r2i forum

Here is my situation :

I am software professional with 15+ yrs of experiences and am currently in software architect role. Regarding personal life, my 7 yrs old son is attending 2nd grade school now, my wife is stay at home mom. We bought a home few years ago and are enjoying typical suburban life. We are US citizens so no issues with visa/greencard etc.

Now I might get an option to relocate to Germany for 3 yrs on company work. Main purpose of delegation is to improve co-ordination with other departments of the company, I will continue to be working for same group/dept I am currently in, my role/work expected will be nearly the same after the move. I have traveled to the place few times a year for the last 15 years on business trip(some times for few months) so I don't expect that it will be anything new to me from work point of view.

I am looking for feedback on pros/cons of such a move from fellow R2I'ers.

I see that pros wise my family will get some international exposure and especially this can help my son in the future as he can give a different perspective. This can also give me some good visibility in the organization. Other advantage is that we will be little closer to India, this can help travel time and comfort wise if not travel cost wise.

Regarding cons, We have decent friend and family circle here in USA but will have to start forming new circle now. I am especially worried about how my son can take it due to language barriers. We may be able to admit him to an international school but he might still miss his friends and other relatives.


Any one has similar experience. How is the education system in germany compared to USA? Hope it is at part or better with USA educational system.

Looking for some feedback from others in the forum. Is there something that I need to watch out for?

A friend of mine moved to Germany on internal transfer with their largest bank. He ended up living there for more time (5 yrs) than expected. From what I heard, they loved it there. They loved to travel and I have seen from pictures that they have pretty much been to each and every country in Europe over those years. They then moved for a senior role.. Their kid was an infant during that stay so schooling might not have been a issue for them in Germany. I heard that they also have a small Desi community out there and Indian (sub-continent) stores too. You must be familiar with the area of relocation as you have been there multiple times.

w.r.t - Language - I guess your kids will learn one additional language. That should be an advantage in the long run.

My general opinion:

grab the opportunity. Your son may not have better opportunity than this. International schooling should be part of your package and i assume your company provides home, car etc...

www.toytowngermany.com

in this website you find everything including 'stay in germany or move back to US/UK/Canada.....