bGUuY29tL3Byb3BlcnR5LWZvci1yZW50L3Jlc2lkZW50aWFsL2FwYXJ0bWVudGZsYXQvP3NpdGU9MiZzPVJQJnJjPTE3NDMmYzE9MjQmcHJpY2VfX2d0ZT04MDAwMCZwcmljZV9fbHRlPTEwMDAwMCZiZWRyb29tc19fZ3RlPTImYmVkcm9vbXNfX2x0ZT0yJnBsYWNlc19faWRfX2luPTU3JmJ1aWxkaW5nX19pbj0ma2V5d29yZHM9JmlzX2Jhc2ljX3NlYXJjaF93aWRnZXQ9MCZpc19zZWFyY2g9MSZhZGRlZF9fZ3RlPSZjb21wYW55X2l0ZW1faWQ9JmZ1cm5pc2hlZD0mbGlzdGVkX2J5PSZzaXplX19ndGU9JnNpemVfX2x0ZT0mYmF0aHJvb21zX19ndGU9JmJhdGhyb29tc19fbHRlPQ%3D%3D&pos=12 Description: satwa close to iranian hospital spacious two bed room hall flat with balcony&full facilities chiler is free,for family only for viewing pls call mohd razi on this,
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 21:21
To the OP - sorry you're finding it hard to find a place. Did you try the white building across the rd from Maskan? It's brand new and the apts are lovely.
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Latest post on 20 August 2013 - 20:39
Sorry to dig out this old post. Yes - there are at least 2 apartments that are empty because there is a systematic mould issue with the ac - if you open any cupboard in any of the apartments you can smell the mould - especially in the bathrooms under the sinks.... You're right, there is a mould issue in two apartments, but as you say they have been kept vacant for this reason. I have spoken to people in every other apt on that floor and none of them have this problem, so it appears to be localised.
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Latest post on 16 August 2013 - 23:48
Barsham, you have mail :-)
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Latest post on 14 August 2013 - 17:09
Thanks sooo much white Orchid! And thanks for sharing your email address...I have a few questions so I will contact you in next few days! THANK YOU!!!!! x edited by johjoh on 13/08/2013 No prob! Speak soon :-)
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Latest post on 14 August 2013 - 17:08
Hi White Orchid Thanks for the post and information. You relieved me as well a bit of my tensions and worries as I am also due to deliver at Latifa around mid sept. Im having twins. So a C section is scheduled.. Is there anything you would specifically like to advice. Thanks. Congrats on your pregnancy! All I can say is that you have chosen *the* best place for multiples (imho). A friend of mine had triplets there recently and was v well looked after, despite being in nicu for about a month. Incidentally, the fantastic high risk care is the reason most ppl go there. Nothing I would advise in particular but feel free to mail me if you like. Good luck :-)
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Latest post on 14 August 2013 - 17:04
I'd like to know the answer to the first part of this question. How long does it take for the baby's UK passport to arrive? Or rather what is the shortest possible time from birth to travel in Dubai? I would allow at least 4 weeks - 6 to be on the safe side.
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Latest post on 13 August 2013 - 11:01
Attooni. Have been using it for all of our things for at least 6 years. Lol.
