Embarking on the expatriation journey with your children in Mauritius is both exciting and challenging! Ensuring their needs are met – from schooling to childcare and activities – in a new country can indeed be quite a feat!
But fear not, the SmartTraveller team is here to support you every step of the way, offering practical advice and tailored solutions to meet your family’s unique needs!
Let’s dive in!
Relocating in Mauritius with small children
If your child is still too young for school, having a nanny can be a great help. Often referred to as “bonnes” (don’t worry, it’s not derogatory here), nannies are highly valued by families. Being able to entrust your child to a trusted caregiver all day is reassuring. Mauritian nannies have a solid reputation among locals and expats alike. They’ll care for your children as if they were their own. As for costs, expect:
- 3 to 4 euros per hour
or
- Rs 15,000 (approximately 305 euros) per month for full-time care, which aligns with the Mauritian minimum wage.
To find the ideal nanny or babysitter, word of mouth or recommendations often work well. You can also check mom groups on Facebook or our Facebook group, “Expats in Mauritius,” or read testimonials from families already living abroad! Note: Make sure there’s a bus stop near your home, or you’ll need to arrange transportation for your nanny. Another option, if your child is under five years old, is to enroll them in a nursery/preschool/kindergarten. It’s worth noting that if you’re employed by a company with more than 250 employees in Mauritius, it must have an on-site nursery.
Schools
Ring ring, back-to-school season is just around the corner! When relocating to Mauritius with your children, one of the most crucial considerations is their education. Choosing the right school is vital to ensure their success and adjustment in this new and unfamiliar environment! But what are schools like in Mauritius? As you prepare for your family’s relocation, you’ll need to decide on a school for your children. There are numerous options for schooling in Mauritius, but which one is the best fit? The answer depends on several factors:
- The expected length of your stay.
- Your financial resources, as international schools in Mauritius are all private and require tuition fees.
- Your children’s current language abilities and your preferences in education.
French Schools
If you want your children to become fluent in French while living in Mauritius, a French school may be the best option. Schools like École du Nord or Lycée Labourdonnais follow the curriculum of the French State. However, French schools in Mauritius can be expensive. If you hold French nationality, your child may be eligible for a scholarship to assist with tuition fees for expatriate children (subject to financial means).
International Schools
International schools like Le Bocage International School or Northfields International School are gaining popularity among expatriate families. They usually adhere to recognized international programs such as the IB (International Baccalaureate) or the British curriculum. These schools offer a multilingual environment, providing significant advantages for your children. These include language acquisition, broader cultural perspectives, and smoother transitions if they opt for further studies in different countries. N.B: Both French and international schools on the island offer similar educational cycles, covering pre-primary to high school levels.
Alternative Schools
Looking for a school offering a different educational system, one that doesn’t follow the conventional approach, for your children? An alternative school is a type of educational institution that differs from traditional schools in its philosophy, teaching methods, and educational approach (such as Montessori). These schools often aim to provide a more personalized and inclusive educational experience while adapting to the needs of each student. Tip: Choose the school closest to your home to avoid long commutes for your children.
School Registration
At the enrollment stage, the process remains largely consistent across all schools. Typically, the school year commences in August or September. It’s advisable to initiate the procedures around March/April to secure a spot for your child in your preferred institution. Here’s a checklist of the documents needed for your child’s registration:
- Birth certificate
- Copy of the family record book/marriage certificate
- Passport-size photo of the child
- Academic transcripts, if applicable
- Certificate of withdrawal from previous school
- Latest school report, if applicable
- Copies of parents’ and child’s passports
- Copy of residence permit/work permit/premium visa/EDB’s approval in principle
If you arrive in Mauritius mid-school year, fret not! Enrolling your child during the academic term is still feasible, provided vacancies exist in your chosen school.
Timetables
Days are shorter in Mauritius!
Generally, school starts a little before 8 AM, and finishes at about 2:30 PM until middle-school. In middle and high school, classes end between 2 and 3:30 PM.
The presence of students on school premises after classes is only permitted for those engaged in organized or authorized extracurricular activities. There is no daycare service available.
BONUS: Our team has personally visited over twenty schools and nurseries across the island and offers their insights to assist you in making your choice! Indeed, touring educational facilities from 9,000 km away can be challenging…
School cafeterias
School cafeterias in Mauritius may not be what you think! Unfortunately, we do not have coconut water and tropical fruits salad for lunch everyday…
In Mauritius, each school operates its own cafeteria, but the options vary widely.
Here are the typical choices:
- Pay monthly for comprehensive, balanced, and diverse meals.
- Prepare your child’s lunchbox with fruits, a baguette, and a snack.
- Provide money for your child to purchase meals at the cafeteria, noting that some cafeterias require meal tickets to be purchased.
School transport
For transporting your children in the morning and afternoon, you have several options:
1. Personal Accompaniment: You can personally drive your children to school, which allows for more quality time together and ensures their safety throughout the journey. However, be prepared for the afternoon pickup at 2:30 p.m. and potential traffic congestion!
2. School Bus Service: School bus services are widespread in Mauritius. While schools typically don’t provide transportation directly, they can connect you with drivers accredited by the National Transport Authority (NTA). Various private companies offer school transportation, covering most areas of the island in the morning and afternoon. The driver will pick up and drop off your child nearest to your home or at a predefined collection point.
3. Carpooling: Many parents organize carpooling to share the responsibility of dropping off and picking up children from school. It’s a practical way to build connections with neighbors while ensuring efficient transportation for everyone involved!
Academic support
Tutoring in Mauritius operates much like in other countries. You have the option to enlist qualified private tutors or skilled former students for help with homework, revisions, and exam prep.
To find the right fit, word of mouth recommendations are effective, or you can explore Facebook groups.
Agencies like Travellingteachers also offer tutoring services and exam prep support. Individual sessions typically cost around 18 euros per hour, while group sessions cost around 11 euros per hour.
Activities
Rest assured, and reassure your little ones too: school isn’t just about hitting the books!
Mauritius boasts a diverse array of activities for children to explore. From soccer and singing to theater, sculpture, and even yoga, there’s ample opportunity for your kids to uncover their talents and make the most of their free time. Living on an island also means access to a plethora of water sports and nature-centric adventures!
These activities typically kick off after the school day, around 2:30 p.m. However, it’s worth noting that most of these extracurriculars come with a fee as they’re considered additional services.
In addition to school offerings, there are plenty of private clubs scattered across the island, like the RM Club in Forbach (in the North) and Tamarin (in the West). These clubs cater to kids, teens, and even adults, offering a wide range of sports and recreational activities.
Higher studies in Mauritius
After earning the baccalauréat or another international diploma, your child can pursue higher education on the island.
Whether aiming for an undergraduate degree, a master’s, or a doctorate, Mauritius’ tertiary education system offers numerous opportunities for students!
Imagine writing a thesis under the sun, with your feet in the water—it’s a possibility!
The parent community
Having children is a true joy, and it’s an added bonus when you’re expatriating as a family! Without pushing them, your children will naturally help you make new friends.
You’ll meet other expat parents when dropping off your kids at school, during school events, or on class outings… Let your children make friends naturally, then strike up a conversation with the parents of their friends. You’ll likely have a lot in common!
You can also connect with Facebook or WhatsApp groups moderated by Mauritian or expat parents to further build your social network.
Dreaming of relocating to Mauritius with your family? Our comprehensive expatriation guide is your go-to resource!
And for personalized assistance every step of the way, our expert advisors are here for you!
