Why Preschool Matters in Relocation: Lessons from an Expat Family’s Journey
We recently spoke with an expat mother who shared her family's challenges relocating to Singapore—stories we’ve heard time and again from international parents. Originally from Europe, she arrived as a trailing spouse with two young children, eager to make the most of a two-year assignment abroad. But what was supposed to be an enriching experience quickly became a stressful transition. The main source of that stress? Finding the right preschool.
Back home, this mother had access to universal childcare—programs designed to let toddlers learn and grow at their own pace, in nurturing environments tailored to their developmental needs. But in Singapore, she struggled to find a preschool that felt like a good fit, especially since her children did not speak English. She often felt excluded and unsupported, left to navigate the process of choosing a preschool entirely on her own.
Her husband’s employer had provided minimal preparation for their family’s transition, offering little guidance about childcare or cultural adjustment. The result? A relocation experience that felt more isolating than inspiring—and one that negatively impacted the whole family.
This experience prompted us to reflect:
How can HR and global mobility teams better support expat families so that international assignments are successful for everyone?
Would earlier access to childcare resources, education options, and cultural orientation have made a difference for this family?
In our work, we’ve seen how the right support can completely transform the relocation experience. When families are already overwhelmed with the logistics of an international move, having access to personalized preschool guidance can lift a major burden. It helps parents feel more confident and supported—and helps children transition smoothly into a new learning environment.
When young children are thriving in their new surroundings, the entire family is more likely to settle in, engage with their new community, and make the most of their time abroad. As we’ve shared in previous posts, expats who feel supported are more productive at work and more likely to complete—and even extend—their international assignments.
At Preschool Pals, we provide practical, personalized early education support that enhances employee satisfaction, alleviates family stress, and fosters retention. You can visit our Services page in English and Spanish to learn more.
If you’re an HR or global mobility professional looking to better support your international hires, we’d be delighted to partner with you. And if you’re a family in the midst of relocation, unsure of where to start, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using our contact form or send us an email at info@preschoolpalsadvisors.com.
As expat parents ourselves, we understand the emotional and logistical challenges of adjusting to a new culture while trying to find the best preschool environment for your child.
Reach out today—and let’s get started!
