'Living in Fiji with young Children' Expat

Living in Fiji with young Children

Talk for and about Expats. Living in this Fiji? Let others know about it. Want to live here? Ask questions! Expat Interviews

Natalie Campbell (144.131.114.105) -

Im an Australian mother who is about to make the journey to Fiji to live for around 2 years while my husband works. With two children under 5 (one, 3 and a half and one, 12 months)

I would appreciate ANY advice people have to offer that have already lived the experience. Im finding it difficult to obtain information regarding child minding and child care for my youngest and education for my oldest child. I understand there is an international school but is this the only option for them?

Also as I will not be able to work Im concerned about what one does besides beach comb and snorkel! Sounds ridiculous I know thinking I might be bored in paradise, however any advice from expats would be fabbo

Reply #1 Elaina (202.154.130.246) -

I am also heading to Fiji with my husband and two children - also for two years! I have no advice to offer as I am looking for the same thing. We will be based in Nadi though and would welcome setting up a playgroup with other expats.

You are welcome to email me for more info.

Regards

Elaina

Reply #2 Billy (68.210.127.214) -

Hello Everyone,

I currently am an ex-pat from the US living on the island of Roatan, Honduras. I'm ready for a change after 6 years. Can anyone share with me some info regarding crime, attitiude of the locals towards foreigners? A suggestion on a place to rent for a year until I decide where to buy. Can foreigners own real estate? Any limits? I prefer to be out of the city in a less developed area.

Feel free to contact me off the list at paradisenroatan@yahoo.com.

Thanksin advance for any help

Respectfully,

Billy

Reply #3 Natalie Campbell (60.228.56.65) -

Hi Elaina

Please email me on natrose_a@http://hotmail.com

Happy to catch up when we get to Nadi Fiji we will be moving in February 2007

hear from you soon

Nat

Reply #4 lizzie (62.136.141.190) -

Hello,

My husband and I are moving to Lautoka, Fiji in a couple of weeks and have three children (4yrs, 2yrs and 1 month). I just wondered if anyone knew of any playgroups around Lautoka and pre schools for my 4 yr old, or any other child related activities around the area.

I would also be keen to catch up with any fellow Mums in a similar situation.

Please give me an email if you have any info or fancy meeting up!

Many thanks, Lizzie

Reply #5 Marci (202.161.80.224) -

Hi there,

My husband and I will be going to live in Nadi in a few months time but are finding it difficult to source rental accommodation. Any advice regarding life in Nadi would be gratefully accepted.

Thanks in anticipation

Marci Shep

Reply #6 Cindy (210.7.27.86) -

Hi There.

Fiji is a fantastic place for young kids to be brought up!

Both Nadi adn Suva have international schools but there also other good schools you can consider depending on the age of your child.

In Suva, The Learning Centre, Suva Christian Community School, Veiuto Primary and Yat Sen are considered among the best.

International School Suva runs a good playcentre and pre-school programme.

In Nadi there is the American International Christian School and Nadi Christian Community School as well as Mt St Mary's and Nadi Airport School which are worth a look.

Sports/activities wise... Swimming and Karate are the most organised activities for children in the Nadi area. Whilst Suva has some other options. The Alliance Francaise runs french lessons as well as arts/crafts etc

Enjoy yourself.

Cindy

Reply #7 john (194.74.2.72) -

Try this webpage - linked from LJ Hooker, Fiji - some handy info

Reply #8 Glenda (2) from Melbourne (Contact Member) -

I too am an Australian mum who is exploring the possibility of moving to Fiji for around 3 years while my husband works. I have one child who is 21 months and we are hoping to have a second within the next 12 months. ANY advice people have to offer on having a baby in Fiji, what the health system is like, immunisation, security/safety, where the best place is to live as an Australian Expat etc would be so very appreciated. Im finding it difficult to obtain information on these things as most information is directed at tourists.

Reply #9 Lori (172.192.100.193) -

Hi,

I would like to know what grades of education is offered at the American International Christian School in Nadi, Fiji. Is there elementary to high school or what is offered. I was also wondering what are the cost per child?

thanks

Reply #10 sandrine (124.158.197.38) -

hello

I may start at the International SChool of Ndai as a teacher. I AM A SINGLE MOOM of a 3 years old .

Can anyone please help with accommodation (I am a bit of a hippie and like the forest or the beach, cars to buy, and tell me how expensive it is to live there and what's considered a good salary.

Many thanks

Sandrine

Reply #11 Tonet Ortega (202.170.40.20) -

Hi Natalie,

You might want to try Little Giggles Daycare Center if you'll be staying in Suva. They accept babies as young as 12 months.

22 Statham Street, Suva Point, Suva

Tel 3620757

Tonet

Reply #12 Bee from Brisbane, Australia (Contact Member) -

HI EVERYONE

MY HUSBAND AND I ARE LOOKING AT MOVING FROM BRISBANE TO FIJI IN EARLY 2009 WITH OUR TWO CHILDREN (9 AND 6 YEARS).

I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN RECEIVING ANY ADVICE ABOUT SCHOOLING - WE WILL EITHER BE LIVING IN NADI OR LAUTOKA.

ADDITIONALLY I WOULD LOVE TO CONNECT WITH ANYONE ELSE WITH CHILDREN WHO MIGHT LIKE TO GET TOGETHER.

