Families in Global Transition Member Press Releases

Telling Your Intercultural Story

FIGT News Editor — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 17:19:57 GMT

Telling our stories helps to connect and remind us all that we have more in common than we know. I specialize in helping people who grew up or are currently living among worlds, who are tired of feeling unseen and unheard because they fear the rejection that might come when they tell the truth of their lived experience. Working with me, using my proven writing prompts and guidance on structuring a story, I transform their uncertainty and resistance into confident, truthful storytelling about their unique yet relatable lives, so they can stop having to choose between having their voice in the world and stifling themselves, and get on with the business of connection and expansion.

Dates coming up:

3-Month Immersive: Solo Show or Memoir online
   Mondays, March 20 - June 5, early evenings Pacific Standard Time (exact time TBD)

Memoir & Solo Show Workshop online
   Sundays, 11am-1pm, Pacific Standard Time
   April 16 - May 21 (6 sessions)

Elizabeth Liang (aka Lisa) is an actress, writer, speaker, producer, and workshop leader who grew up in six countries. Her one-woman show about her multiracial TCK upbringing, Alien Citizen, toured internationally and was made into a movie, now on DVD and streamable. She leads online workshops on telling your own story, with participants around the world. Schedule a free chat with Lisa here.

Just Launched – Second Edition “The Global Nomad’s Guide to University Transition”

FIGT News Editor — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 22:45:48 GMT

Dear colleagues,

Many of you already understand how important it is for students to make the adjustment to university. The success in that transition reflects on how well they have been prepared by their sending schools. The highly mobile, cross-cultural lifestyles of third culture kids/cross-cultural kids have impacted them in ways they don’t often understand. What results is the feeling of cultural imbalance, not fitting in, inability to connect with their domestic-country peers. They can feel like a "fish out of water."

Just in time for graduation! You may already be familiar with my groundbreaking 2009 book, "The Global Nomad’s Guide to University Transition." I’m really excited about this new and updated second edition and here’s why:

New in the Second Edition:

Articles by guest authors:

- Amanda Bates, M.B.A., M.Ed. on diversity, equity, and inclusion and building a career

- Lois Bushong, M.S. on mental health issues and finding a counselor

- Lauren Wells on dismantling your grief tower and romantic relationships

Updates and new stories brought about by 10 years of cultural change and a pandemic
Expanded parents’ chapter addressing the fallout of common parenting strategies as well as how parents can come alongside their students, prepare them for the journey, and support them throughout this major transition.

Now available on Amazon in most parts of the world. Please email me at tina.quick8490@gmail.com or tinaquick@comcast.net for bulk discounts which have been popular for international schools. If you find this second edition useful, please post a review on Amazon and share this press release with your networks.

I am also working to make available a new Training of Trainers course based on this new edition to help counselors and others working with TCKs put on their own school/organization workshops for the university transition, TCKs, transitions in general and more. Watch this space!

Tina Quick is a cross-cultural trainer, writer, and international speaker. Often referred to the “Transitions Expert,” Tina is also the author of "Survive and Thrive: The International Student’s Guide to Succeeding in the U.S."

The 2022 EAC Thesis Award deadline is near!

FIGT News Editor — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 01:46:44 GMT

As an organisation that welcomes researchers from around the world, the Expatriate Archive Centre (EAC) seeks high-quality academic works that improve our understanding of expatriate life. Expatriates as a group tend to ‘fall through the cracks’ when it comes to being represented in official government archives, as well as in global migration studies. With the EAC Thesis Award, we wish to support critical scholarship at the master's degree level that endeavours to shift and expand understandings of what an 'expatriate' is.

The deadline for the 2022 EAC Thesis Award is 31 March 2022. Please visit the EAC website for more information about thesis criteria, jurors, and how to apply.

Kristine Racina is the director of the Expatriate Archive Centre, a non-profit archive in the Netherlands with a global outreach.

Coming in 2022 from Distance Families

FIGT News Editor — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 00:16:29 GMT

In April 2021 author, Helen Ellis of DistanceFamilies.com published the successful, Being a Distance Grandparent – a Book for ALL Generations.

“Helen’s book was a huge comfort read. As a distance grandparent I often feel a disconnect with local grandparents, but this book filled in all the gaps.”

In 2022 Helen will publish, Being a Distance Son or Daughter – a Book for ALL Generations.

FIGT members will relate to this title: this is you. When guilt of the left behind family is such a dominant emotion for expats and migrants, this book will give YOU comfort, and as the reviewer above says, "fill in some gaps.”

Also coming in 2022 is the audio book version of Being a Distance Grandparent, narrated by Helen.

Like to be kept informed? Please register for the monthly newsletter.

Helen Ellis, M.A. is a New Zealand researcher, author, anthropologist, veteran of Distance Parenting/Grandparenting and the Founder of DistanceFamilies.com. Through her book series she helps ALL generations of Distance Families understand "how it is" for the other. This creates empathy which is a good thing for Distance Families. www. distancefamilies.com

Kaleidoscope Announces Virtual TCK Club for ages 7-16!

FIGT News Editor — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 03:09:14 GMT

Help your third culture kids build ongoing friendships and get consistent debriefing with TCK Club!

TCK Club by Kaleidoscope is for globally mobile kids ages 7-16 and is just as mobile as you are! Join a 6 week session and connect with third culture kids all over the world for one hour a week. Get started with TCK 101 to learn all about culture, identity and healthy transitions then choose from a variety of Clubs that are offered by theme (like dance, games and even computer coding).

There are three ways to join the Club:

1. Do you have third culture kids ages 7-16? Get them registered for the next TCK Club session, starting July 26
2. Do you have a TCK 16 and up? Encourage them to apply to be a volunteer TCK Club leader!
3. Looking for new and creative ways to connect with third culture kids yourself? Join the TCK Club team as a contracted, expert leader.

Kaleidoscope celebrates every third culture journey. TCK Club has a spot for you and your kids!

Jessi is a TCK, just like your kids. She started Kaleidoscope from her own desire for better community and consistent debrief during her mobile childhood. Jessi loves using creativity to help TCKs process their unique stories. Visit kldscp.org to find out how.

Book Launch: Being a Distance Grandparent - A Book for ALL Generations

FIGT News Editor — Wed, 12 May 2021 02:08:04 GMT

The first of a three-book series - the 'how it is' of Distance Familying from the parent/grandparent's perspective. With understanding comes empathy... and empathy is a good thing for Distance Families. Available via the FIGT Bookstore.

Helen Ellis is a New Zealand researcher, writer, anthropologist and a veteran of Distance Grandparenting. She is the Founder of DistanceFamilies.com and is an encourager of empathy within intergenerational, Distance Families.

Emerging and Experienced Interculuralists

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 19:45:19 GMT

Anne Copeland, PhD, the founder and director of The Interchange Institute is announcing two opportunities for emerging and experienced interculturalists:

(1) A new online survey, Building and Nurturing Your Intercultural Career, focuses on how you got started doing intercultural work, what you’ve tried to do to promote our work and/or small business, and what worked and what didn’t. Please be part of this global survey by completing it and sharing the link with your community – the more respondents, the more helpful for all.

(2) We’ve announced our upcoming schedule for our training of trainers course, Crossing Cultures with Competence, both on line and (in the fall, in compliance with health advisories) in person. Many in the FIGT community have found this course an important stepping stone for launching their careers.

Next up: May 21 and 24-27, 2021.

See interchangeinstitute.org for details.

Anne Copeland, PhD, is founder and director of The Interchange Institute. She is a researcher and an intercultural psychologist, and former FIGT Program Chair and board member. interchangeinstitute.org

Is this you?

FIGT News Editor — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 00:07:12 GMT

*You are looking for ways to amplify how you serve expats but you don’t know where to start.

*You’re ho-hum about your products and services because they seem invisible in an oversaturated market.

*You’re tired of the solopreneur grind because you can’t get ahead and need a breakthrough. FAST.

*You’re frustrated because you feel you’re wasting time and money creating content that doesn’t grab attention.

*You’re unmotivated because you lack a clear action plan, and there’s no one to hold you accountable.

*You’re insecure about your business operations because you’re not confident they’re efficient.

The excuse factory is closed. Empower yourself with Expat Coach Coalition, a methodology you can trust, be proud of, and that can provide you with financial independence for years to come -- regardless of where you live!

Expat Coach Coalition is more than a program, it is a community diverse exceptional solopreneurs working remotely around the world.

Our coaches have experience in Africa, Europe, North America, Middle East, and Asia. We fuse our individual superpowers into one international coaching dream fleet and we’re looking forward to adding coaches from even more locations!

After more than a decade of professional experience in the global mobility landscape as an intercultural strategist and solution-oriented coach, Sundae Schneider-Bean is sharing her proven methods, materials, and secrets for success to bring much-needed resources and support to our community right when they need us the most.

Book Launch - Lançamento de Livro

FIGT News Editor — Sat, 03 Apr 2021 23:52:50 GMT

This is the first book written in Portuguese for anyone who is moving internationally or is supporting families in global transition. A practical guide and filled with real histories, it is a useful and fun book to have.

Guia prático para quem pretende se mudar para um novo país escrito por duas brasileiras com muita experiência no assunto. O livro traz dicas, depoimentos, indicações de leitura, sites de referência e uma pequena lista de prestadores de serviço que ajudarão o leitor em cada etapa do processo de transição internacional – desde a tomada de decisão até a formação de um lar em qualquer país do mundo. Uma ferramenta preciosa para quem pretende se lançar nessa aventura.

Carolina is a multi-cultural international transition coach, an author, and a seasoned expat. She serves international individuals and families through one on one sessions, works with corporations to support their expats, and is available for public speaking engagements. Carolina is a former board member of FIGT and currently serves as the co-leader for the FIGT Brazil Affiliate.

Carolina é uma coach internacional multi-cultural, autora e expatriada de longa duração. Ela trabalha através de sessões individuais com pessoas vivendo fora de seus países de origem, apoia empresas e seus expatriados e esta disponível para apresentações e workshops. Carolina foi diretora da FIGT e hoje eh co-lider do Afiliados Brasil.

The Global Career Workbook

FIGT News Editor — Sun, 14 Mar 2021 01:35:08 GMT

This workbook addresses the multitude of challenges that need to be mastered in order to find a job in another country as a migrant or expat spouse.

By giving step-by-step guidance and hands-on exercises to complete within each chapter, the book is an engaging professional tool that is clear, easy-to-use, and practical. While providing technical guidance and self-development tactics, the workbook also provides intercultural insights about why the Swiss labour market is often perceived as “more difficult to crack” than other labour markets.

"Switzerland" is an example for a destination where many migrants and expat spouses would look for a job. Most of the exercises are valid in any cultural context and in other expatriates hubs such as Dubai or Singapore too.

Angie Weinberger is a global mobility coach. She coaches expats and their partners through her programs. Angie has always worked in international human resources, specializing in global mobility throughout her corporate career. In 2012 she founded Global People Transitions. Angie is the author of The Global Career Workbook and The Global Mobility Workbook.

The Global Mobility Workbook

FIGT News Editor — Sun, 07 Mar 2021 01:54:33 GMT

Why buy The Global Mobility Workbook and our learning support?

Global mobility is currently undergoing a global transformation. New technologies, the constant evolution of companies, generational diversity, and political situations have evolved the roles and lives of mobile professionals faster than existing policies can keep up, calling for a clear focus on the processes to be updated to better cater for the people we serve.

Are you, as a global mobility professional, feeling overwhelmed by the speed and scope of this ‘boom?’ Perhaps you need to introduce yourself to the field and get a better, broader overview of global mobility.

Maybe you are in HR or a line manager and want to ensure that you are becoming an employer of choice for younger generations demanding global mobility as a prerequisite for working with you.

Or, you are just on the brink of deciding for or against an international assignment as an expat or expat family and want to better understand the language we use.

How we will help you:

Working with The Global Mobility Workbook and our learning support will enable you to:

● run your business or line of work in a more strategic way by gaining a deeper understanding of the trends and drivers of global mobility

● develop and sort your legal framework, policies, guidelines, and exception management

● give you models for improving how you can explain what we do to the outside world

● support expats and their spouses and enhance the expat experience through training, coaching and gaining a deeper understanding of the psychological effects of cultural adjustment

● develop your professional profile and foster global competency

Expatriate Archive Centre Master's Thesis Award

FIGT News Editor — Sun, 28 Feb 2021 19:26:31 GMT

The Expatriate Archive Centre created a Master’s Thesis Award to celebrate and reward talents who produce outstanding master’s theses that help to further understand the impact of expatriation on people’s lives. Expatriates as a group tend to ‘fall through the cracks’ when it comes to being represented in official government archives, as well as in global migration studies. We endeavour to shift and expand understandings of what an ‘expatriate’ is.

