Living Abroad
Expat & Relocation Guides
467 in-depth guides for expats and internationally mobile families — international schools and education, living abroad by country, tax, relocation, healthcare and cross-border banking.
International Schools & Education
Choosing, applying to and funding international schools abroad — curricula, admissions timelines, fees and university planning for expat families.
GCSEs and A Levels in Cyprus: A Guide for Expat Families
Cambridge IGCSE and A Level qualifications are well-established in Cyprus, offered by a range of English-medium private schools in Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos. This guide explains what to expect, which schools offer these qualifications and how they are regarded by universities worldwide.
Read guide →GCSEs and A-Levels for Returning Expats: IGCSE Equivalency, IB DP, and Subject Continuity
Internationally-educated students returning to the UK face important decisions about GCSE equivalency and sixth-form pathways. This guide explains how IGCSE and IB MYP results are treated, when A-Levels make sense versus IB Diploma, and how to maintain subject continuity when switching systems.
Read guide →GCSEs and A-Levels in Bali: What Expat Families Need to Know (2026)
British expat families in Bali need to understand the qualification landscape carefully. IGCSE is available at a small number of schools; A-levels are very limited; the IB Diploma is the dominant route. This guide explains the options and how to plan for UK university entry from a Bali base.
Read guide →GCSEs and A-Levels in Bangkok: Where to Study and What to Expect
A-Levels are available at only a handful of Bangkok international schools — most notably Harrow, where 51% of 2024 grades were A*/A. This guide explains where to study IGCSEs and A-Levels in Bangkok, how exam administration works, and the A-Level versus IB choice for British families.
Read guide →GCSEs and A-Levels in Barcelona: The British Exam Pathway
A guide to IGCSE and A-Level provision in Barcelona, the schools that offer it, what results look like and how A-Levels feed the UCAS pathway.
Read guide →GCSEs and A-Levels in Dubai: Where to Study and What to Expect
Dubai's British curriculum schools offer IGCSE and A-Level qualifications that are fully recognised by UK universities. This guide explains how the system works, why Dubai results outperform UK averages, and what families need to know about exam boards, resits, and university entry.
Read guide →GCSEs and A-Levels in Hong Kong: Where to Study & What to Expect
Kellett School is the principal choice for IGCSE and A-Levels in Hong Kong, with Harrow HK, DBIS and the GSIS English stream also offering IGCSE routes. This guide covers results, fees, UCAS applications and whether IB may be a better choice for some families.
Read guide →GCSEs and A-Levels in Kuala Lumpur: Where to Study & What to Expect
KL's leading British schools achieve IGCSE and A-Level results that compare favourably with the UK's top independent schools. This guide covers which schools offer IGCSE and A-Levels, how their results stack up, and what British families need to know about studying for UK qualifications in Malaysia.
Read guide →GCSEs and A-Levels in Lisbon: The British Exam Route
For families who want the familiar British exam route, several Lisbon schools offer IGCSEs and A-Levels. This guide explains how the pathway works in Portugal, which schools provide it, the difference between IGCSE and GCSE, and how these qualifications support university applications worldwide.
Read guide →GCSEs and A-Levels in Paris: Where to Study and What to Expect
The British School of Paris is the only school in the Paris area offering traditional IGCSE and A-Levels. LISGL offers the OIB as an A-Level-standard alternative at a fraction of the cost. This guide compares both routes and explains what each means for UCAS.
Read guide →GCSEs and A-Levels in Riyadh: What Expat Families Need to Know
A focused guide on GCSE and A-level qualifications at Riyadh international schools — which schools offer them, how Cambridge International exams work, subject choices, costs, and how results translate to UK and international university entry.
Read guide →GCSEs and A-Levels in Rome: A 2026 Guide for International Families
Rome offers the full British qualifications pathway — IGCSE through to A-Levels — at a small number of well-established international schools. This guide covers which schools offer what, how the system works abroad, and what it means for UK and global university entry.
Read guide →GCSEs and A-Levels in Shanghai: What Expat Families Need to Know
A-Levels and IGCSEs sit alongside the IB as the main qualification pathways at British international schools in Shanghai. This guide covers how the examinations work in China, which schools offer them, and what UK families need to know about university recognition.
Read guide →GCSEs and A-Levels in Vienna: Options for Expat Families
A candid look at GCSE and A-level provision in Vienna, how the IB compares, and how British families keep UK university pathways open.
Read guide →Green School Bali: Complete Guide for International Families (2026)
Green School Bali is the island's most internationally recognised school, combining a nature-immersed campus with an IB-influenced curriculum. This guide covers the full picture: curriculum, fees, admissions, the waiting list reality, and what living near Green School involves.
Read guide →Homeschooling vs International School Abroad: What Expat Families Need to Know
For expat families who cannot access a suitable international school — or who find fees prohibitive — homeschooling is worth serious consideration. This guide covers the legal position in key destinations, curriculum options, online school alternatives, and how universities view homeschooled applicants.
Read guide →How to Apply to International Schools in Athens: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Applications to Athens international schools require planning. From entrance examinations at HAEF to rolling admissions at Campion and ISA, this guide takes you through each stage, the documents you need, and the timelines that matter.
Read guide →How to Apply to International Schools in Bangkok: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying to Bangkok international schools requires more lead time than most families expect. This guide walks through the full application process — from registering interest to accepting a place and arranging the ED visa — with specific timing advice for each school.
Read guide →How to Apply to International Schools in Berlin: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
Applying to a Berlin international school is more straightforward than in some capitals, but timing, documents and the difference between private and state-school processes catch families out. This guide walks through every step.
Read guide →How to Apply to International Schools in Dubai: Step-by-Step 2026 Guide
Applying to an international school in Dubai requires careful timing, multiple documents, and a clear strategy. This step-by-step guide takes you from initial research to accepting a place — including what to do if your preferred schools are full.
Read guide →How to Apply to International Schools in Hong Kong: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying to international schools in Hong Kong requires early planning and an understanding of ESF catchment zones, the September admissions window, and the K1 kindergarten route that guarantees a future primary place. This guide covers the full process.
Read guide →How to Apply to International Schools in Kuala Lumpur: Step-by-Step
Applying to an international school in Kuala Lumpur involves several steps beyond the school application itself, including a Malaysian Student Pass processed through the EMGS system. This guide takes you through every stage from first contact to your child starting school.
Read guide →How to Apply to International Schools in Paris: Step-by-Step 2026 Guide
Applying to an international school in Paris involves a specific set of documents, timelines and tests that differ from the UK process. This guide covers every school type, the mandatory certificat de radiation, and how post-Brexit residency affects your application.
Read guide →How to Apply to International Schools in Rome: 2026 Step-by-Step Guide
Applying to a Rome international school is straightforward if you start early and prepare the right documents. This guide walks through timelines, paperwork, assessments and how to apply from overseas before you arrive in Italy.
Read guide →Planning a move abroad?
Our independent advisers specialise in expat and internationally mobile clients — tax, pensions, investments, schooling decisions and the full relocation picture.
Speak to an adviser
Our guides provide the framework — but every expat's situation is different. Book a free consultation with one of our advisers for guidance specific to your move and circumstances.