MY EMAIL IS KIRSTYJOHN@BC.WBS.NET.AU

Reply #13 Kerrie (210.7.10.131) -

Our family has been living in Suva for 18 mths. I would NOT suggest giving birth here...or getting seriously ill. Make sure your package includes medical cover to get you back to Oz or NZ in an emergency. Great people, great place, but many things substandard and health department is a major one. Schooling...we have done International School of Suva and also homeschooled, both had their fors and againsts. Would recommend the ISS definitely as the school to go to, if you can afford it or your package includes it. Childcare...personally I wouldn't be leaving my littlies if I had them at a daycare, knowing the poor health and safety standards here, but would instead employ various nannies on a weekly trial basis until you find one you like who is honest and reliable. Going rate of pay is $20 a day.

Dont expect to be beachcombing or snorkelling LOL if based at Suva, cos you'd be 45 mins from a decent beach. Even tho the water is 2 mins from us we'd never swim or fish in it...very unclean.

It is a huge immense phenomenal culture shock coming here, expect dirty unhygienic and extremely frustrating and that's everyday life. There are many good things here too, but dont come here thinking you'll be sitting on a beach sipping a pinacolada while hubby works. Get involved with the weekly(or daily, depending on your energy) tennis groups, plus a few other social groups too. I am happy to answer further questions. Please dont be put off, but pack your rose coloured glasses for the amazing adventure that is expat Fiji.

Reply #14 Fiji Mum (202.151.23.214) -

January 20, 2009

We are a Canadian family of four (nine-year-old twin girls) who have lived in Suva for past 3 years... have absolute love/hate relationship with Suva, but love Fiji. I absolutely agree that Suva is very dirty and frustrating... most expats boil their drinking water or buy bottled... not to mention the problems with gigantic potholes, horrible pollution from belching buses and taxis, stray/pack dogs (many, many of my friends have been bitten) and some home invasions by groups of men carrying cane knives. You will have bars on all of your windows and doors. Many of my friends have been robbed, but the crimes tend to be opportunistic (other than the more serious invasions).

We find that rents in Suva are expensive, but that will depend on where you are coming from and what area you want to live in. The houses we looked at renting were between $2000-4000/month. We settled into a renovated, clean but not fancy, small 3 bedroom flat for $1500/month. Local produce is not expensive, but seasonal and not always of high standard. Import produce is VERY, VERY expensive and often of poor quality. I agree that the water around Suva is unfit for swimming. Expats drive to Pacific Harbor (45 minutes) to swim.

I home schooled for the first 3 months but found that there are not enough resources nor enough social opportunities for the children to be stimulated. We visited the International School and found that while it has vastly superior facilities for a school in Fiji, its curriculum was not substantially different enough from other smaller private schools to justify the difference in cost (ISS would be about $28, 000/year for the two girls and other small private schools are about $7, 000/year for the two girls). We had them enrolled at The Learning Center (about 100 kids, local teachers, approx. 18 per class, NZ curriculum, parent run) but have removed them because we feel that the program and management has a lot of short comings and that it was no longer a happy, supportive environment for the children. This year they will attend a different school, Multiple Intelligence Centre, which opened last year. Because it is in its start-up phase, it is very small. Approx. 60 kids, 4 local teachers. Has a warm, inclusive feel, is rich in arts and music, uses community experts and resources, emphasizes creative thinking. Have a few friends with kids in local schools... just know that local classes often have 50 kids to 1 teacher, that they often lack resources, etc. Also, a few friends removed their kids from local schools because they say that the teachers smack the kids. School is the number one issue that would stop us from resigning a contract to be in Fiji. It is expensive and very substandard to what we can get in Canada or NZ (dual citizens).

Typically, house cleaners and/or child minders are paid $15-$20 per day. Word of mouth is best if you need help. Reliability has been a big issue for some of my friends who have hired helpers.

Alliance Francais runs some cultural events and has kid's french classes. There is a pony club, swimming teams (ie. Tritons), very occasional dance classes or art classes. Very few playgrounds and very limited in equipment. Very small downtown library and extremely limited book stores. You are moving to a developing country.

People are absolutely lovely. Landscape is gorgeous. Lifestyle is delightfully slow (which turns to frustratingly slow when you need to get something done). Going to Pacific Harbor on the weekends for beach days is a nice break (but if you are coming from Aus, you may be quite disappointed with the beach!). If you get a chance to travel to some of the islands, they are gorgeous and terrific snorkeling and diving.

All said, we would not change coming to Fiji for anything. It has been a great life experience! Just remember, Fiji is a developing country... it is a tropical paradise... they just forget to tell you that paradise includes copious amounts of rain, humidity, mosquitoes, dengue fever, yeast rashes, hard to heal infections, etc. :)

Reply #15 Elaine (58.109.113.70) -

Hi

If anyone is looking for expat standard, expat owned, accommodation in Suva, I have 2 apartments available at present as my tenants left at Christmas.

The flats are in a block of 3, very secure, well furnished, with a swimming pool. They are both very big and suitable for families or people who want lots of space for visitors. One is 3 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms, and one is 4 bedrooms, study and 2 bathrooms. The 4 bedroom flat has wide verandas on 3 sides with beautiful views to the ocean and mountains. Rent is negotiable on viewing.

You can contact me on colliercollier @optusnet.com.au if you are interested.

I live in Australia but have spent a lot of time in Suva and Pacific Harbor. I love it despite all its frustrations and my frequent trips over are a a great pleasure.

Reply #16 Steve (94.140.184.116) -

I am looking for a nice furnished apartment in Suva for apprximatly one year.Hopefully not to expensive.It doesn't have to be fancy, just clean and comfortable.It would be nice to have cleaning help.I look forward to all replies.

Regards, Steve

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