The submission deadline is 31 March 2021. The winner is announced 15 July 2021 and awarded 500 euros, followed by the promotion of the first-place thesis.

The Expatriate Archive Centre collects and preserves the life stories of expatriates worldwide for future research. We are located in The Netherlands but our outreach is global. We are here to serve researchers around the world!

Doors Open for the Location Independent Therapists Community

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 15:38:06 GMT

Calling all mental health professionals! Would you like to take your business to the next level this year?

Then come join us in the Location Independent Therapists Community!

Co-founded by FIGT members, Melissa Parks and Sonia Jaeger, this community provides a dedicated space for therapists who want support and inspiration as they grow their portable businesses. We offer peer supervision, a book club, virtual co-working sessions, business meetups discussing all aspects of starting and growing a successful online practice, and much more! Doors open for new members just a few times a year and will be open February 1st-6th. Would you like to join us?

Click on the following link to learn more and sign up for updates at:

Dr Sonia Jaeger is a German-French psychologist, psychotherapist and full-time digital nomad. She provides online counselling to the globally mobile in German, French and English and is the co-founder of the Location Independent Therapists Community and co-host of the German podcast "Mit Psychologie und Laptop um die Welt". https://www.sonia-jaeger.com/en/

Melissa Parks has her PhD in Clinical and Health Psychology and provides online coaching to expats and global nomads. During her 10 years living abroad she worked in mental health settings in both Spain and the Netherlands and repatriated back to the United States in 2019. She’s trained to teach the Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program and is the co-founder of the Location Independent Therapists Community. https://www.intentionalexpat.com/

Telling Your Intercultural Story

FIGT News Editor — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 00:31:48 GMT

Our stories and our feelings about them matter. Honor them.

These workshops help you to write your solo show, memoir, personal essay, or keynote. Anyone who grew up or is currently living between or among different worlds, as a bridge or an island or both (whatever that may mean to you), will get a lot from this class.

Dates coming up:

Saturdays, 11am-1pm, Singapore Time

January 30 - March 6 (6 sessions)

Sundays, 11am-1pm, Pacific Time (USA/MEX/CAN)

January 31 - March 7 (6 sessions)

Thursdays, 7-9pm, UTC/GMT

February 4 - March 11 (6 sessions)

Elizabeth Liang is an actress, writer, producer, and workshop leader who grew up in six countries. Her one-woman show, Alien Citizen, toured internationally and was made into a movie, now on DVD and streamable. She leads workshops on telling your own story, with participants around the world (via Skype). Schedule a free chat with Lisa here.

Webinar: From Stuck to Unstuck: Creating Positive Change in 2021

FIGT News Editor — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 00:07:03 GMT

We often love New Year for the possibility that a fresh 365 days can bring. But so often we realise a few weeks in, that despite our positive intentions and resolutions we are reverting to the 'same old, same old'. If this strikes a chord with you, then let me help you move from 'Stuck to Unstuck.' 2021 doesn't have to be a sticky year despite all the uncertainty that surrounds us. Register for my free webinar: From Stuck to Unstuck: Creating Positive Change in 2021.

Date: Friday, February 12, 2021

Time: 3:00pm GMT (UK)

Louise Wiles is a change and transition coach and consultant. Her coaching and training programmes focus on supporting individuals and companies through the challenge and opportunity that comes with change and transition, including international relocation. She uses a strengths-based wellbeing framework as the foundation for creating positive change based on an inspiring vision of the future.

The International School Transitions-Care Landscape

FIGT News Editor — Fri, 13 Nov 2020 14:01:22 GMT

Sea Change Mentoring and Globally Grounded present the latest report card on international schools transitions-care.

Ellen Mahoney (Sea Change Mentoring) and Jane Barron (Globally Grounded) are delighted to share their latest research with you.

Their independent research project surveyed the international school landscape to identify the common practices, challenges and opportunities in transitions-care.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has thrust the world into transition, confirming that change is our constant companion and highlighting the need for individuals to actively engage in the process of transition in all contexts of life.

Join the conversation with Ellen and Jane as they discuss their findings and provide useful information for international schools seeking to improve the way they care for young people impacted by global mobility and provide optimal transitions-care for their entire school community.

Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Time: 8am Jakarta | 9am Singapore | 12noon Sydney | 5pm (Nov 24) Los Angeles

Prior to this session, you will receive the link to join the conversation online.

Ellen Mahoney, MEd., is an alumna of international schools, the CEO of Sea Change Mentoring, and a Council of International Schools Affiliated Consultant. She is the only professional working with international schools who is certified in mentoring program supervision. In 2013, Ms Mahoney was named a David Pollock Scholar and an Echoing Green Semifinalist for founding Sea Change Mentoring, which provides consulting, program design, and professional development for international schools developing Social and Emotional Learning, mentoring, advisory, wellbeing, and transitions programs. In 2019, she launched The Circulus Institute, which provides blended learning opportunities for school staff with a focus on wellbeing and adult social and emotional learning. She is the author of Ten Strategies for Educators' Wellbeing: A Handbook for Schools During the COVID-19 Outbreak and is the host of the Sea Change Podcast, a podcast that discusses wellbeing, social emotional learning, and the power of relationships in international schools. She is currently based in New York City and San Francisco.

Jane Barron, MEd., is founder of Globally Grounded, a company dedicated to equipping students crossing cultures, their families and those who educate them to effectively navigate the triumphs and trials associated with living and learning amidst diverse domestic and international cultures. Ms Barron consults and presents to international and local schools (day and boarding), along with students and their families, developing their understanding of the impact of cross-cultural mobility, creating programs and implementing support mechanisms to enhance learning and life. An evaluator, developer, designer and collaborative implementer of customised comprehensive school-based transition and cultural integration programs, Barron’s work is informed by 27 years’ experience in education including both international and local schools, parenting two TCKs while living and working in South East Asia, a domestically mobile childhood and a repatriation to Australia. A Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN) Board Member, Families in Global Transition (FIGT) member, Australian Boarding Schools Association (ABSA) member and Parfitt-Pascoe Writing Scholar, Ms Barron is co-author of Insights and Interviews from The 2017 Families in Global Transition Conference - Building on The Basics: Creating Your Tribe on the Move. Her writing has also been published in International Teacher Magazine, International School Magazine, The International Educator, I Am A Triangle and she blogs at www.globallygrounded.com. Currently, Ms Barron is based in Sydney, Australia.

Creative Storytelling for TCKs

FIGT News Editor — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 01:58:30 GMT

Debriefing is a fancy way of saying “tell your story” and it’s a vital skill for third culture kids to acquire at any age. Join Kaleidoscope for a Creative Storytelling workshop. You will learn the importance of consistent and creative debriefing and walk away with easy-to-use tips and tools to process with your TCKs, be it at a debriefing session or around the dinner table after a long week.

WHEN: Nov. 13, 2020, 11AM EST (recorded replay available to anyone registered)

WHAT:
1 hour LIVE workshop
3 creative worksheets to use with your TCKs
Bonus: Our best tips to create safe spaces and connect with kids and teens virtually.

HOW: Visit www.kldscp.org/workshops to register!

Jessi grew up in Uzbekistan and graduated from Hope International University with a desire to help families just like hers who were spending their most formative years between cultures— voila, Kaleidoscope was born! She channels all of her creative energy into new and exciting ways to engage TCKs, wherever they are in the world. She can currently be found outside of Boston, Massachusetts, USA spray painting any used furniture she can get her hands on and on Instagram, @jessi_rue.

FREE WORKSHOP: How to find the right business idea for you

FIGT News Editor — Sun, 04 Oct 2020 23:08:59 GMT

Nomad Nation, if you want to find an idea to create your own portable business that allows you to make an impact and generate revenue from home or on the move, which one of these situations below is you?

A. Love the idea but I couldn't do that - I have no business experience!

B. I want my own portable business but I don’t have a business idea.

C. I am so ready to start a business! I have lots of ideas and don’t know which one to choose!

A. That voice telling you that you can’t have a business is wrong! You can do this and I can help you make that big mindset shift you need to get started on finding the right opportunity for you.

B. This is a great place to be - what if I could give the roadmap to find the right business idea for you?

C. Amazing! I am going to show you how to choose the best option for you!

Whether you are A, B or C, I am really excited to share some big news with you.

Sundae Bean and I invite you to this special virtual workshop on Thursday October 15th at 8am EDT - 2pm CEST - 9pm JST to help you take the first steps towards finding the right portable business for you.

In fact, this is not going to be the typical webinar! During this live workshop, you will have the opportunity to start brainstorming on some ideas and get feedback.

Together we will cover:

What the 10 steps to find the right business idea for you are.
How to know where you can make a difference and generate revenue.
What needs to happen to go from ideas to a business that is viable, profitable, and portable.

Are you ready to find out how to get started on building your portable business dream? Click here to register to this free workshop.

Amel Derragui is a business and marketing coach and the founder of Tandem Nomads. When she gave up her career to join her husband abroad, she started her consulting business in marketing and branding to provide strategic solutions to various clients in major industries across three continents. Six years later, discovering a real need for expat spouses to find their own source of fulfillment and financial freedom, she launched Tandem Nomads. Amel has since been featured for her work on the cover story of Forbes Magazine in Austria, Global Living Magazine in the US and other media. She has done a number of speaking engagements at various organizations including the UN, World Bank and IMF. More info on: www.tandemnomads.com

Sundae is an intercultural specialist and solution-oriented coach. She is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council and host of the podcast, Expat Happy Hour. Sundae is the mother of two third-culture kids and has lived overseas since 1998. Originally from the US, she has lived in Switzerland, Burkina Faso and is now in South Africa. She has helped individuals from more than 60 countries go through transitions and change. Sundae also works with individuals seeking more purpose and meaning as they face the challenges of living globally mobile lives as well as supporting multinational companies and NGOs to help their employees make the most of their time abroad.

Reeling from Relocation

FIGT News Editor — Sun, 20 Sep 2020 00:45:48 GMT

Have you recently moved to a new city or country during the COVID-19 pandemic? (Or know someone who has?) Then please join us for our online event!

Moving to a new city is never easy especially if it involves an international relocation, or perhaps even more challenging, re-entry to one's 'home' country following an Expat assignment. Add COVID-19 to the moving mix--and the turmoil and chaos created enters uncharted territory!

If you have recently relocated or are planning a move in 2020, join Doreen Cumberford, Lindy Chapman, Suzi Worley, and Lynn Greenberg for an online conversation Oct. 1 about the challenges of connecting in a new city and how to navigate the transition in a post-COVID world.

Reserve your free ticket, join the conversation and connect with others in the relocation community

We look forward to seeing you soon!

P.S. If you haven’t relocated but know someone who has, please feel free to share the link with others who might be interested.

Date: Thursday, October 1, 2020

Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM EDT (New York)

About the Hosts:

Doreen Cumberford — Author of "Life in the Camel Lane;" Re-entry Specialist
Lindy Chapman — host of #ReloTalk on Linkedin Live; Relocation Specialist
Suzi Worley — Silicon Valley Refugee, and Small Business Social Media Specialist

Sponsored By:

Pivt — Lynn Greenberg is a former Expat and founder of Pivt, an app designed to reduce the emotional churn of relocation.

New event: Expatriate Archive Centre's Virtual Information Morning

FIGT News Editor — Sun, 20 Sep 2020 00:32:57 GMT

On 5 October, the Expatriate Archive Centre will hold its semi-annual Information Morning online for the first time. This also marks the first time our only regular event is open to a global audience rather than to people who can travel to our office. Please join us as we discuss our services, current initiatives, opportunities for volunteering, and more. If you are interested but cannot attend the live session, you may still register with an option to receive a recording of the event.

Date: Monday, 5 October 2020

Time: 14:00 CEST (The Netherlands)

* The event will take place on Zoom and will be recorded.

Since March, the EAC has changed how it works in response to government-issued guidelines that help protect the staff, volunteers, and researchers against the risk of the novel coronavirus. The show must go on, however, and we are excited about the opportunities that doing most of our work online offers — including this Virtual Information Morning.

