Hoping to Move to Southern Spain

Well, first I would like to thank everyone that read my very first blog, and especially those who left advice and encouragement.  So far, so good.

As this week's topic, I would like to delve into the issue of bringing english speaking children to Spain.  My daughter is 11, and currently speaks no Spanish (although I hope to remedy that at least somewhat before we move). I am very nervous about how her education will be effected by the move.  I assume she will probably need to repeat a year in order to give her a chance to learn the language, and I have no problem with that.  I had originally considered placing her in an international school, however, after doing some research on this, I now see that that is just not a financially viable option.  And besides that, I really want us to immerse ourselves in Spanish life.  I don't want to be surrounded by other ex-pats.

In addition to her adjustment, I am also concerned about the quality of Spanish schools.  I have no idea what to expect from the school system as far as the quality of the education, the curriculum, or extra-curricular activities.  Will she get a solid, well-rounded education?  Will she have opportunities to participate in sports, theatre, etc.?  

And what will happen when she reaches college age? 

I'd love to hear from those of you who have gone through this before, especially those with children in my daughter's age group.

TTFN
sas

I have recently decided, after holidaying in Southern Spain, that this is definately the place for me.  I have absolutely fallen in love with the people, the lifestyle, and more importantly...the weather!!  As you will probably soon be aware, I have never blogged before, but I am hoping that in doing so I will receive helpful feedback back from those of you who have already made the move (as well as inside tips from all you natives out there!).

My parents met and married in Spain in the '70's.  My father was an American stationed at the US Naval Base, and my mother, who is Irish, was living and working in the area.  I was actually born in Spain, however we moved to the States while I was very young and, consequently, I have no memory of our time there.  I lived in the US until four years ago, when I decided that I was ready to move to Europe.  Then I packed myself up, along with my daughter - who was 8 at the time, and off we went.  For the last four years, I have been living and working, happily, in Dublin, Ireland.  I love Ireland, but I have found it very difficult adjusting to the wet, gray climate.  So, after much internal debate, I have once again decided to embark on a new and far greater adventure - making the move to Spain.

My plan, myhope, is to make my move in the next 6-12 months.  I intend to use my blogs to keep track of my progress, ask questions, and share what I learn along the way.  I already have an EU Passport (Irish), so I am hoping that will ease the process a bit, and I intend to go back for a week in September on a fact-finding mission.  In the mean time, I will be working on my Spanish, organising a tutor for my daughter, and researching the schools, property market, job market, etc.  

I hope you will follow along with my progress and offer any help you can along the way.  Any information you wish to share with me will be greatly appreciated!!!

TTFN,
Shirley