busdriver12

That would be the United States. I suppose they could have learned some English at our local public schools, but they learned far more at their private school. Really good private schools are extremely expensive, even in America.

Busboy

Bravo! And, you did that on FDX new hire pay?

Learflyer

Wow. That's a lot of moolah to send your kids to private school. Each semester is a Harley, boat, and a second home.

busdriver12

No, we started paying for school on FDX fourth year pay. But it's a lot cheaper if they are young, and not all schools cost so much. Though for two years, I think people could suck up anything if they want the job. Though I think FedEx could make the FDA's a better deal, and hope the union negotiates hard on that. If people don't want to pay for international school, they could have the kids go public or even....gasp....homeschool for a couple of years. What an amazing experience for kids to grow up for a couple of years in Europe. Man....if the trips and pay were better, I'd be there voluntarily.

Going into debt for a couple of years, or just living low for awhile when you're looking at your overall picture is worth it. I've been furloughed, and that's far more expensive. It's not easy to get a good flying job, even with the majors starting to hire, there just aren't enough decent options. You take the job you get, struggle for a couple of years, and then it gets better.

busdriver12

Only if your second home is a trailer. But yeah, we gave up a lot of toys, we would always say it was a Ferrari every other year for them. Anyways, it's paid off so far, and it's better than just leaving it to them after we die....as a pilot with FedEx, it could be any day now. You never know if you're going to be the next one to die in their fifties or sixties, sadly.

dspilot

We have homeschooled for years. I have no problem with it. However, it is my understanding that it is illegal to homeschool in Germany. Not sure about China, but my initial assumption is that it's against the rules there too.

busdriver12

Wow, illegal? Talk about the government interference in your life. I wonder if there are exceptions for internationals. I also wonder if people live in neighboring countries where it is legal and commute to CGN, if that is workable.

YYESIAV8

In Germany it is verboten, in the HKG SAR it is ok.

hoya saxa

No exceptions in Germany. They're hardcore about it and parents get sent to JAIL for bucking the no-homeschool laws.


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gcsass

Living in a neighboring country might work for school but you would not be eligible for the housing allowance.

One thing to keep in mind is that the CGN folks are on narrow body pay and take a pay cut each time a check is deposited (paid in dollars and spending Euros). The Union is fighting this issue in the contract talks and it appears as if the school allowance might (will probably) go up.

You said it yourself.....if the trips and pay were better you would go. We need to make this better so that it can be a realistic option for everyone and you won't have to rack up debt to do it. In my opinion being broke defeats the purpose of living in an FDA and negates the benefits of being based in a foreign country.