* The deadline to register is Sunday, 4 October 23:59 CEST.

The EAC exists to facilitate quality research that promotes and enhances a better understanding of expatriate life. We are located in The Netherlands but have a global outreach. We count more than 130 family archives from 14 nationalities in 120 countries in our holdings, and we hope to add many more in the coming years.

Book Release

FIGT News Editor — Sat, 19 Sep 2020 15:35:45 GMT

I'm excited to announce that my memoir about our time as expats living in China is here! -- 'CHINA BLONDE - How a newsreader's search for adventure led to friendship, acceptance...and peroxide pandemonium!' is available now. I know that any families who've made the transition to living overseas will relate to my trials and tribulations along with the incredible experience living abroad brings.

A journalist with over 20 years’ experience, Nicole worked as a producer, reporter and news presenter at Sky News Australia for a decade. She currently works as a freelance writer and speaker, based in Sydney, Australia. CHINA BLONDE is her first book.

Online Training of Trainers: Crossing Cultures with Competence

FIGT News Editor — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 00:14:13 GMT

The Interchange Institute is now offering its popular workshop, Crossing Cultures with Competence, online. This unique training-of-trainers program is designed for those who are already working with people from other cultures and who want new ideas, new materials and a new level of understanding about how to offer a top-notch cultural orientation. We will resume in-person workshops when it is safe to do so. In the meantime, online delivery, delivered by a team of senior trainers with expertise in varied sectors, has been very welcome, especially with the FIGT community. Use this time to get the structure and materials you need to combine your expatriate journey with your professional and/or volunteer experience.

Wondering if this might be for you? Let’s set up a quick chat to help you decide. Contact info@interchangeinstitute.org. Space is limited. See www.interchangeinstitute.org for details.

Dr. Anne Copeland leads the team of master trainers for this online workshop. She is the founder of The Interchange Institute whose mission is to study and support the needs of people in intercultural transition. She served on the FIGT Board and Program Committee for many years and joyfully welcomes its members to this course.

Free Webinar on Maintaining Relationships with Family Overseas [Hosted by Resettlement Specialist, Bridget Romanes & Distance-Family Researcher, Helen Ellis]

FIGT News Editor — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 22:06:09 GMT

It's easy to take family for granted, isn't it? Until you go to live in a different country…

Visits are great, and near impossible right now. Zoom is magical. But it can’t replace hugs. Or being there in times of sadness and celebration.

As expats and migrants, long-distance familying is a poignant experience. Often desperately wanted, but also overwhelmingly hard some days.

Helen Ellis’s thought-provoking research on distance grand-parenting gives insight into what it takes for all family members to succeed in staying emotionally close, while physically apart.

Mobile Relocation brings you a FREE webinar with Helen on Wednesday, 24 June @ 7:30pm NZST.

Click on the image above to convert to your time zone.

We hope this webinar provides support to the expat and migrant community familying from afar in the COVID-19 world. Please invite your grandparents and distant family members to join us too. Places are limited, so register now.

Bridget and Helen are both FIGT members who, despite being fellow Kiwis, met at an FIGT Coffee and Connect session! www.mobile-relocation.com

Global Life in a Global Pandemic: The Impact of COVID-19 on Expatriates/Global Individuals and Their Families: Survey

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 18:26:54 GMT

The COVID-19 global pandemic has caused closed borders and grounded flights around the world. We are doing research into how the situation has affected expatriates and their families. Will it impact their motivation and willingness to live and work abroad? In a global pandemic what happens to the global talent pipeline? Post COVID-19 what will the 'new global' look like? Have you been affected? Most importantly, wherever you are in the world, we hope that you and your loved ones stay safe and well. Take our survey here:

This research is a collaboration between FIGT members, who are intercultural scholars from universities in Hungary, Belgium and the UK - based in Singapore and Malaysia. It will contribute towards PhD research and to papers for submission to academic journals and conferences.

Joyce Jenkins is an experienced intercultural business coach, facilitator and consultant. She also teaches and researches intercultural communication at universities, with a special interest in supporting and developing global individuals and their families. www.experthumans.org.

Our own Doreen Cumberford is launching her book Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure

Thu, 07 May 2020 17:23:18 GMT

Author Doreen Cumberford calls her book Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure a “learnoire.” It is a combination of Cumberford’s story and the stories of other expats and the lessons they learned living in Saudi Arabia as expat employees or spouses.

Readers considering expat living will learn the four stages of culture shock: arrival, honeymoon, frustration and adjustment. The final stage of acceptance is followed by the adjustments of returning to their home country.

Life in the Camel Lane seeks to acquaint readers with the Saudi culture, lifestyle, and it's deep traditions of hospitality, generosity and tolerance from an insider’s perspective. Cumberford describes Saudi weddings, the sport of falconry and her own feelings about the Saudi law prohibiting women driving (that has since been relaxed.) There are also chapters on the experiences of 9/11 in the terrorists’ home country and the “Terror Years” of internal terror tactics from inside Saudi Arabia. These tactics were designed to drive the expats out of the country and destroy the Saudi government.Readers considering expat living will learn the four stages of culture shock: arrival, honeymoon, frustration and adjustment. The final stage of acceptance is followed by the adjustments of returning to their home country.

With stories and compelling honesty, Cumberford describes her family’s most challenging journey and many of the lessons they learned together.

Written to provide useful insights and inspiration to anyone considering living abroad, Life in the Camel Lane shines the light on building a new identity and home while abroad, and the difficulties of the journey home.

A native of Scotland, Doreen Cumberford worked for the British Government in London and Cameroon in the mid 1970s, then an American corporation in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates immediately after. She has been an entrepreneur, coach, writer and speaker while traveling these last four decades. Doreen has lived in seven countries on four continents, including the Middle East for 18 years. Doreen coaches, speaks and writes about using travel as a tool for transformation, together with the necessary mindset to process international transitions and constant travel with ease and grace.

Thriving Abroad Together Podcast Series

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 17:33:08 GMT

Covid-19 without a doubt has reminded the world about our degree of interconnectedness. On the one hand we have closed airports, retreated behind national borders, turned inwards closing down communities and neighbourhoods.

On the other hand, despite the physical distancing, the sense of social connection and resulting support around the world has been heart warming.

The Thriving Abroad Together podcast series is an example of this desire to support. The aim to provide positive insights, advice and stories to lift and support the internationally mobile through this challenging time.

Over fifteen generous spirited professionals have contributed their time and expertise to this series, many are members of FIGT.

Click below to access these interviews.

Louise Wiles is the host of the Thriving Abroad podcast, and also a coach supporting individuals to navigate the challenges and maximize the opportunities and outcomes of relocation and international employment. She is the author of "THRIVING ABROAD: The definitive guide to professional and personal relocation success."

SENIA International Announces New Executive Director, Lori Boll

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 15:53:10 GMT

“SENIA, is seeing rapid worldwide growth and along with the transformation of SENIA (Asia) to SENIA International, we needed a dynamic educational leader to continue to push SENIA’s mission/vision,” said Kate Balsamo, SENIA’s Board Chair. “Lori Boll’s long record of advocating for students in the special needs community along with her personal family connection to autism, made her an obvious candidate.”

Lori is no stranger to SENIA. She attended her first conference in 2010 and organized the SENIA 2011 conference in Shanghai, China. She and six others formed SENIA’s first board, of which she has been a member for the past nine years.

Lori is currently finishing her work as the Intensive Learning Needs teacher at International School Bangkok, a program she created with support from the school. Although she is sad to leave her classroom, she is excited to help lead SENIA in its work worldwide advocating for the support and resources required to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities.

About SENIA

SENIA was started by a group of international school teachers in China in 2002. The goal was to create a support network for teachers and other professionals working with children with special educational needs in Asia. SInce then, SENIA has expanded to a global association of educators, professionals, and parents with chapters in Asia, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and South America. SENIA is currently an FIGT Silver Sponsor.

About Lori Boll

Lori Boll is an experienced Special Education leader with a personal connection to individuals with disabilities.

In 2003, Lori’s son Braden was diagnosed with profound autism. This milestone event changed her focus from teaching elementary students to advocating for all children and their education with a focus on meaningful inclusion.

In Shanghai, China Lori worked as a principal for a small school for children with special needs and went on to co-found the first inclusive school in the city. Currently Lori is running the Intensive Needs Program which opened up at International School Bangkok in 2017.

Lori has two graduate degrees; one in Reading Education and the other in Special Education and has been teaching for over twenty-five years in international schools, including American International School Riyadh, Jakarta International School, and Concordia International School, as well as in the United States in California and Colorado.

Social-Emotional Learning Activities Guide for Parents

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 17:21:11 GMT

To assist parents & kids during the current global crisis RCTC has initiated a free downloadable Social-Emotional Learning Activities Resource Guide for Parents. New activities to be posted every week.

To download the SEL Activities go to: www.resiliencecounselingcenter.com/publications.html

William G Nicoll, PhD co-directs the Resilience Counseling & Training Center providing individual, couples and family counseling, parent coaching and professional development training. Bill brings 50 years of experience as a teacher, school counselor, mental health/family therapist, and university professor specializing in child, family & school issues.

FREE WEBINAR: How to attract clients and communicate in uncertain times

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 16:59:21 GMT

In the past weeks, Amel has heard many concerns about whether it is “ethical” or “appropriate” to keep selling and promoting a business right now.

If you listened to her podcast episode #161, you might already know her position and why she thinks you cannot just pause everything and wait for brighter days, no matter if you already have a business, or were planning to start a business.

Now, you might wonder how can you then continue to show up, adjust to the circumstances and make sure that you do business mindfully?

That is why she decided to organize a FREE WEBINAR to share with you:

How to attract clients and communicate in uncertain times

During this webinar she will share with you strategies and real life examples of:

How to continue to nurture your current clients even if you cannot serve them right now
How to pivot and make the necessary adjustments in your business to continue to be relevant
How to communicate mindfully and effectively to attract new leads and new clients

To help you in these uncertain times, she invites you to join her for a FREE webinar on Friday, April 17 at 8 am EDT. Although it is best to join live to get access to the interactive parts, if you can't join, make sure to sign up to get the recording.

She can't wait to meet you there!

Amel Derragui is business and marketing coach, speaker and podcast host at Tandem Nomads. After a career in advertising, she quit her job to join her husband abroad and launched her first business consulting corporate companies while living on the move. Six years later, as she saw a critical need to support other expat spouses in finding their own source of fulfillment and financial independence, she launched Tandem Nomads to help them learn how to grow a successful portable business. Amel speaks for various international organizations such as the IMF, World Bank and European ministries of foreign affairs to provide guidance on how to use entrepreneurship as a solution to dual career challenges. Her work is featured in various media such as Forbes Magazine. www.tandemnomads.com

SALUS© Platform to Address Mental and Emotional Welfare Connected to COVID-19

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 18:54:26 GMT

Generation Mobility's SALUS© platform is slated to go live on April 10th, 2020 with the goal of connecting individuals and families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with a mental health professional or certified coach. The service for individuals and families living abroad will be available, free of charge, for the months of May and June.

We are asking for mental health professionals and certified coaches to sign up as soon as possible to donate their time to help individuals and families around the world. So far we have professionals onboard from 20 countries with over 25 languages.

Download the Press Release

Alicia Partee is driven by a single, powerful vision: To break down the barriers that prevent people and businesses from thriving globally, and to use technology to scale the solution. For over 20 years, Alicia worked in the disruptive, fast-paced world of Silicon Valley where she led projects and teams at Fortune 500s, startups and non-profit organizations. In 2006, she wanted to step back from the corporate world, and made a successful career transition into mental health. Learn more about Alicia at aliciapartee.com.

Virtual Training: Crossing Cultures with Competence goes online!

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 17:37:34 GMT

The Interchange Institute will be offering its popular training of trainers workshop, Crossing Cultures with Competence, online. First group starts the week of May 11, 2020. Same content, same materials, same site license, same personalized focus - just a virtual format, with four master trainers for the price of one! Space is limited. See www.interchangeinstitute.org for details.

Let us know if you have questions about this workshop and/or its virtual format. We'd like to set up a quick chat to help you decide if it's right for you.

Dr Anne Copeland leads the team of master trainers for this online workshop. She is the founder of The Interchange Institute whose mission is to study and support the needs of people in intercultural transition. She served on the FIGT Board and Program Committee for many years and joyfully welcomes its members to this course.

