MumAbroad

Interview with Jill Burgess

What is your name, age and how long did you live in Malaga?
Jill Burgess and I am 43 tomorrow! and have lived in Alhaurin El Grande, Malaga for 8 years along with my Husband and 2 children.

Why did you decide to move there?
We came to Spain via a TV programme called 'Get a New Life'. It was time to sell our home and try out something different..I have always been drawn to Spain, so when the opportunity came up, we took it.

What nationality are you and your partner?
We are both English, born and bread in South London.

How many children do you have, what are their names and when were they born?
We have 2 children Billy 13 born 21 May 1997 and Nancy 12 born 2 May 1998...yes they are 11 months apart, Billy was 8 weeks when I fell pregnant with Nancy....would not change it for the world.

Do you work and if so what do you do?
Due to illness last year, I was introduced to an Aloe Vera drink that really helped.....so I decided I wanted to know more about the Company and what it has to offer...I am now a distributor and building my own business and team. I have not looked back

What was your experience of relocating to Malaga with children?
The TV programme helped us with our NIE's and gaining places for the children within a local school, so you could say my experience was not a difficult one. I have helped other people get their children in the school and there has never been a problem.

How well integrated would you say you and your children are?
The children fully, sometimes I feel I am fully, then other times not. I would go to school meetings and feel just completely alien to it all. But as the years have gone on we feel that we can communicate enough to be able to fit into the community. You have to make the effort, attending local events and just try and talk as much as you can.

What language did you speak to your children?
We speak English in the house. My kids correct me if I say a Spanish word incorrect which is great and I love the fact that they can switch from one language to another when they are spoken to.

Do you think it essential for someone to speak Spanish when relocating to Malaga?
That question, I don't know, good to know some basic words, but all towns and villages have their own lingo and you may find it extremely difficult if you have learnt it all, then cannot understand what is being said. I would suggest having lessons.


How welcoming were the locals when you moved there?
rI had to make the effot, as long as you try, you are generally welcomed.

What was your impression of childcare and education in Malaga?
I cannot fault it.

What school(s)do your children go to?
IES Antonio Gala (Secondary Education), Alhaurin El Grande

Why did you choose this school/these schools and are you happy with your choice?
When your child goes to Primaria, they are generally allocated a place at an IES school. I was happy with their primary educationa nd had no problem with the choice of secondary. You do hear of stories of foreign children not getting on in school, but that can happen anywhere in the world wherever you are.

Are there any particular family restaurants, activities for kids or shops you can recommend in Malaga?
In our local town (Alhaurin El Grande) we eat at Spanish Restaurants, generally are all very good, the local ventas offerining Menu Del Dia (Mon to Fri) are very good as well. Childrens activities Karate, Swimming, Dancing, Music, Football, there is alot to offer the children, it is just knowing where to go and who to speak to about them. La Trocha Commercial Centre in Coin is a good place for Shopping (Dunnes Stores) and alot more. Plaza Mayor near to Malaga is a great place for the Cinema (showing English films regularly), Shopping and Eating as well. The Larios Centre in Malaga good for shopping, Calle Larios good restaurants, El Pimpi a well known wine bar in Malaga.

Are there any services you’d like to recommend?
Ecopools Professional Pool Maintenance all work carreid out to pools from pumps, re-grouting, sand changes and a monthly pool cleaning service (anything to do with pools) - 690128325 www.ecopools.es
Heart FM (Radio station)
Lourdes - Escuela de Baile (Alhaurin El Grande)
Forever Living Aloe Vera Products www.getanaturallife.es - 690123556
Family of Sound - Drama, Signing, Dance school - www.familyofsound.es
Shotokan Karate - Gynasium Olympus
La Trocha Sunday Market, Coin
Ladies that Lunch (can be located on Facebook) - group of ladies of all ages that meet every couple of weeks to have a chat, learn new things, make friends and find out general information about the community.
Costa Women (Facebook) - a network of ladies that live on the Costa

What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the International Community living in Malaga?
You do have the ability to be able to help others or offer advice and help. My children speak dual languages and are finding other languages easier to learn. You can be made to feel a foreigner at times, but you just have to take it in your stride. Just keep making the effot.

Is there anything you think would improve children´s lives in Malaga?
My children are very happy and I would not want to change anything.

What advice would you give for anyone having a baby or thinking of relocating to Malaga with children?
If you are thinking of relocating to Malaga region, then I would recommend you do it when your children are at a younger age, they have the ability to soak up the language alot easier. If your children are older, it does take them more time to settle

(Jan 2011)