Moving to Chennai

indiaprof · Jan 13th, 2009, 23:35

Yes,

As an educator, I think socialization is one of the biggest elements of schooling: kids don't necessarily remember the lessons they learn in class, but what they learn about healthy social interaction imprints for life. This is true even at the college level.

However, if your stay is short-term, I'm sure the kids will have Indian playmates and friends who will handle socializing for them. A lot of families might be happy to have their kids play with American kids, if only to hone their language skills or pick up an American accent that will help them land that cushy call centre job.

I might try part home-schooling myself, and then hire tutors for things I couldn't handle (like math, science, etc.). One thing you might want to realize about Indian schools is that Indian kids often are put under an enormous study load - they go to school all day and then spend much of the evening with private tutors. It's extremely exhausting, but they're all hustling to pass those life-making-or-breaking exams down the road.

However, and here's something worth considering: You will want to check in with your U.S. school district about having those years of education certified. Otherwise the kids might come back and find that even though they have a fine education, no U.S. school will recognize it. Since most districts are set up for home-schooling, they might be able to advise you. There's usually a person who acts as liaison to parents who do home-schooling. Also, if you hire tutors, collect as much documentation as you can regarding their qualifications, etc., before hiring them, in case you need to document things later.

Nick-H · Jan 13th, 2009, 23:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by indiaprof

My response: Good Lord. I guess if you're an ex-pat with kids you have to support that upper middle-class Indian lifestyle, don't you? Geez.

If you are in the International School market, you probably have those kids already, are being paid enough, want to ensure the best continuity with schooling for when you go home in a year or two, and (I suspect) above all, a complete distrust of the Indian education system.

Look at some of the posts by some of the ex-pat employees-to-be, and you will see that they have never been here, and have no faith in the street outside their house being safe, let alone anything else Indian, and certainly not Indian schools.

(And that is not to put anyone off posting like that: we were all new to India once, and we all had our worries once; the site is here to inform and help out)

You can imagine that the first thing such people seek is a home-from-home school. What they get paid, being on a par with their home salary, plus (if their bargaining ability is any good

) a big supplement for being dragged away from home by their job, means they can afford the schools.

Lesser (-paid) mortals, who may be here on lesser, or local, salaries, of course, cannot.

Quote:

One thing you might want to realize about Indian schools is that Indian kids often are put under an enormous study load - they go to school all day and then spend much of the evening with private tutors. It's extremely exhausting, but they're all hustling to pass those life-making-or-breaking exams down the road.

And they are expected to produce these high scores in an educational culture which has a big emphasis on learn-by-rote. I can sympathise with anyone who thinks that that is not necessarily the best way of learning!

ISN · Jan 15th, 2009, 21:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by manju70

Thank you ISN, that link was very useful. I could even get to another forum which had very specific information about that school

When are you planning to move to Chennai? I am also in the process of moving to Chennai, but got stuck with a home in USA, have to get it sold before I can move.

manju70 · Jan 17th, 2009, 12:12

Hi ISN,

We are planning to move in April. Also have to sell the house. Are you also looking for schools in Chennai?

daBrat · Jan 17th, 2009, 13:05

Considering Adyar... i would suggest to take a look at Chettinad vidyashram... Couple of my niece study there and they give good importance to co / extra curricular activities also... and the quality of education is also good..

ISN · Jan 17th, 2009, 21:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by manju70

Hi ISN,

We are planning to move in April. Also have to sell the house. Are you also looking for schools in Chennai?

Hi Manju,

We are planning to put our daughter in Sacred Heart Matric Hr Sec School. Did your husband find a job in Chennai or is he planning to look for a job once he moves to Chennai.

manju70 · Jan 18th, 2009, 01:07

Hello all,

For anyone interested- Gateway school in Chennai is opening a new branch called Gateway American International school at Neelankarai.
It has American affiliation and follows Florida standards.

Thanks

manju70 · Jan 18th, 2009, 01:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by daBrat

Considering Adyar... i would suggest to take a look at Chettinad vidyashram... Couple of my niece study there and they give good importance to co / extra curricular activities also... and the quality of education is also good..

Thanks. I believe the student teacher ratio in Chettinad is 50 or 60: 1
My kids are used to smaller classes and will be lost there. We might consider moving them there after a couple of years.

4gotoIndia · Jan 19th, 2009, 13:14

FOr those of you who are not in the International-SChool market... I have just posted on 'You are not alone' about our experiences of sending our son to a local English-medium school. I hope it will be helpful to someone!

Sara.J · Feb 2nd, 2009, 14:58

Hi,

The Billabong School is in Injambakkam and the fees are more affordable.They follow the ICSE curriculam and most of the time u are not in the waiting list.

Raghu.Kumar · Mar 12th, 2009, 15:14

Dear Manju / ISN,

I would advise you both to try Sishya ( ICSE ) a school with a very good reputation with a good mix of upper class children and NRI kids. However you would need to go to the school in person and meet the authorities to seek admission. You would need to take you children along with you and their recent marksheets and testimonials on any Wednesday.

Interviews would start from 9 AM onwards on first cum first basis and hence if you need a slot, please ensure that you reach the school on a Wednesday morning by around 7.30 AM. Its worth the try.

If you need more info on relocating to Chennai, do let me know.

Thanks and Regards, Raghu Kumar

ISN · Mar 12th, 2009, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raghu.Kumar

Dear Manju / ISN,

I would advise you both to try Sishya ( ICSE ) a school with a very good reputation with a good mix of upper class children and NRI kids. However you would need to go to the school in person and meet the authorities to seek admission. You would need to take you children along with you and their recent marksheets and testimonials on any Wednesday.

Interviews would start from 9 AM onwards on first cum first basis and hence if you need a slot, please ensure that you reach the school on a Wednesday morning by around 7.30 AM. Its worth the try.

If you need more info on relocating to Chennai, do let me know.

Thanks and Regards, Raghu Kumar

Thank you for your valuable suggestion, and I will ask someone from my family to checkout the school.

Raghu.Kumar · Mar 24th, 2009, 16:06

Hi Manju,

Have you finalised the schooling part ? Didnt see any other posts about it . when are you are relocating to Chennai ?

Do you need any other info on R2i ?

Regards, Raghu

Quote:

Originally Posted by manju70

Thank you ISN, that link was very useful. I could even get to another forum which had very specific information about that school

Raghu.Kumar · Apr 17th, 2009, 17:44

Hi Manju,
Have you arrived in Chennai ?

Could you please share your experiences with us. Which school did you put your children finally ? Were you able to secure admission with ease ?

Regards, Raghu

Quote:

Originally Posted by manju70

Thank you ISN, that link was very useful. I could even get to another forum which had very specific information about that school