Expatriate Life in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 18:42:59 GMT

At this moment, many of us find ourselves living through the extraordinary COVID-19 pandemic. Many people have already started to document what this experience does to us, our close ones and our communities. To preserve material describing this historic crisis through the eyes of expatriates around the world, the Expatriate Archive Centre (EAC) decided to launch the ‘Expatriate Life in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic’ Initiative.

If you are an expatriate or have moved back home — regardless of country of origin or residence — and you have written about any topic related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are interested in preserving your story. Because of the global nature of the pandemic, we are open to receiving material in any language and any format.

Please send all inquiries to welcome@xpatarchive.com.

The Expatriate Archive Centre (EAC) facilitates quality research that promotes and enhances a better understanding of expatriate life. We are located in The Netherlands but have a global outreach.

I Did Not Choose to Homeschool My Children

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 19:00:54 GMT

Republished from International School Parents Magazine, with permission.

If you are like me, slightly connected on social media, you have already read a ton of posts with websites to consult and learn about:

How to get your children entertained during lockdown
Establish a routine to your children
Tips to homeschool your children
Ideas on how to teach life skills
PE lessons replaced by yoga over YouTube
And others

My goal now is to acknowledge that we, international school parents, did not choose this lifestyle and might be shaken by it. Lives might be disrupted and you might be asking how you are going to cope with it all. However, we are the population best prepared to deal with it and I will prove it to you.

If you read my article on school transition in the spring edition of the magazine you have probably noticed that two of the main traits of expats and international nomads are resilience and adaptability. And this is exactly what we need now.

Life does not come with a map, and we are often facing adversities and changes, big challenges and small. Our power to be flexible and adapt to the new reality, our capacity to go back into shape is our resilience. As you can see, highly connected to our flexibility.

This does not mean that we will not feel distressed or not go through difficult times, it means simply that we know emotional distress is part of the process, part of the big process we call life.

We, nomadic professionals and expats, are used to having to adapt to new realities, cultures, languages. We have re-created ourselves at least one time in a new environment. We already found ourselves completely isolated and having to deal with situations on our own.

Distance learning and homeschooling our children is one of these life challenges. Especially if you work from home and have no teaching skills, like me. I hear you and I know we are going to do it with grace.

That said, there is no way we can do this alone and this is when my small list of must do’s builds up:

Prioritize relationships. Call, Facetime, message and Skype loved ones as much as you can. Call, Facetime, message and Skype your neighbors (especially the elderly ones), other parents from school. Motivate your children to do the same. Feeling isolated never helped anyone to climb out the rabbit hole.
Join an online group or two - family, neighbors, school parents, church or any other. Sharing is caring and we do feel cared when we can share our experiences and feel heard. In times of Corona this can be done online - a heaven for introverts and non-native speakers alike.
Take care of your body. The Internet is a blessing, isn’t it? You can follow your favorite yoga or Zumba class online, climb stairs inside the house or play Just Dance with the children. Keep your mind moving as anything that happens will feel lighter with a healthy body.
Take care of your mind. Download a mindfulness app and do it 10 min a day. If you are not into meditation at all, try and connect with yourself for 10 min per day. Watch the sunset, play an instrument, paint. Whatever makes you feel connected with your emotions and mind.

I know this is all easier said than done and the children are still running around or trying to understand that impossible math equation that you cannot grasp either. Involve them in their own lives, talk about community, caring for each other and for ourselves, create family space to talk about whatever subject they need to talk about and be empathic. They are also learning this new way of living.

And remember, this too shall pass.

With love,

Carolina

Carolina Porto is an International Transition Coach specialized in school transitions and international mobility. Working online for the last 10 years and using a mixture of her multicultural understanding of emotional behaviour during a transition and coaching techniques, she offers online coaching and counseling for mobile and high-mobile families. Find her at https://www.carolinaporto.net

A Cultural Transition Course

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 20:08:04 GMT

Join me for a 6-week online course Finding My "Self" in a Different Culture. Course topics include:

Reinvention of the Self
Cultural Cues
Connections
Relationships
Home
Family/Friends back "home"

To register, please contact bonnie@wimsandassociates.com

Dr Bonnie Wims is an expat therapist who specializes in working with expats on the reinvention of the "self". She is committed to removing obstacles to mental wellness through online counseling

Ready to share your story on @WeAreXpats?

Wed, 08 Jan 2020 18:27:35 GMT

Interested in sharing insights into expat life and joining a thriving Twitter community? Become a @WeAreXpats curator! 

@WeAreXpats is a rotation curation Twitter account, set up and overseen by the EAC, which explores expat life all over the world. Every Monday a new person takes the reins and shares aspects of their life abroad — the good, the bad, the odd — with the Twitter community.

The EAC is always on the hunt for new @WeAreXpats curators — expats, adult TCKs, repatriates, and other expatriation-adjacent roles. The EAC accepts curators from any place, but in 2020 it hopes to amplify experiences from the global south, whether as an origin or relocation. If you are active on Twitter and live in a country other than your ‘home’ country, we invite you to curate your own week.

To sign up for @WeAreXpats, please contact EAC Public Relations Manager Kelly Merks at pr@xpatarchive.com.

You can learn more about the project on our website and by visiting wearexpats.org.

The EAC facilitates quality research that promotes and enhances a better understanding of expatriate life. We are located in The Netherlands but have a global outreach. https://xpatarchive.com

Book Signing in Sweden

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 22:36:15 GMT

Alaine Handa will be at The English Bookshop in Uppsala on December 14 and Stockholm on December 15 from 12:00-16:00 for a book signing and will be bring samples of her chokladbollar.

It would be awesome to see some FIGT members there for a Christmas Fika!

Alaine Handa is the author of In Search of the Best Swedish Chokladbollar cookbook written from her TCK perspective. Fika is the Swedish coffee break time to recharge, reconnect, and refuel with some caffeine and something sweet. She's adopted this cultural tradition for several years now and it definitely helps with her creativity and sanity! Check out her website to find out more about her at www.travelwithalaine.com.

Training of Trainers: Crossing Cultures with Competence

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 19:42:47 GMT

Turn your expatriate experience and insight into a lifelong impactful career. This 2-day training of trainers workshop will give you the knowledge, confidence and tool kit you need to build on your existing intercultural expertise, so you can offer intercultural orientations and change others' lives.

Upcoming workshops: December 5-6, 2019 (Boston, MA); January 23-24, 2020 (Ft. Myers, FL); May 4-5, 2020 (London, UK); September 10-11, 2020 (Cologne, Germany)

Anne Copeland, PhD, is a clinical and intercultural psychologist and founder of The Interchange Institute. Formerly Program Director of FIGT, she has a good sense of the needs and talents of the FIGT community and how to help them develop their careers.

Supporting the Globally Mobile: Transition, Challenges, Needs and Solutions

Sat, 07 Sep 2019 00:32:41 GMT

International School of Luxembourg | 36 Boulevard Pierre Dupong | 1430 Luxembourg | Luxembourg

Monday, October 7, 2019 from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM (CEST)

PREPARE FOR YOUR NEXT MOVE

You will not want to miss this opportunity to engage with Katia Vlachos, author of A Great Move: How to Survive and Thrive in Your Expat Assignment and best-selling author of The First 90 Days and Master Your Next Move, Michael Watkins as they identify and address the personal and professional challenges that an increasingly mobile workforce presents and how to navigate them successfully.

Join us on October 7th for a hands-on, interactive session, when our two transition experts will help you prepare for your next expat assignment, and the one after that...

iFLG Nominated for LexisNexis Family Law Awards 2019

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 17:17:58 GMT

#FIGTMember and #FIGTSponsor, The International Family Law Group, are very proud to announce that we have been shortlisted in 2 categories for the LexisNexis Family Law Awards 2019.

The categories we are nominated in are:

‘Family Law Innovation of the Year’
Partner Emma Nash has been nominated for ‘Family Law Commentator of the Year’

The family Law Awards will be held on Wednesday 27 November in London, where the winners will be announced.

Social Media Survey

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 18:46:39 GMT

#FIGTMember, Nicole Blyth would love to hear your opinion on using social media in your global life. Please take her short survey.

BAMBI Magazine features FIGT

Sat, 06 Apr 2019 13:21:07 GMT

#FIGTSponsor BAMBI regularly produce a beautiful digital magazine for their members. This edition featured FIGT and the upcoming conference in Bangkok among other detailed and informative articles. We look forward to learning more about BAMBI at #FIGT2019.

Click here, or on the image above, to read the article

International Finance Survey

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 19:37:42 GMT

#FIGTMember Lucy Greenwood, #FIGTMember David Hodson and #FIGTMember Jennifer Patterson are gathering feedback in advance of their FIGT Conference Early Bird Forum, How to Help You and Your Business Thrive Financially Through Good Times and Bad on Sunday, April 28th, 8:15-9:45 am.

After listening to various FIGT conference delegates and FIGT members over a number of years Lucy, David and Jennifer all heard the increasing demand for different professional advisers to help FIGT members better understand some of the practical financial and legal aspects of living in so many countries. FIGT members have asked questions about the best way of keeping track of their various assets including pensions scattered around the world, what special financial planning their lifestyles require, about tax issues affecting them or their entrepreneurial businesses as well as the impact of separation or divorce on their legal rights in different countries.

It is for this reason that for the first time at the upcoming FIGT conference in Bangkok #FIGT2019 there will be a panel session of just such professional advisers (financial, tax and international family lawyers) addressing international aspects of your personal or business financial arrangements and how to thrive through good times or bad.

We want to make this session as helpful and actionable as possible for FIGT members and attendees. To achieve this we need to hear from you. Please take 3 minutes to tell us about the issues you want addressed so that we to can better inform other FIGT members who are likely to share or have similar concerns or questions.

The survey is anonymous. No contact information will be collected, and your responses will only be shared with the panelists so that they can coordinate content. Further, the panelists will not use or disseminate the information collected outside of the panel presentation.

Lucy Greenwood is a partner at iFLG (The International Family Law Group LLP) based in London, and has specialised exclusively in family law for over 20 years. She has a broad depth of knowledge in resolving family law issues for international families. She is conscientious, meticulous and always ensures her clients are protected as much as possible from the rigors of litigation. The Legal 500 described Lucy as 'accurate, commercial and fast', in previous years she was ranked as a 'Leading Individual'. Lucy writes for websites, legal journals, presents seminars and lectures for the legal profession around the world. She is also a member of various professional groups which look after the interests of international families. IFLG advise complicated international cases, involving jurisdiction issues, finances and children issues including child maintenance and its enforcement.

David Hodson OBE, MCIArb is co-founder and Partner at International Family Law Group. A highly experienced family law dispute resolution specialist, especially involving international elements or complex assets, in 2014 David was appointed an OBE for “Services to International Family Law." David is a mediator, arbitrator, Deputy District Judge at The Central Family Court in London and an Australian solicitor and barrister. He is Visiting Professor at the University of Law and Honorary Professor of Law at the University of Leicester. He is the primary author of “The International Family Law Practice,” the leading textbook for practitioners and is co-author of “When Cupid's Arrow Crosses National Boundaries: A Guide for International Families." David writes extensively on family law and speaks at conferences internationally.

Jennifer Patterson. After discovering that her professional training was in reality perpetuating an outdated model and failing consumers, Jennifer Patterson created a new model for life and wealth in today’s global village and delivered it in her best-seller Financial Planning for Global Living. On a mission to close the gap between what global families need and the ability of regulated financial services firms to serve, she founded the Cross Border Living Institute to teach cross-border technical and practice related topics to practitioners and be the hub where the globally mobile go for the information, tools and training they need to thrive both today and tomorrow. She is also the founder of Patterson Partners, an independent advisory firm specializing in cross-border tax and financial planning. Jennifer has lived overseas over half her life, is the proud mama of two tri-nationals.

International Book Launch for 'This Messy Mobile Life'

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 20:50:32 GMT

'This Messy Mobile Life: How a MOLA can help globally mobile families create a life by design' is the debut book by #FIGTMember, Mariam Ottimofiore. She is pleased to announce its international book launch in Bangkok, Thailand.

Copies of 'This Messy Mobile Life' will be available for purchase in the Conference Bookstore.

