Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020

Advice needed

Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Vanuatu

Hi everyone,

My husband, myself & our two children (aged 10 & 12) were thinking of making a move from Queensland Australia, to Vanuatu for a few years.

This will be a huge change for all of us but particularly the kids. Im hoping that once the kids are there they will like it and embrace the culture and laid back way of life...

Are there any Aussie families out there that have made the move, and could give me some insight on how their children coped, what the schools are like and if they are now enjoying it?

Also how hard is it to gain work in Vanuatu, what's the cost of living like (food, water, electricity, fuel, telephone etc) and is it fairly safe for the kids (crime, house break in's etc).

We really would love a change for a few years, and all of our hobbies revolve around the water (fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, spear fishing, swimming etc), so I think it could be great but a little scared!

Any advice/support would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks, cardan :-)

Edited by: cardan

Cardan
What are your general feelings about Vila from your visits so far?
Re: schooling - the international school is rated (as is the French School) for intermediate but high school is mostly back in NZ/Aus. My take is most kids love the multi cultural way here
Re work - usually as an NGO or self employment or specialist work. Most jobs are ni-Van exclusive
Cheers

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