One of the most surprising aspects of expat life is how different the daily school run can be around the world. Transport options, cultural expectations, weather, and city infrastructure all play a big role in shaping how families get their kids to school each day.
Having experienced the morning routine in Peru, South Korea, Malaysia, and Australia, I’ve seen firsthand how much the school run varies—and what that means for parents and kids.
Peru: The Early (and Challenging) School Bus Experience
In Lima, Peru, our kids took the school bus to and from school. The system was well-organised, with designated routes. It was super reliable, so even with Lima’s infamous traffic, the bus arrived on time each day.
Bus monitors were responsible for looking after the kids to and from school, but communication could be challenging, as most staff spoke little to no English. The convenience was great, though—the bus picked them up and dropped them off right outside our apartment. However, for young kids, the transition was a little tough. Not only was the bus ride 30 minutes each way, but starting a new school was daunting enough without adding a language barrier.
The school days started early, too. Our bus arrived at 6:30 AM, which meant being up and outside while it was still dark. It took some adjustment, but the kids adapted quickly. In fact, despite the short-lived experience (thanks to COVID shutting everything down just weeks after we arrived), they still talk about how much fun they had on the bus and the friendships they made.
One uniquely Peruvian perk? Ice cream vendors weaving through traffic to sell treats to kids when the bus stopped at lights or was caught in a traffic jam. It was a fun, unexpected highlight of the daily commute!
South Korea: A Walkable, Safe, and Efficient Routine
In South Korea, the school run couldn’t have been easier. Living on a school campus meant my kids could walk just two minutes to school. Many international schools on Jeju Island, South Korea, offer on-campus or nearby housing for expat families, making school commutes incredibly convenient.
No traffic, no stress—just a simple, independent commute. That said, if you’re off campus and navigating roads, it’s essential to be aware that pedestrian crossings are often ignored! Be sure to teach your kids to triple-check before crossing, as many drivers don’t slow down or stop for crossings.
Winter, however, introduced some challenges. Snow and ice made roads dangerous, yet schools rarely closed for bad weather. While we were lucky we could avoid the roads, even walking to school was a little extra challenging in icy conditions!
Malaysia School Run: Short Drive, Big Weather Challenges
Now, in Malaysia, our school run is more conventional. We live just five minutes from the school, so I drive the kids and my husband every morning. Compared to Peru’s long bus rides and Korea’s short walks, it strikes a nice balance—though being on a constant lookout for motorbikes takes some getting used to (who love to weave in and out of traffic on the inside or outside lanes!).
Many expat families live closer to George Town, where traffic is notoriously gridlocked, with congestion levels averaging over 80% during peak hours, according to local traffic reports. Navigating the city’s narrow roads and frequent bottlenecks can turn short commutes into lengthy delays.
Many kids at international schools take buses. But for those whose parents drive, the winding roads and unpredictable motorbike traffic add complexity – especially if there are any accidents along the way that completely block the route to school!
Another major factor? Weather. Malaysia’s monsoon season means occasional flooding, making some roads impassable. The drainage system is generally very good, but when heavy rains hit, detours and delays are unavoidable.
Walking and biking to school would be ideal, but narrow roads, less than ideal sidewalks, and aggressive motorbike drivers mean it’s just not practical for young kids. Unlike in Korea, where kids can navigate safely on their own, Malaysia’s infrastructure isn’t built for pedestrian-friendly school runs.
Australia School Run: Predictable and Stress-Free
Before moving overseas, we lived in Australia just five minutes from our local school, so walking was the best bet. In suburban areas, school runs were relatively smooth, with well-organised drop-off zones and minimal congestion.
However, in bigger cities, school traffic could be just as hectic as in some of the countries we’ve lived in, making public transport or walking preferable in some cases.
Compared to Malaysia’s unpredictable roads or Lima’s chaotic congestion, getting to school in Australia was very straightforward. Well-marked crossings, clear traffic laws, and a culture of pedestrian awareness made school runs far less stressful.
The biggest challenge? Getting out the door on time!
Lessons from the School Run Around the World
Every country offers a unique experience for getting kids to school. Traffic, safety, weather, infrastructure, and culture all shape how kids (and us parents) navigate the morning routine.
A few key takeaways from my experiences:
- Peru: Early starts, chaotic traffic, and a reliance on buses. A strong community aspect improved the experience for kids, but navigating an unfamiliar language added challenges.
- South Korea: Walkable, independent, and efficient—but winter weather and unpredictable pedestrian rules required caution.
- Malaysia: Short commutes, but weather can throw curveballs, and traffic can frustrate those in busier areas.
- Australia: Predictable, safe, and well-organised—though the school-run scramble never disappears, no matter where you are!
Wherever you live, one thing remains the same: mornings with kids are always a challenge!
The key to making school runs smoother in a new country is understanding the local transport options, preparing for weather-related disruptions, and embracing the unique quirks of the daily commute. Understanding the unique factors of each location can make the transition to a new school and country much smoother for the whole family!