Training the Trainers Program: Transitioning Successfully for University: Thriving Beyond Academics

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 20:10:51 GMT

Tina Quick, author of "The Global Nomad's Guide to University Transition" and "Survive and Thrive: The International Student's Guide to Succeeding in the U.S." will be delivering a two-day Training of Trainers course at NIST International School, Bangkok, Thailand April 24 & 25, 2019. A 15% discount will be offered to anyone who also registers for the Families in Global Transition 2019 conference April 26-28 at the same venue.

The "Transitioning Successfully for University" Training of Trainers Program is structured for individuals and organizations working with adolescent third culture kids (TCKs), cross-cultural kids (CCKs) and international students and their families, whether they are making the college / university transition or repatriating to their home country.

Tina Quick is a cross-cultural trainer, author, and international speaker. Often referred to as the “Transitions Expert,” Tina is the founder of International Family Transitions, a consultancy with a focus on empowering individuals, students and families to successfully negotiate international relocations through cultural training, seminars, and workshops.

Applications are open for Stanford Online High School

Wed, 19 Dec 2018 21:44:14 GMT

Stanford Online High School (OHS) is very excited to join Families in Global Transition as a Corporate Member.

A selective, independent school for grades 7-12, Stanford OHS serves a worldwide community of academically talented and intellectually curious students with placement by ability. Dedicated instructors, of whom 65% hold PhDs, help students pursue their passions in real-time, online, college-style classes. Through these vibrant seminars, the rigorous curriculum challenges students to reason analytically, think creatively, and argue critically.

Complete with a robust student life, academic advisors, and counselors, the supportive environment fosters independence, strength of character, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge while students cultivate lasting friendships. Stanford OHS also offers students the flexibility to explore other academic and extracurricular endeavors with options to enroll full-time, part-time, or single course.

Applications are currently open with the following admissions deadlines: January 16, 2019 for Round 1 and March 15, 2019 for Round 2. To learn more, please visit https://ohs.stanford.edu.

Relocation Survey

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 17:14:34 GMT

#FIGTMember Lindy Chapman is gathering feedback from relocation clients around the world to share with the relocation industry about what is done well--and how the process needs to evolve to better serve today's consumer.

As a former relocation client, we experienced both excellent as well as underwhelming service that made all the difference in the success of our transition.

Your feedback will be beneficial as I seek to help the industry become more aware of the challenges and where the process falls short in order to better serve families undergoing a transition to a new city, country, or repatriating 'home.'

To assist her, please complete and share her survey.

Lindy Chapman’s passion for teaching consumers how to successfully navigate the changing real estate industry and educating Realtors on the unique needs of the relocation client stems from her own experience moving throughout the US and internationally. She is seeking feedback from Expats to demonstrate the need for a relocation training she is creating to provide those who have never moved a better understanding of the unique needs of the relocation family.

VIRTUAL SUMMIT: Effortless Success In Your Portable Career & Business

Mon, 08 Oct 2018 20:14:33 GMT

ATTENTION! Expats, Expats Partners, Digital Nomads, Online Entrepreneurs
Our new Free Virtual Summit is coming up on November 5th!

If you liked the last year summit, Take Your Career With You, you will love this one, as we are going to explore how you can actually achieve results in your portable career and online business without being overwhelmed with all the info out there.

Do you want to thrive in your portable career and business and FINALLY get results?
Do you feel overwhelmed with ALL the Information out there about how to create a successful online business?
Are you an expat, globally mobile woman who want to create a portable career/business around your international life?

Join 25+ leading experts who are sharing with you their knowledge and expertise about building their portable careers and businesses in an effortless way, productivity, marketing strategy, life abroad and transformation.

Registration is NOW open! Watch/Listen FREE:

And the best part is that this global online event is absolutely free!

Our interviews will reveal:

How to build and grow your own portable career or business without burning out and being overwhelmed
Get crystal clear about what is your purpose and message, and how to communicate it to your ideal clients
Shift Your Energy And Mindset To get results in alignment with your desired lifestyle
Learn and Apply Effortless Success strategies to get you to market your portable career/business and drawn your dream clients to you
And much more

We are starting on the November 5th and you can book your FREE Spot Here:

Effortless Success means taking inspired action, creating flow, and following strategies aligned to your own personalised style.

Dominika Miernik is an award-winning Career and Expat Coach, with over 15 years of living and working abroad, mainly in Italy and the UK. She helps expat and globally mobile women to create a fulfilling career and business around their international life.

Arriving Well: Stories of Identity, Belonging and Rediscovering Home After Living Abroad

Wed, 12 Sep 2018 14:46:34 GMT

Arriving Well: Stories of Identity, Belonging and Rediscovering Home After Living Abroad is launched on Amazon!

If you know anyone who would be interested go ahead and share it with them. And please write a review on Amazon once you've read it (which I know will be soon!).

Doreen Cumberford is a Speaker, Author and Coach. She loves to help expats, travellers and globals make smoother, more joyful transitions between countries. She specializes in re-entry and returning home.

A Great Move : Surviving and Thriving in your Expat Assignment By Katia Vlachos

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 17:28:48 GMT

“This book is a great ‘how to’ for anyone considering a global move. Katia Vlachos highlights the need for leaders to pay as much attention to planning for potential lifestyle, support system and cultural changes as they do for taking the new role. Neglecting to do this can lead to unhappiness and frustration in the initial stages of the move, potential under performance and, in extreme cases, even failure in the new job.”

Alan Watts, President, Asia-Pacific, Hilton

About the book

In 2017, there will be almost 57 million expatriates worldwide. While the number of corporate expat assignments is growing steadily, these are expensive and fail all too often for avoidable reasons. Many expats move with minimal preparation, unrealistic expectations, and are left with insufficient resources to deal with the practical and emotional implications of a move. The result: failed moves, stressed families and damaged careers.

This book addresses a growing need to prepare people for making successful moves. Adjusting to a new environment and culture, immersing oneself into a new life – both professional and private – navigating culture shock, defining and maintaining a sense of home; these are all big challenges.

“An amazingly complete book that looks at the needs of adults as well as children in any global move. It includes thoughtful advice wise movers must consider in order to maintain emotional and physical balance during this time. A Great Move is replete with solid, practical suggestions for what all members of the family can do to not only move well, but also thrive in the new place. For all those planning to move, this book is invaluable.”

Ruth E Van Reken, co-author of Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds

The author

Katia’s professional background is in policy analysis. She holds a master’s degree from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard and a PhD from the RAND Corporation. Katia is a seasoned expat herself, having lived in eight cities, seven countries and three continents in the past 20 years, and currently lives in Zurich, Switzerland. Contact Katia.

Training of Trainers: Crossing Cultures with Competence

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 16:00:48 GMT

Build on your life experience and existing intercultural skills to learn how to develop and deliver top-notch, well-grounded cultural orientations for people moving from one country to another. Leave with new insights, honed skills and a full kit of materials, ready to take this next step in your career. Sept 20-21 in Boston. Oct 3-4 in Dublin. Dec 3-4 in Washington, DC.

Submitted by Anne Copeland, PhD, the Executive Director of The Interchange Institute. Anne served on the FIGT board and as Program Director of FIGT for 10 years. She has trained over 400 people around the globe through her Crossing Cultures courses.

Don't Miss Jo Parfitt's Writing Me-Treat in The Hague

Mon, 04 Dec 2017 21:03:49 GMT

This must be the perfect way to decompress and consolidate after the FIGT Conference. Do you love to write and long to find your tribe and discover your unique writer's voice? If so, then this is an event you cannot afford to miss.

Jo Parfitt, author, author's mentor, publisher and founder of FIGT's Parfitt Pascoe Writing Residency has designed a Writers' Retreat to run for four nights starting the day after FIGT closes.

Stay in a charming boutique hotel in the heritage heart of The Hague, be inspired by art, architecture and the city's multi-cultural vibe as you learn how to write in different genres and expand your writing comfort zone. Visit art galleries, historic Delft and discover the stories of little-known locals.

Only five places remain on this blissful, indulgent Writing Me-Treat. Costs include all food, trips, accommodation and excursions.

Come along and find yourself and your soulmates in this safe and nurturing environment.

Share a room and save up to £200!

Jo Parfitt has dreamed of running writing retreats for many years. Now, her dream is coming true as she creates the perfect culmination to her 30-year and 30+ books career as a writer, author, publisher, author's mentor and teacher. Her company, Summertime Publishing, specialises in books by and for people in transition.

Transitions 101 - Tips and tools for transforming your school's transition program

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 15:05:02 GMT

Calling all International School Educators, Counsellors and Leadership

Does your school resemble a revolving door – students, families and staff constantly leaving and arriving?

Do you have:

students from culturally diverse backgrounds struggling to integrate into your school community or engage effectively in learning?
teachers searching for strategies to equip and support their Cross Cultural (CCK) and Third Culture (TCK) students?
parents from culturally diverse backgrounds struggling with transition or worried about their child’s emotional, social and intellectual wellbeing?

Would you like to do more to support your students, parents and colleagues as they navigate the triumphs and trials associated with global transition? This webinar series is for you!

Transitions 101: Tips and tools for transforming your school’s transition program

Description:

International schools are the most popular educational platform for families in global transition yet they are often ill-equipped to address the challenges associated with mobility. As places with high turnover, transitions affect everyone, whether you are the one leaving, arriving or staying, whether you are local or international and whether you are a student, family member or staff member.

Managing mobility is the responsibility of every international school but knowing where to start can be overwhelming.

In this live two-part webinar series you will:

Cultivate awareness around mobility’s impact upon yourself, staff, parents and students and how that experience shapes how you and they relate to others
Develop a common language to enhance communication and understanding of these issues
Further your knowledge of international mobility research well-being and learning
Be equipped with practical tools and strategies to build or enhance transitions programming at your school

BONUS:

You will receive a Research Bibliography and Recommended Resources to continue your knowledge transformation.

Presenters:

Ellen Mahoney is the founder of Sea Change Mentoring and an alumna of International schools. Sea Change Mentoring delivers transitions-informed consulting services, program audits, and social-emotional learning curriculum designed just for international schools. She is the only person in the international school community who is certified in youth mentoring supervision which she earned at Fordham University’s School of Social Work. Clients include schools like Singapore American School and the American School of the Hague and organizations like Pearson and the IMF. She was a co-founding member of Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN) and a 2013 David Pollock Scholar.

Jane Barron (BA Dip Ed, MEd) - Founder of Globally Grounded, youth intercultural transition specialist and culturally responsive educator, writer, speaker and consultant to local and international schools. Driven to improve emotional, social and educational outcomes for cross-cultural learners, Jane equips schools to support and empower culturally diverse learners, their parents and those who educate them. A Safe Passage Across Networks (SPAN) steering committee member and 2017 Parfitt Pascoe Writing Residency Scholar, Jane’s writing has been published in International Teacher Magazine, International School Magazine and The International Educator.

Each session will be 1 hour.

Date & Time:
PART ONE - Monday Nov 20, 2017 13:00 CET
Laying the Foundations for an Effective School-Based Transition Program

PART TWO – Thursday Nov 30, 2017 07:00 CET
Building an Effective School-Based Transition Program at Your School

Cost:
USD 149 for two sessions

We are big believers in collaboration. If you are unable to attend one session, a colleague from your school may take your place for the other session.

Registration closes November 17 so book now as places are limited.

Take Your Career With You Online Free 2 Week Summit

Tue, 17 Oct 2017 15:49:53 GMT

Are you thinking about creating a portable career or business which you can take with you wherever you want to live?

Are you an expat/expat partner looking to build a portable career so you don't have to reinvent yourself every time you move?

Or are you secretly dreaming about quitting your 9 to 5 job, become a digital nomad and enjoy your location independent lifestyle?

Dominika Miernik, Career and Business Coach, has a very special invitation for you. She will be hosting a 2 Weeks Free Online Summit called Take Your Career With You and you are invited.

This event, Take Your Career With You is bringing together a panel of over 20 experts, including coaches, online entrepreneurs, psychologists, expats, TEDx speakers, business mentors, expat entrepreneurs, digital nomads and best-selling authors.

Together they offer their knowledge and expertise in the areas of building a portable business and career, transformation, remote and location independent job opportunities.

And the best part is that this global online event is absolutely free!

