Non-English speaking family in Johannesburg

Expert Info

Posted by

on 3 Jun 2014

My husband lives and works in Johannesburg, we have three children and soon we plan to join him in Johannesburg. We have girls ages 9 and 10, come from non English-speaking countries. Is there any preparation before enrolling in elementary school? Thanks in advance for your advice.

Anonymous (not verified) on 4 Jun 2014 - 07:35

Hi Jelena

Some of the International Schools in Johannesburg may be able to help you with English lessons, especially the French and German schools.

I would also have a look at the Field and Study Recreation Centre, the details of which can be found on the official City of Johannesburg website.

Hope this helps a bit.

Good luck,

Xavier

Anonymous (not verified) on 20 Jun 2014 - 21:22

Thank you Xavier :) I'm sorry for my bad english. I come from a small state called Bosnia, which was created by the dissolution of Yugoslavia .... Our native language is Serbo-Croatian. First, I need a center that be willing to care about my two girls a couple of hours and that there also are learning English. Because job waiting for me when I came to Joburg...

Anonymous (not verified) on 23 Jun 2014 - 07:11

Hi Jelena

Sorry that I don't speak Serbo-Croatian :)

It should be easy to find a daycare centre to take care of your daughters. It should also be easy enough to find English lessons. It might be more difficult to find somewhere that does both.

Most reputable schools and language teachers can easily be searched for on the internet.

I would maybe suggest having them start lessons while you are still in Bosnia to have a headstart.

It is natural to be concerned about how they will integrate, but people do it all the time. Adapting to a new country can be challenging but is very possible.

Good luck!

Xavier