Interview with Tracy Gaspar
What is your name, age , where do you live and how long have you lived there?
Tracy, 30, Benissa, 2 years.
What nationality are you and your partner?
English and Portuguese
How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?
3 x Children aged 10, 8 , 7 weeks. Sorry do not want to give names.
Do you work and if so what do you do?
No
What was your experience of having a baby in Spain?
Fantastic, 100% better than the UK!!!
What was your experience of relocating to Spain with children?
An easy transition apart from the occasional language barrier but overall a positive experience for the whole family.
How well integrated would you say you and your children are?
Fairly well although not many Spanish friends
What language do you speak to your children?
English
What is your impression of childcare and education in Spain so far?
Have not used any childcare facilities but the education system you get what you pay for. Cheap school = cheap education (Mar Azul), Higher priced school = better education (The lady elizabeth school).
What school do your children go to?
The Lady Eizabeth School
Why did you choose this school and are you happy with your choice?
It is one of the top 10 private schools in Spain and is miles better than Mar Azul where my children previously attended.
I am very happy with the education provided there.
Where you live, how good are the facilities for children (shops, restaurants, activities etc?)
Benissa, fairly good facilites but little to do with the children when the weather is bad
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Are there any particular activities, groups, classes etc for children in your town that you would recommend?
Theatre express but can be expensive.
Are there any particular service providers (doctors, dentists, babysitters, tutors etc) for children that you would recommend?
Acuario hospital for their services and care provided for children and mostly in own language.
What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the international community living in your town?
You can feel a bit disconnected at times but if you make the effort life is not much different from living in the UK.
Is there anything that you think would improve childrens lives living in your town?
Nothing that I can think of.
What advice would you give anyone having a baby or thinking of relocating to your town with children?
Having a baby, Acuario, Acuario, Acuario!!!! Take out private health insurance. Relocating with children, get out and make the effort to meet other mums either at the park, school, beach, etc. Try to get recommendations for any service provider before using them
What couldn’t you live without in your town?
Iceland!!! lol
What could you live without in your town?
Nothing that I can think of.
(Sep 09)