Our interviews will reveal:

How to find your own Portable Career or Business idea based on your skills, interests and talents
How to Reinvent your career and figure out what you really want to be doing
How to find a Remote Job, succeed in a Skype job interview so you can work from anywhere you want to live
How to Narrow Down your Many Ideas and know on which one to focus
Success Strategies to get you market your portable career and attract your ideal clients
Actionable Steps and daily routines to get you started and clear on your goals and help you move your portable career idea to a new level
And much more

Dominika Miernik is Career Coach and Business Idea Generator for women. She specializes in helping expat women seeking to make an international career change to navigate the challenges and opportunities associated with discovering their dream career. Visit her website.

The Ultimate Guide for Giving Birth Abroad - essential tools & tips for expats expecting

Thu, 28 Sep 2017 22:17:11 GMT

The Virtual Midwife is an online platform supporting pregnant expats and travellers. The program is packed with essential tools, tips and techniques that address the specific needs and challenges of giving birth far from the comfort and safety of home. The Virtual Midwife has been supporting families around the globe for over a decade, providing support and a comprehensive guide to help you navigate a foreign health care system. Whether you choose to stay in your host country, or return home, you will be faced with many choices and decisions about your care during pregnancy and birth. Powerful in its simplicity, this multimedia course and thriving online community is is packed with high-quality video, audio downloads and eBooks to make your pregnancy journey abroad safe and enjoyable. The Virtual Midwife was established by an expat midwife who understands the unique challenges of life outside of your comfort zone.

FIGT member, Karen Wilmot, is a midwife on a mission to address the Internet as part of the larger health communication system, and restore normality to childbirth through effective online education. An adventurer, traveller and entrepreneur, she is based in the Middle East where she continues to find new and challenging ways to improve health care for women during pregnancy and birth.

Third Culture Kids, 3rd Edition - Growing Up Among Worlds

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 20:39:19 GMT

In this 3rd edition of the ground-breaking, global classic, Ruth E. Van Reken and Michael V. Pollock, son of the late original coauthor, David C. Pollock, have significantly updated what is widely recognized as “The TCK bible.” Emphasis is placed on the modern TCK and addressing the impact of technology, cultural complexity, diversity, inclusion, and transitions.

Third Culture Kids, 3e, includes new advice for parents and others for how to support TCKs as they navigate work, relationships, social settings, and their own personal development.

Specific updates include:

A second PolVan Cultural Identity diagram to support understanding of cultural identity
New models for identity formation
Updated explanation of unresolved grief
New material on 'highly mobile communities' addressing the needs of people who stay put while a community around them moves rapidly
Revamped Section III so readers can more easily find what is relevant to them as Adult TCKs, parents, counselors, employers, spouses, administrators, etc.
New "stages and needs" tool that will help families and organizations identify and meet needs
Greater emphasis on tools for educators as they grapple with demographic shifts in the classroom

About the Authors:

Ruth E. Van Reken, herself an adult TCK and a parent and grandparent of TCKs, is co-founder of Families in Global Transition, a forum for globally mobile individuals, families, and those working with them, and the author of one of the first books written about the TCK experience, Letters Never Sent.

Michael V. Pollock is an adult TCK, parent of TCKs, and international school educator. He is also the founder of Daraja, an organization which helps TCKs/CCKs make successful reentries to passport countries and a past Board Member of FIGT.

David C. Pollock worked with TCKs and adult TCKs for more than twenty years and logged thousands of miles conducting seminars and conferences (including FIGT) for TCKs, their parents, and sponsoring organizations.

Buy this book through the FIGT Online Bookstore to support our David C Pollock Scholarship program, at no cost to you!

Wilderness Treks: A Natural Path to Healing

Tue, 08 Aug 2017 16:59:50 GMT

Young and old benefit from outdoor activities done with cooperation and intent. Team building provides the groundwork where individuals come to know themselves as part of a bigger picture, a 'greater good'.

Sometimes, the family may need a break from each other to work on their own to understand better themselves and where they are headed in life, their relationships, their addictions. Other times, the school needs a break from the student perhaps, to allow the student to gather his or her thoughts, gain better perspective and focus, increase self confidence and balance temperament.

I have spent a great part of my career as an international psychologist helping guide expats in life changing circumstances. As an ATCK myself, I can tell you that there are fantastic resources available out there for expat families who are looking for answers, who are open to solutions such as outdoor or wilderness treatment.

I was a 'guest' last week (July 31, 2017) to speak on this particular topic of Wilderness treatment on LA's Talk Radio. Care to listen to the conversation?

Here's the magic link: http://answersforthefamily.com/july-31-2017-10-steps-to-wilderness-therapy-dr-mark-burdick-steve-demille/

You can now download my ibook for FREE from Apple iBooks “10 Steps to Wilderness Therapy” by Dr Mark Burdick. https://itun.es/us/0D7Agb.l

Comprehensive guide for international students planning on studying in the U.S. just published

Fri, 14 Jul 2017 22:25:43 GMT

There has been a remarkable explosion in the numbers of international students coming to the U.S. for educational purposes. While the U.S. has been a popular destination for foreign nationals to come for their university experience, the most notable increase has been students coming for one or all of their high school years in preparation for getting into the university of their choice.

"Survive and Thrive: The International Student's Guide to Succeeding in the U.S." by Tina Quick is a guide book that helps international students understand what they can expect to feel and experience in the transition and how to negotiate academic, social, and cultural differences. Quick addresses the most common challenges international students face in their transition to the U.S. for high school and/or university and gives them tools and strategies they can use not only to survive but to thrive in the adjustment.

Grounded in sound research and best practice, "Survive and Thrive" fills the gap in existing literature and gives a realistic depiction of what to expect when transitioning to a new culture. Until now there has been no comprehensive work that covered everything international students needed to know to help them transition well and thrive in their new setting, and nothing about the unavoidable social-emotional issues involved in such an enormous adjustment.

"Much of the explosion in global interest in attending schools and colleges in the States results from successful recruitment and applications. Yet, until now, few have focused on the more critical part of the equation: how to ensure that these international students grow, engage, and thrive academically, socially, and culturally once they arrive on campus. 'Survive and Thrive: The International Student's Guide to Succeeding in the U.S.' takes that need head-on with advice that melds theoretical, philosophical, and practical in a way that will help every student seeking exposure to the American educational system." Mark H. Sklarow, Chief Executive Officer, Independent Educational Consultants Association.

Submitted by FIGT Member, Tina Quick, a cross-cultural trainer and international speaker. Tina is the founder of International Family Transitions. Her latest book is available on Amazon.com.

THRIVING ABROAD: The definitive guide to professional and personal relocation success was published on 14th June 2017

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 15:42:37 GMT

Badly thought - through relocation decisions, unrealistic expectations, poor preparation, inadequate organizational support, cultural adjustment challenges plus political and economic changes can all lead to disappointing outcomes not only for employees, but also for their families and organizations.

Thriving Abroad provides a framework, together with insight and advice from those who’ve been there, to help assignees and their families make the most of the opportunity for international relocation to create positive professional and personal outcomes. And that in turn ensures the organization maximizes its return on investment.

You can read more about the book HERE

You can buy the book through the FIGT Bookstore HERE on Amazon (US)

Submitted by FIGT member Louise Wiles, Director of Thriving Abroad.com, a website based online community designed to support companies /organisations accompanying/expat partners as they move abroad.

The Expat Career And Lifestyle Podcast 30: Interview with Claudia Landini. How To Craft Your Expat Professional Identity By Creating A Portable Career

Sat, 29 Apr 2017 19:58:35 GMT

I had a great pleasure to meet Claudia Landini at FIGT conference last month in the Hague. Impressed by her international experience and multiple projects I interviewed her for my The Expat Career and Lifestyle podcast.

We spoke about How to craft your expat professional identity by creating a portable career.

In this episode you will learn:

- the first step to start and create a successful portable career
- how to find your own identity when you lived for many years abroad
- how not lose your professional identity as an expat woman
- simple strategies to find your passion
- get Claudia’s free gift

Guest: Claudia Landini, a Cross-Cultural Trainer and Mobile Career Coach. Over 27 years of her international life she lived between Africa, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe and now she is based in Jakarta. Claudia is the founder of Expatclic.com, a non-profit organisation that helps expat women all over the world before, during and after their relocations.

Host: Dominika Miernik is a Career Coach & Business Idea Generator for women. She has lived in Manchester, London, Milan and Rome, and she now helps expat women to pursue their true passions as they adapt to the living in a new country. In 2015 she was named the best International Coach by The Coaching Academy.

Conference: "From Expat Spouse to Global Entrepreneur"

Fri, 21 Apr 2017 20:59:13 GMT

Tandem Nomads, the podcast show and platform designed to empower and help expat spouses build a portable business, is organizing a conference in Seoul on April 28th.

Click below to register for FREE:

If you live in South Korea and gave up your career to move from a country to another, come join us for an interactive presentation on the challenges for expat spouses to build a portable career and the solutions to turn these challenges into great opportunities!

Amel Derragui, the founder of the podcast show Tandem Nomads, will share with you some great tips to build your portable business and inspiring examples of expat spouses from around the world .

She has indeed interviewed over 70 expat spouses, analysed their sources of frustrations and challenges and the actions they implemented to make the best of their experience abroad while building their own source of success and financial independence.

Amel Derragui is a business and marketing coach, she helps expat spouses turn their talents into successful businesses and global entrepreneurs take their business to the next level.

Click here fore more info on this event and to register to this conference for FREE: www.tandemnomads.com/events

Take Our Survey for Internationals!

Wed, 05 Apr 2017 19:53:30 GMT

We, Vivian Chiona, Expat Nest founder and Regina Reinhardt, cross-cultural consultant have teamed up for an exciting new project... and you can be a part of it!

What are we planning? All shall be revealed…

For now, we’ve come up with a survey that is quick, fun and guaranteed to get you thinking about your sense of place in the world.

By taking the survey, you will:
• Gain insight into your international profile

Be the first to see the results of this global survey later this year
Contribute to helping us and the people we love to help
Receive an exclusive gift!

Answering the 20 questions and should take no more than 12 minutes to complete.

THE SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED

Thank you to everyone who participated. We appreciate your trust and support of our project. Your answers will play an essential role in helping us to better understand the highlights and challenges (as well as to find solutions) in the “international” life.

We hope from the bottom of our hearts that you enjoy this chance to reflect on your international lifestyle.

Repatriation Experience Survey

Sat, 01 Apr 2017 20:38:44 GMT

In an effort to support expats, TCKs, ATCKs and Globals in their moves back home after living overseas, we need your help, your wisdom and your assistance. Along with Cate Brubaker and Helen Watts, who also offer support and programs in the Re-entry space, we have created a short survey to gather information to pinpoint your greatest joys, your greatest challenges and lessons learned in the process of repatriating. The survey can be accessed by clicking on the photo above or here: Repatriation Experience Survey

The results will be shared with all participants and you will receive a FREE GIFT when the results are tallied. The survey is short, it will take you a few minutes and has the possibility of benefitting many who have recently or who are about to return to their native countries all around the globe. If you have returned and relaunched to a new passport country or old haunt – that counts J

We really do appreciate your participation and honor your experiences. Please tell the truth, don’t hold back and continue to live in the spirit of adventure that your globalness has opened you up to.

Doreen Cumberford & John Palmer
#Life is Portable – Live it Fully Everywhere You Go
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RockYourReentry/
https://www.facebook.com/expathubus/

Passages Through Pakistan - An American Girl's Journey of Faith

Fri, 31 Mar 2017 20:25:44 GMT

“I had grown up in Pakistan, was nurtured on her soil, took my first steps and said my first words there. Pakistan was a land that knew me before I had a recollection of ‘being;’ before I knew I was human.”

Memories of joy and pain, close friendships and loneliness interweave in this compelling portrait of an extraordinary childhood. In Passages Through Pakistan, Marilyn Gardner traces a journey of growing faith and emerging identity in a small missionary community. From the close quarters of boarding school, to the strangeness of furloughs in her parents’ native Massachusetts, this honest portrayal of a young girl’s struggles with faith, friendship, and belonging will resonate deeply with a wide range of readers.

Marilyn Gardner spent her childhood and adolescence in Pakistan and raised her five children in Pakistan and Egypt. She now lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she works as a public health nurse with underserved immigrant communities. Marilyn is the author of Between Worlds: Essays on Culture and Belonging and blogs at Communicating Across Boundaries and A Life Overseas.

