The expat life is good for children, HSBC Bank Intl survey finds

However, the survey notes, “the UK fared less well” than other jurisdictions examined among parents who had relocated there – it came in at the bottom of a list of 14 countries popular among British expats, in terms of overall experience, beneath the United States (13th) and Qatar (12th).

Belgium was ranked the best place for expat children by expatriates, followed in declining order by Spain, France, Hong Kong and Germany, HSBC Bank International said.

The survey, of some 1,381 expatriates, was conducted online between 26 April and 7 June of this year by third party research company GfK. The expats were asked to rank their current country of residence on such factors as the cost of raising children, the quality of education and childcare services, how they viewed their children’s health and well-being in their new country, and the ease with which their children were integrating into their new community.

One in three expatriates has dependent children – that is, offspring under the age of 18 – living with them abroad, the report’s authors note, suggesting the extent to which the happiness and well-being of expatriate children might be a consideration in how willing executives are to relocate overseas. 

In a summary of their findings, the authors said the expat parents surveyed reported "their children are more likely to be learning new languages (84%), playing more sports (47%) and spending more time with their family (53%), while on the whole, enjoying their new life abroad (85%)”.

In the report, they add: "On the whole, this year’s report paints a very positive picture for those wanting to raise their children abroad. Expats believe their children are enjoying their new lives, and are highly likely to be learning new languages since relocating. 

"Expats also think their children are safer following their move overseas and that the quality of childcare and standard of education available has improved." 

On the downside, though, "the cost of childcare and the cost of raising children are likely to have increased in most cases after relocating", the report’s authors note, citing their findings.  

HSBC Bank International chief executive Nick Winsor said the results showed that parents considering a move abroad "appear to have a lot to gain for themselves and for their children by becoming expats".

"Indeed the low rank of the UK relative to other expat destinations to some extent undermines traditional perceptions that more developed markets provide a better setting for bringing up children," he added.

"Of course, making the decision to become an expat is a complex one, but hopefully these results will help to set expat expectations based upon those who have already relocated.”

The full survey may be downloaded from HSBC Bank International’s website at www.offshore.hsbc.com.