A year away for adults has one set of challenges and reasons for appealing, but it’s quite a different experience for your kids. They don’t care if they come back speaking another language, that just sounds scary. Leave their friends? Noooooo! As far as they are concerned, long cold winters might be ideal! So, what are the advantages for the younger half of your trip, and how do you sell it to them?
Advantages abound. A new language, like living in the French culture, can be very intimidating to start with. Our daughters adjusted quickly: our son didn’t. They were each assigned a helper in their class, to explain and look after them, be it with a class assignment, or figuring out the cafeteria. Speaking to the teachers will help facilitate their integration: I go into this at length in the E-book, Portable Salary, Portable Family. Having good quality downtime, and assuring them they don’t need to excel in the class, and facilitating friendships (be a bit forward, invite kids over on their behalf) will all help.
We loved hearing the menu! 
New Experiences, new lunch menus!
Quality relaxation time was key.
Pool time, even in the offseason! 
Wed afternoons there was no school 
School recovery strategy B
As they integrated into school, life got easier. And at least in France, there was no school on Wednesday afternoons (now changed to no school at all Wednesdays for elementary grades), and two-week vacations every six weeks. So the days were longer (8:45 am to 4:45) but the breaks came quickly. School activities were offered, just like at home. We had soccer, choir, and chess on the agenda, but didn’t do as much as we might have in Canada.
A new soccer team under the mountains 
Class trip to a bird sanctuary 
Class trip Dali museum
There were lots of class outings, trips to nearby villages with soccer and chess, and our daughter’s choir even took the train to Paris. Each outing was accompanied by volunteer parents: we often went. And I joined the school library as a volunteer one afternoon a week, which was a great way to get to know the school culture and see my kids briefly.
We couldn’t resist the lure of the low cost flights from Girona, 45 minutes away. Morocco, for 29 euros? The Pyrenees, starting just past our doorstep, and a grand tour by car (and tent) to finish off the year in the summer, and there is no doubt the kids had amazing, unforgettable experiences.
Sandbox heaven. 
Exploring the souks. 
Prisoner, or king? 
Anyone like castles? 
Hotter exploration
Challenging though it was for them, they all grew and learned enormously, and they all voted to return. And sometimes just doing gives you more back than you ever dreamed you’d get.
Before…. 
…and after. Unforeseen advantage!