Between Worlds - Essays on Culture and Belonging

"In the hall of an old Inn by the ocean is a sign that reads 'Home is Where Our Story Begins.' But if home is where our story begins, what happens when we can't go back?" Marilyn Gardner was raised in Pakistan and went on to raise her own five children in Pakistan and Egypt before moving to small town New England. Between Worlds will resonate with those who have lived outside of their passport country, as well as those who have not. These essays explore the rootlessness and grief as well as the unexpected moments of humor and joy that are a part of living between two worlds. Between Worlds charts a journey between the cultures of East and West, the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones and familiar places, and the loneliness of not belonging. "Every one of us has been at some point between two worlds, be they faith and loss of faith, joy and sorrow, birth and death. Between Worlds is a luminous guide for connecting---and healing---worlds." - Cathy Romeo, co-author, Ended Beginnings: Healing Childbearing Losses

How an Unhappy Spouse Can Affect the Success of an International Posting

Tue, 21 Mar 2017 22:46:05 GMT

I am collecting data about how an unhappy spouse can affect the success of an international posting. It is a very brief, initial survey asking the Executives (rather than spouses) how their spouse being unhappy may have affected them, both at home and in the workplace, during an international posting or as a local hire in a foreign country. Many companies only consider an Expat posting a failure if the executive chooses to leave the foreign role early or is terminated. I am hoping to demonstrate that productivity and engagement at work can be adversely affected as well, and hence the “success” of the executive may be less than their true capabilities.

I would appreciate the FIGT community sharing this survey with anyone that it is relevant to. It is totally anonymous.

Cheryl Fry
Support Coach for Expat Spouses
OneJourneyCoaching.com

Frequent Business Travel and a Happy Relationship

Sat, 04 Feb 2017 16:24:25 GMT

Business Travel creates a cycle of frequent separation and re-connection for a couple. Some couples deal with it with more ease and acceptance than others.

What exactly do they do differently? What are the areas of your relationship that might be mostly affected by frequent business travel? How to thrive in your relationship despite frequent separation?

Please assist FIGT member, Oxana Holtmann, with her survey.

If you are a Home-Based Partner
https://oxana5.typeform.com/to/nNxR87

If you are the Traveler
https://oxana5.typeform.com/to/IgOSWD

Oxana Holtmann is a Conscious Leadership and Relationship Coach. Learn more about her through her website OxanaHoltmann.com

February FIGT Meetup in Sydney, Australia

Judy Rickatson — Thu, 02 Feb 2017 12:56:43 GMT

FIGT friends will be meeting up in Sydney, Australia on Monday, February 6th from 11:00 - 2:00 pm AEDT (come whenever you can) at the Black Sugar Cafe, 400 George St, Sydney. We are a small but very interesting group and would love anyone who will be in the area, with an interest in Families in Global Transitions, to join us. If you want more info email Trisha Carter at Trisha@cicollective.com

RELAUNCH! Virtual Re-entry Retreat

Mon, 19 Dec 2016 19:54:34 GMT

FIGT member, Cate Brubaker, is pleased to announce . . . The RELAUNCH! Virtual Re-entry Retreat (January 23-27, 2017). This free week-long event is for global adventurers who don’t want the global adventure to end once they return “home” after being abroad. You’ll feel more confident and excited about your next steps (your “Re-entry Relaunch”) after hearing from and chatting with 20 expert speakers, who will share their re-entry experiences, insights, and tips in 15 (free!) sessions over 5 days. Get the event schedule and reserve your seat here: http://www.RelaunchRetreat.com

November FIGT Meetup in Sydney, Australia

Judy Rickatson — Thu, 17 Nov 2016 23:45:21 GMT

FIGT friends will be meeting up in Sydney, Australia on November 22nd at 11:00am (AEDT) at the Black Sugar cafe, 400 George St, Sydney. We are a small but very interesting group and would love anyone who will be in the area, with an interest in Families in Global Transitions, to join us. If you want more info call Trisha Carter +61419219822 or email Trisha@cicollective.com

Home Is Where...

Judy Rickatson — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 14:26:18 GMT

directed by FIGT member Amy Clare Tasker (Pollock Scholar 2016)

Home Is Where... is an innovative theatre performance weaving together the verbatim stories of Third Culture Kids with dynamic ensemble movement, original music, and multimedia design.

“I just belong to this world, that’s my nationality. I’m global.”

A dystopian future. Everyone Not-From-Here has been Sent Back Where They Came From. But what about those of us who don’t know where that is? In the City, the Resistance fights for a new world where the From-Heres and the Not-From-Heres can live together.

Tickets for the September 2nd performance at Rich Mix, London (and more information about the project) at www.amyclaretasker.com/hyphenated

Nowhere near London? Check out the Oral History Library on Soundcloud, where you can listen to clips from interviews with nearly 30 TCKs.

We still need your help to bring these TCK stories to the stage! Please consider making a donation to Home Is Where... Thank you!

Moving with Kids Summit

Wed, 18 May 2016 17:23:50 GMT

The upcoming Moving with Kids Summit, 1st - 14th of June, hosted by The Expat LifeLine, is set to be an informative, fun and interactive two weeks, packed with experts from the FIGT community and beyond.

Parenting is tricky at the best of times, but when you add in geographical, language, educational and cultural change, making the right decisions can become incredibly complicated.

That’s the aim of this FREE Online Summit - to take the guesswork out of expat parenting. It brings together experience, expertise and down to earth actionable advice that parents need, all in one virtual room. So whether you are a cross border parent, educator or international mobility service provider, sign up to enjoy presentations from guests including Ruth van Reken, Julia Simens, Tina Quick, Lois Bushong, Dr Jill Kristal and Christine Gilbert.

To find out more, click here.

Caring for Aging Loved-ones from Around the World

Sun, 01 May 2016 21:27:06 GMT

Career opportunities take individuals and their families away from their home country. Their focus is on the new job and adjusting to life in another country. In most cases parents have encouraged their child to take advantage of the unique opportunity to work and live in a foreign land. Expats quickly learn that life in another country is exciting but more complicated. They have a new life to build and challenges to handle, so less thought is given to their relatives back home. It isn’t that they don’t care; it is simply a matter of human nature that if someone is absent the person may be overlooked.

Today most pensioners are leading active lives so we don’t have to worry about them. However, a relative’s health status can change suddenly and dramatically. When we live on the other side of the world we feel helpless. When our in-laws are from another culture, expectations and approaches to end of life may conflict with our own values. Caring for your loved ones from a distance or where cultural variations exist is a multi-faceted issue and there isn’t one right answer.

Expats and immigrants dealing with a frail or ill loved ones around the world have commented that they were managing but there are challenges. These individuals living abroad described unexpected challenges, frustrations and a desire to have known more about what to expect and options in advance.

Very little has been researched and written on the topic of caring for aging loved ones from another country or culture. Consequently, a survey has been developed and is being distributed around the world. This questionnaire examines a number of areas including: grasp of situation, communication, family dynamics, finances, and more.

Please contribute to this important research by completing this anonymous online survey.

Elizabeth Vennekens-Kelly
Director
Cross Cultural Consulting
www.crossculture-training.be

How does childhood experience with being different affect our later lives as expatriates?

Judy Rickatson — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 14:40:54 GMT

From: The Interchange Institute, March 31, 2016

How does childhood experience with being different affect our later lives as expatriates? This is the topic of the recently-launched study by The Interchange Institute.

In exploratory work on this topic, we have heard thoughtful examples of how childhood experiences of difference, while maybe difficult at the time, have given strengths and options that wouldn’t have been had otherwise. Differences in religion, race, nationality, economic status, physical or mental health, family constellation and more - people were inclusive in their reflections about their childhoods.

At the same time, participants without such childhood experiences also enumerated strengths and options that they felt came from having been raised as a majority member, with a sense of belonging and acceptance that they could leverage for good.

Both can be true, of course, and that’s the focus of this new study. How do early/childhood experiences affect expatriates’ adults lives?

Please consider taking the on-line survey if you meet the criteria below. And share it as broadly as you can - Facebook, LinkedIn groups, listservs – any way you know to reach this group.

Participation criteria:

- you are 18 years old or older
- you are now living, or have ever lived as an adult, in a country other than your childhood passport country
- have spent a total of at least six months outside your passport as an adult

The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete. Many people have reported they found it a reflective and useful exercise. Here’s the link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KYF2PT9

The Interchange Institute hopes this study will contribute to our broader societal understanding of how we can live effectively and meaningfully with those who are different from us. Thanks for your help.

Anne P. Copeland, PhD

Executive Director, The Interchange Institute

copeland@interchangeinstitute.org

617-566-2227

PS If you’re interested in such transitions, please consider joining us for an upcoming Crossing Cultures with Competence training of trainers workshop. Discount available for FIGT members in 2016.

Lovepat Survey: We're Looking for Lovepats. Are You One?

Judy Rickatson — Wed, 04 Nov 2015 23:42:35 GMT

What is a Lovepat?

Lovepats are those who choose to live long-term in their partner’s homeland. This includes those who have since separated, but have children or another anchor to their ex-partner’s country.

Lovepats are close cousins with expatriates and accompanying spouses. Like them, lovepats know what it is like to live abroad. But, lovepats live a different kind of global lifestyle. Whereas expats and accompanying spouses eventually move on or return to their homeland, lovepats continue to build their life on foreign soil. Lovepats are busy nurturing their bi-national relationship, possibly raising bi-cultural children and finding ways to adapt, belong and do fulfilling work in their adopted country.

This choice can add incredible joy and enrichment to their relationships and lives, as well as complexity and challenges. Lovepats are exposed to new values and traditions. They must decide how to blend two cultures; for themselves, their partner and their extended family. Ideally, lovepats are a courageous and resilient folk, who, whether they intend to or not, contribute to cross-cultural understanding and acceptance.

Are you a Lovepat?

We are. We are Oshikan Sjodin-Bunse and Anna Maria Moore from Lovepat Living. Having chosen to become lovepats ourselves, we have a keen interest in understanding the experiences and needs of lovepats. We have created a survey so that lovepats can give voice to their unique situation.

If you are a lovepat, please take 15 minutes to have your say by filling out our survey. It will give you a chance to reflect on your life-changing decision and how it has affected you, your relationships and many other aspects of your life. Over 400 lovepats have already given us their thought-provoking answers.

Results from this survey will allow us to raise awareness about this understudied group, and better support lovepats in building their best life. If you are interested in our research findings or would like to learn more about lovepats, please visit our Facebook group, “lovepats”, or send us an email atcontact@lovepatliving.com

If you have already filled out our survey and know other lovepats, please pass this on.

Thank you,

Oshikan & Anna Maria

To fill out the survey, click on the link below:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/JKW589K

New Expat Exhibition Opening in The Hague City Hall

Judy Rickatson — Sun, 11 Oct 2015 17:56:09 GMT

It’s time to showcase the beauty and uniqueness of The Hague at an exhibition devoted to the love affair that its many expatriate residents have had with the city over the years. The Expatriate Archive Centre, The Hague Municipal Archive, and ACCESS have collaborated to create the exhibition, which is centred around the way that international residents in The Hague have experienced and reacted to their adopted home from the 1950’s to the present. Entitled ‘Expat Impressions of The Hague’, the exhibition includes an abundance of photographs and other visual content, as well as delving into the journals, letters, and other writings of expatriates to tell the story of The Hague as seen through their eyes.

More than History

The exhibition touches on the expatriate perspective on historical events, such as the massive storm that devastated the city in 1953. However, it also focuses extensively on the everyday aspects of life in The Hague, and what it’s like to live here as an expatriate. From photographs of spring flowers and autumn leaves to harrowing accounts of the perils of learning to cycle like the Dutch, expatriates have recorded many of the little things that make The Hague different from any other place. They have tasted the delights of bitterballen, Dutch beers like Heineken and Grolsch, and hazelnootgebak, and enjoyed the uniqueness of Dutch architecture, both from the inside and the outside.

The exhibition will cover expatriate views on topics as diverse as housing, socialising, and shopping in The Hague. Personal experiences of everything from childbirth to ice skating will also find a place in the exhibition.

A Meeting of Cultures

Through their words and photographs, the expatriates included in the exhibition paint a picture of what it is like to experience The Hague for the first time, and how they have integrated their own cultures and customs into their life here. Expatriates and Dutch residents of The Hague alike will find a fresh perspective on their city and its international heritage at the exhibition, which is being sponsored by Shell, The Hague Bridge, CB&I, Rabobank, the American Women’s Club of The Hague, and Petroleum Women’s Club The Hague.