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Latest post on 13 August 2013 - 10:46
Hi I had my 3 babies at Latifa so would be happy to answer any questions you have. All 3 births went v well (although I had 3 c-sections - 1st emcs and other 2 planned). Don't worry about the husband rule - they normally don't enforce it. Curtains are drawn around the beds in the labour suite and normally men sit in there with their wives. They simply have that rule in case a local lady objects (I have never heard of this happening as most of them are hidden away or covered on the ward). In any case, once you get to the delivery suite they are allowed in. I was allocated my own midwife who was lovely, although she clocked off once her shift was over and I started off with another one (also v nice). This is the same as in the uk where medical staff prefer to work on a rota. You're right, they're v relaxed at LH as they are v v experienced - they deliver around 800 babies per month. I had medical insurance personally for my 1st 2 but specifically chose this hospital for that reason. All the high risk cases go there so personally I wouldn't worry about anything. Any more questions, let me know. I have been quite involved with LH in the past as I ran a support group there so would be happy to help. edited by WhiteOrchid on 13/08/2013
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Latest post on 13 August 2013 - 10:30
i did this with my son- he was 12 weeks old. we had to go and get an exit letter from DNRD- my husband had to come also and sign an authorisation form. to be honest the time we spent at DNRD getting the letter we might as well as got the visa. I have to say I agree. If you already have their passports you may as well just get visas stamped on them... :-)
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Latest post on 13 August 2013 - 09:13
How sad! We in the UK knew about the Queen abdicating but had no idea about the prince, unless I just missed a news bulletin about it. What a shame for an elderly lady to bury her son. x . I was thinking the same thing. I don't really keep up with royal news so wasn't aware he was still in a coma. It just goes to show that no matter how rich or powerful a family, no-one is immune to stupid accidents (he was ski-ing off-piste when it happened). It's very sad for everyone, but his wife in particular. Apparently she had been living in London since the media shed light on events in her private life prior to her marriage (alleged relationships with drug dealer and married man). Her dh even had to give up his claim to the throne on this basis and was no longer in line. Incredible in this day and age! As for Queen Maxima, she is a v popular new queen but also has to deal with the issue of her father's political past in Argentina. As a result he wasn't even invited to her wedding or coronation. I think I'm quite happy to remain a commoner. Lol.
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Latest post on 13 August 2013 - 09:00
Hi I haven't done this personally but as far as I am aware, it is possible to exit with a new baby if you can provide a 'valid' reason (e.g. emergency, family death). There was a thread on that topic some time ago which will come up if you search for it. Good luck x
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Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 23:18
Btw tailor is called Etifaq and is located behing Emirates ID office - tel: 04-3859300. Have fun deciding :-)
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Latest post on 12 August 2013 - 23:17
There is a v reasonable wedding shop called Ekaterina & Maria, with branches in Lamcy, Mazaya centre and a couple of other places. At first sight, many of the dresses seem ornate and OTT but if you look carefully you can find some real gems. A friend of mine bought her dress there a couple of days before she had to fly off for her wedding and only paid AED700! It was such a relief as the one she had had made had gone horribly wrong. Alternatively, you could always have one made - as several PP have said. I recently collected some clothes from a tailor's in Satwa and saw a lovely simply wedding dress hanging up. When I asked how much it cost, the tailor said AED250! It was for a Filippina though - I guess you could treble that price for a western customer. Still good value though! Lol.
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Latest post on 10 August 2013 - 17:15
Hi OP I was deleted by several so-called friends once I became a mother! Some party friends who perhaps couldn't handle my new role. Omg. They clearly have issues of their own to deal with! or maybe they just aren't interested in the endless baby pictures ? lol I'd be interested to know how they treat you face to face... seems a very selfish reaction... Possibly... but in that case I think a far preferable option in to unsubscribe from someone's posts. That way no-one gets hurt.
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Latest post on 10 August 2013 - 17:13
Most of my hair fell out after having my daughter. I have hardly any natural hair left. I have suffered terrible PND since she was born and thought having long hair back would cheer me up. How wrong I was, LOL! Ok, fair enough. But based on my scant knowledge of extensions, I don't think they're a great cure for thinning hair - quite the opposite. My sil got them and they really damaged her natural hair - after she had them removed she realised that she had even less hair than before. Maybe that salon did you a favour by doing such a botched job! At least you won't be wasting any more money now.
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Latest post on 10 August 2013 - 16:41
Hi OP I was deleted by several so-called friends once I became a mother! Some party friends who perhaps couldn't handle my new role. Omg. They clearly have issues of their own to deal with!
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Latest post on 10 August 2013 - 16:29
Going back to the original topic... I'm sorry to hear you have lost your allowance, OP. But 10k per month sounds like a lot! How old are your kids? If they are still at primary then I'm sure you can find more affordable schools. I know the IB is great but the British system isn't bad either and is internationally recognised. English College only charge about 27k per year for primary, which would probably work out at around half what you are currently paying. If your ds is nearing the end of his schooling (e.g. has only 2 years left in high school) then I agree it may be worth just cutting back until he leaves. As you say it's a small price to pay for a god education. As for school reputation - I believe it does count for uni, as do grades and personality. But tbh in Europe very few ppl will have heard of any of the schools here. To the untrained year, Wellington and Winchester don't sound very different. Lol!