About FIGT

From early discussion around Ruth van Reken's kitchen table, with three other associates from an international women's group in Indianapolis, about the lack of support for those dealing with adjustment issues relating to international relocations, a plan was formulated around two questions:

• How to get families the help they needed
• How to get those who work with these families to understand their issues

Over the next twelve months a name, a logo and a committment to a hold a series of one-day workshops that brought together these families with experts who could help them was envisoned.

This organization was to be called Families in Global Transition.

FIGT has, for over ten years, led the worldwide community in empowering families and those who serve them in global transition. FIGT is the premier advocate and educational resource for families, organizations and service providers. We build our global community by bringing together corporate, diplomatic, academic, the arts, military, missionary, and NGO sectors to share and develop leading edge research and concepts that address international relocation issues.

In recognition of that first kitchen table meeting in 1998, the Conference offers not only panel discussions and concurrent sessions, but also shorter "kitchen table" talks that give attendees a brief introduction to topics relevant to them.

At FIGT, we believe:

• Employees whose families are well supported will be more productive and engaged on assignment and beyond.
• The positive value of the international experience maximises both human and global potential.
• A global community is only complete when all elements are involved.
• Resilience can be learned.   

Watch a short video from FIGT's founder, Ruth van Reken about FIGT and how it got started.

Watch a short video below from Anne Copeland, Program Director of FIGT, on what makes FIGT different from other organizations.