From Ireland anconsidering Kolkata - what can I expect from schooling? - Kolkata forum

chiara72

New member

Member since 19 June 2010

chiara72

20 May 2014 04:32:55

chiara72

20 May 2014 04:32:55

Hi there

We're an Irish family, currently living in Western Australia, formerly lived in the UAE and now considering Kolkata. Although moving around doesn't bother me, I'm worried about schooling as my children are getting older (my daughter is now in highschool) and I need to ensure she can receive a decent education.

Is there much in the way of extra curricular stuff? Music lessons, that sort of thing?

And generally, what is Kolkata like to live in?

Mobily33

Member

Member since 26 June 2014

Bath

Mobily33

26 June 2014 17:26:23

Mobily33

26 June 2014 17:26:23

Bath

Hi there Chiara,

How are you doing? I am in England and I am also in the process of moving to Kolkata at the end of this year with my family (2 children aged 2 and 6 months). I don't have the answer to the question that you posted, in fact I was just messaging to ask if anyone has responded to your question and if so did they recommend or make comments regarding living in the city? I visited once for a few days 2 years ago and didn't find much to do there really and am concerned that the children will be socially quite isolated. We will be living right in the center and I am not sure that there is much to do other than shop and locate coffee houses. Are you still planning to move there? Which area?

Best wishes,
Moira

lokesh6147

New member

Member since 11 July 2014

kullu

lokesh6147

13 July 2014 14:54:52

lokesh6147

13 July 2014 14:54:52

kullu

american-in-calcutta.blogspot.com

Mobily33

Member

Member since 26 June 2014

Bath

Mobily33

13 July 2014 22:05:55

Mobily33

13 July 2014 22:05:55

Bath

Thanks for the link!

lokesh6147

New member

Member since 11 July 2014

kullu

lokesh6147

14 July 2014 07:00:16

lokesh6147

14 July 2014 07:00:16

kullu

Already moved in Kolkata?
I just did 1 month ago.
Finding a decent accommodation isnt easy here as the whole town seems like a big village with ages old construction and narrow streets.You can consider living in newtown or Saltlake sector as it a new developed area.
Else for places in central Kolkata consider a high rise apartment that might cost you around 340 Pounds a month along with one time security deposit of approx 600 Pounds.

senwl

Serial expat

Member since 02 August 2013

Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh

senwl

20 July 2014 21:50:35

820

senwl

20 July 2014 21:50:35

820

Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh

Hi Chiara,

Not sure why you have chosen Kolkata as your next destination. You should have considered Bangalore, Pune, Mysore etc. Anyway, in terms of job opportunities and growth, Kolkata is lagging behind many other cities of India. The overall outlook is not so optimistic, even among the local Bengalis. Nothing is quite organized here; bit messy, chaotic and restless. Traffic, pollution and dust all around!!!

Kolkata has handful of good schools, but not too many International schools are here. Indian ICSE & CBSE curricula (taught in Eng medium) are good ones and give local students a competitive edge for an international career.
Here I suggest a few (as best as I could think of) for your consideration. Hope it helps.

1. http://www.lmgcal.edu.in/ (La Martiniere for Girls)
2. http://www.dpskolkata.com/ (Delhi Public School - kolkata)
3. http://www.oaktree.ac.in/ (IB school)
4. http://www.pailanworldschool.com/
5. http://www.mhsforgirls.edu.in/tiki-index.php (Modern High School for Girls)
6. http://www.thecambridgeschool.ac.in/index.html (The Cambridge School)

Many of the Kolkata schools may not have the best of the modern infrastructure and facilities but I think the quality of education is not compromised. Here's a recent headline from an Indian newspaper.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city … 981102.cms

As for higher education, definitely Kolkata is not the first choice. However, the following institutions are highly regarded in higher education.

1. http://www.iitkgp.ac.in/ (Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur) - outside Kolkata
2. https://www.iimcal.ac.in/ (Indian Institute of Management - Kolkata)
3. http://www.jaduniv.edu.in/htdocs/newindex.htm (Jadavpur University)
4. http://www.sxccal.edu/ (St. Xavier's College)

I am from Kolkata, born n brought up here.... still love to call it Calcutta though! Currently in Kolkata, just waiting to get out of it at the earliest opportunity.

It can be really stressful living in Kolkata. Please take care of pollution and dust. Take general precautions when out on the street and avoid outings at night. Honestly, I feel more secure and relaxed while in China or even in SE Asia.

Wish you a happy time in Kolkata.

Sen

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