Interview with Jane Pelger
What is your name, age and how long have you lived in Javea?
Jane Pelger, age 36 and lived in Javea for 6 years
What nationality are you and your partner?
Both British
How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?
I child, Amber age 2 and a half
Do you work and if so what do you do?
We have our own business selling and renting yachts
What was your experience of having a baby in Javea?
I had private health care here in Spain for my pre and post natel care as well as the birth of Amber. I gave birth at Denia hospital, as it was my 1st baby I was quite apprehensive of giving birth in a spanish hospital but the hospital was like a hotel and the staff and care was fantastic I really couldnt of had a btter experience!
How well intergrated would you say you and your children are?
We are very well integrated here we live in a great community with a lot of different nationalities, you do have to make an effort to integrate especially learning the language as the spanish are very friendly it definately helps if you try and make an effort! Its also a must if you plan to use the spanish healthcare system in regards to doctors services or if you intend to use the spanish school system.
What language do you speak to your children?
English and Spanish
What is your impression of childcare and education in Javea so far?
I have looked at several spanish pre schools in Javea and have found the English, Dutch and German ones slightly better.
What school do your children go to?
The Firs, Costa Nova, Javea
Why did you choose this school and are you happy with your choice?
The Firs offered a free trial day to see how Amber got on and all in all I am happy with the school. The only thing that is a slight let down is the fact that they dont teach any spanish until they start in the primary school.
Where you live, how good are the facilities for children (shops, resturants, activities etc)?
In Javea there are lots of facilities for children, music classes, tennis clubs, ballet and dance classes as well as lots of mums and tots groups that take place in alot of the schools and creches.
Are there any particular activities, groups, classes etc for children in Javea that you would recommend?
They are all great, I suggust joining them all and then see which ones your children enjoy. Active Angels at little Angels creche is great fun as are the ballet lessons at L'Ancora tennis club on saturday mornings.
Are there any particular service providers (doctors, dentists, babysitters, tutors etc) for children that you would recommend?
Most of the UK speaking doctors offer free baby clinics and baby massage that are a great place to meet new friends, there are also good babysitters around. A good idea is to have a group of friends to take turns babysitting when you fancy a night out then its free and you know your children are in good hands!
What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the international community living in Javea?
I think the language barrier is the main disadvantage but there are loads of people offering conversational spanish lessons and one to one lessons if you want to learn! The lifestyle here far outweighs any disadvantages that you could think of its a fantastic place to bring up your family
Is there anything that you think would improve childrens lives living in Javea?
Nothing really, you can always find things to do!
What advice would you give anyone having a baby or thinking of relocating to Javea with children?
Just do it!
What couldn’t you live without in Javea?
English tea bags
What could you live without in Javea?
Heating, carpets and cheap TV!
Sep 09