When and Where

The exhibition is free of charge, and will run from 26 October to 14 November 2015 in the Atrium of the City Hall in The Hague. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:00 to 19:00, Thursday from 7:00 to 21:30, and Saturday from 9:30 to 17:00. The mayor will officially inaugurate the exhibition at an invitation-only reception to be held on 4 November. For more information, contact The Expatriate Archive Centre at 70 427 2014 or pr@xpatarchive.com.

A new book for French speaking readers "Réussir sa vie d'expat. S'épanouir à l'étranger en développant son intelligence nomade

Judy Rickatson — Thu, 08 Oct 2015 00:43:17 GMT

Magdalena Zilveti Chaland, FIGT Member, is announcing the release of her new book, published in France but available on-line and in kindle format. This book is about the psychological impact of expatriation and how living in another country deeply mark identity, family connections and social relationships. Magdalena is a psychologist and a coach specialized in working with French speaking expatriates communities all around the world. Born in France from a Chilean dad and a Bolivian dad, she is leaving now for 11 years in California.

If you want to know more about this book, you can check : http://www.intelligence-nomade.com/produit/

Online Course for Expat Parents!!!

Judy Rickatson — Mon, 14 Sep 2015 01:02:50 GMT

Paula Vexlir, FIGT Member, is announcing a new edition of the Online Course for Expat Parents starting October 8th (registration opens Sept. 15th).

Paula is a clinical psychologist specialized in working with expatriates communities and after listening to parent's and children's issues for years she decided to create this course to help prevent and solve the most typical problems.

The content addresses most of the challenges of being an expat parent and provides tools and tips on how to help children make the most of their international experience.

This time the course is in Spanish, you can find more information @ http://www.expatpsi.com/curso-para-padres-expatriados/

If you would like to receive information about it in English please feel free to contact her @ contacto@expatpsi.com

Free Webinar: Expat Parenting - Helping Children and TCKs Adjust to Life Overseas (or back 'home')

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 20:03:44 GMT

This week's webinar promises to be a brilliant one for those of parenting and supporting children when you are relocating and repatriating.

I'm joined by Julia Simens who (in case you haven't already come across her) is the author and expert on Emotional Resilience and the Expat Child. Which would be intimidating, if you didn't know that her advice is real world (she has raised two kids of her own overseas), wise and very, very insightful. And hilariously accurate.

We'll be talking live on Weds 22nd July at 10am PDT / 1pm EDT / 6pm BST, and all registrants get access to a 72 hour replay.

FREE REGISTRATION HERE >>> http://bit.ly/1JriRJ7

Do you have (or work with) children, and need to know who to support a successful transition to a new location?

Curious about how to help them get the most out of their international adventure?

Worried that you don’t know what warning signs to look for?

Join me as I welcome Julia Simens, expert on – and author of – Emotional Resilience and the Expat Child to discover the real story about parenting or supporting children in global transition.

We’ll be covering:

the benefits and challenges of expat life for kids
key strategies for supporting kids when they move
how to spot when things are going wrong (and what to do about it)
how to access the help you need, when you need it.

Expat Support Systems Inc. (The Expat LifeLine)

http://www.theexpatlifeline.com

Rachel Yates | rachel@theexpatlifeline.com

JOURNAL OF CROSS-CULTURAL FAMILY STUDIES: CALL FOR PAPERS!

Mon, 04 May 2015 13:53:38 GMT

The Journal of Cross-Cultural Family Studies (JCCFS) is a new electronic, open-access, peer-reviewed academic journal seeking to promote and publish research on the internal dynamics of the family and its relationship to society as affected by its cross-cultural interactions. link:

digitalcommons.acu.edu/jccfs/

The research is multidisciplinary in nature, including psychology, sociology, anthropology, education, and communication. The population studied includes mobile families raising Third Culture Kids (TCKs), expatriates/repatriates in diplomatic service, military, missions, education and corporate sectors, as well as families of immigrants and refugees.

Author Guidelines: Authors will submit their proposed article, including a title page with contact information, an abstract, complete references and any tables or figures. For all matters of style, manuscript submissions should follow the Publication Manual of the APA, 6th edition, 2010.

-- Articles are limited to 20 to 25 page submissions, including abstract and references.

-- Book Reviews should be 2,000 words or less, and full bibliographic information should be provided.

SUMMERTIME PUBLISHING IS BURSTING WITH SPRINGTIME NEWS

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 19:23:38 GMT

Spring has definitely sprung here at Summertime Publishing and we have lots to celebrate.

Watch our It’s Time video on YouTube.

Expat Jo Parfitt created Summertime in 1997 to publish her own books. Since then it has grown to offer a complete bespoke service that includes mentoring, editing, design, publishing and promotion. In 2008 she began to publish titles by other authors and hire a growing number of freelancers, who, like her, are also based abroad. Summertime has now worked with hundreds of authors and published more than 90 books.

There is no more perfect time for a change than in spring. Not only have two familiar faces joined the management team, but a new all-inclusive program has been created too.

"It is hard to believe that just three years ago I handled all aspects of the business alone," says Jo, who is the company director. "Today, we are truly global, with our team stretching from South Africa to the USA, Malaysia, the Netherlands and England."

Jack and Jane Join the Management Team and it's Springtime
Jack Scott, author of Perking the Pansies and the soon-to-be-published sequel, Turkey Street, has jumped in to manage a brand new imprint – Springtime Books. While Summertime will now focus on publishing expatriate family titles, Springtime will handle other genres. Not only has Springtime just published its first new book, Passage of the Stork, by Madeleine Lenagh, but has also taken thirteen Summertime favourites under its wing.

“I'm delighted to be part of an exciting new venture that enables writers to find their voice and to get the word out online,” says Norwich-based Jack, who now offers a comprehensive service to help authors develop a dynamic online presence, which includes virtual book tours and book trailers for that Hollywood moment.

Jane Dean, for a long time Production Manager and Editor, has moved up to assist Jo in all aspects of running Summertime Publishing.

“I’m looking forward to the launch of this new venture and thrilled to be working more closely with Jo and Jack, who have so much to offer existing and aspiring writers. Being involved in the start-up of Springtime – and the refocus of Summertime – has been an exciting and hugely rewarding time,” comments Jane, who is based in The Hague.

Springtime will work closely with Summertime, publishing Springtime authors and handling digital editions. Meanwhile Jo and Jane will continue to provide their by-your-side service from 'brainwave to bookshelf'.

A Brand New Service
Authors can be picky and demanding (and rightly so). This is why we have produced a new All-inclusive Program that includes a complete service from final manuscript to publication of print and digital editions. For those needing a little more we are offering a menu of Add-ons too.

The Great Spring Giveaway
To celebrate, both Springtime and Summertime are holding a GRAND SPRING GIVEAWAY.

Ten Springtime and Summertime authors are giving away copies of their books between 18th April and 17th May on Goodreads. Books include Passage of the Stork, Career in Your Suitcase and Safe Passage. Click here for details.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

publisher@springtimebooks.com
jo@summertimepublishing.com

or visit:

Summertime Publishing
Springtime Books

Training of Trainers Workshop: Crossing Cultures with Competence

Wed, 15 Apr 2015 14:17:40 GMT

In two jam-packed days of activities, discussion, exploration and training practice, attendees will learn the fundamentals of how to put together an effective agenda and how to deliver cultural awareness training in a participatory, interactive, fun while thoughtful and sophisticated way. An optional third day (Level Two) gives participants more activities, more concepts, and more practice.

Those who attend this training workshop will leave with all the kit they will need to start offering their own orientations, plus a site license to reproduce materials for their trainees. The training is designed for people who already have significant intercultural backgrounds of some nature, and who are:

interculturalists wanting a ready-to-go kit to offer cultural orientations
trainers and coaches wanting to add new cross-cultural skills to their toolbox
international school counselors and teachers wanting new ways to help families make a smooth transition to a new country
relocation professionals wanting to offer additional services
mental health professionals wanting to supplement their skills and tools
human resource managers wanting to ease global employees’ transitions while keeping training in house
others in professions related to crossing cultures who want the skills and materials to expand their services

Upcoming dates and locations:

May 13-14, 2015: New York City (co-sponsored by Girl Scouts USA)

Level Two offered May 15

July 29-30, 2015: Boston, MA

Level Two offered July 31

September 30-October 1, 2015: London, UK (co-sponsored by TASIS)

Level Two offered October 2

November 4-5, 2015: Washington, DC

Level Two offered November 6

About the Trainer:

Dr. Anne Copeland, Executive Director of The Interchange Institute, has trained hundreds of people, including many FIGT members, in this Crossing Cultures with Competence workshop. She is a psychologist, with expertise in families in global transition. For over 20 years she was a university professor, teaching and doing research on intercultural transition, then founded The Interchange Institute to further her interests outside the academic world. She served on the FIGT board and as FIGT’s Program Director from 2006-2012.

Fee: $1295 for two day workshop (Early Registration rate; deadline one month prior to workshop)

$ 650 for Level Two (Early Registration rate; deadline one month prior to workshop)

Fee includes full kit of ready-to-use materials; site license to use materials in future; completion certificate; lunch and snacks; membership in LinkedIn community of workshop alumni.

References from other FIGT members available upon request.

For more details: http://www.interchangeinstitute.org/html/CCC.htm

Please contact info@interchangeinstitute.org with questions or to express your interest in attending now or in the future.

New resources for Spanish-speaking expats

Wed, 10 Sep 2014 19:36:18 GMT

Many years ago, FIGT member, Paula Vexlir extended her private practice to support Spanish-speaking expats worldwide. Now she is proud to announce the launch of a tool that will support the community she serves, her blog: www.expatpsi.com/blogo.

Having enough information to either make informed decisions or to know what to expect is to take a prevention-oriented approach. For Paula this is crucial since being a clinical psychologist and a researcher she has listened to many people suffering due to the lack of resources in Spanish.

Also, she recognized that the knowledge gained from some people wasn´t transferred to others, it was lost (or just shared with a few that were nearby).
Eager to build resources for the Spanish-speaking community and to contribute to knowledge resource management she has created this blog. The topics covered are the TCK experience, accompanying partners, managing the grieving process, expat parenting and other classical challenges of the expat lifestyle.

If you like the initiative, please help spread the word. There is a FB page: www.facebook.com/ExpatPsi and the blog: www.expatpsi.com/blogo. And, of course, if you would like to practice your Spanish you are more than welcome to visit us!!!

Multiple Cultures, Mixed Blessings

Mon, 12 May 2014 16:42:39 GMT

Mixed Blessings: A Guide to Multicultural and Multiethnic Relationships, written by two intercultural psychotherapists with over fifty years experience between them, explores romance and relationships across cultures, and gives practical guidance on that can be used at home.

Due to globalization, technology and the ease of 21st century travel, multicultural and multiethnic marriages have exploded worldwide. The US leads the world as the country with the most diverse population (more ethnicities, religious practices, and languages spoken in the home) with Brazil a close second. There has been a 28% rise in the number of multiethnic couples in the United States in the past decade, and over 15% of all new marriages in 2010 were between spouses of different races/ethnicities. Little, however, has been written about the challenges of navigating a relationship that has roots in multiple cultures.

For the first time, two leading mental health professionals have partnered to broaden and deepen the discussion of multicultural impact on relationships. Mixed Blessings: A Guide to Multicultural and Multiethnic Relationships goes beyond exploring racial/ethnic differences to include the effects of migration, appearance, social class, spiritual/religious and cultural practices on modern individual, couple and family dynamics.

Tips from their book, Mixed Blessings, reveal:

what questions to ask yourself when friction arises in your multicultural relationship;
how to handle the stress of being in a family that may not welcome your differences;
strategies to handle people that stare at you and your partner wondering about you;
guidance for couples dealing with social class differences in their families of origin
insights for professionals who work across cultures, and anyone who may have multicultural loved ones.

Mixed Blessings: A Guide to Multicultural and Multiethnic Relationships is a new book written by marriage and family therapists Rhoda Berlin and Harriet Cannon, who have between them over fifty years of professional experience specializing in multicultural relationships. Mixed Blessings explores the multicultural experience and gives practical guidance on what this can mean and how it can impact people’s lives and relationships in subtle and often unnoticed ways.

Harriet and Rhoda are available for presentations to community groups, educational institutions, as well as professional health care and other professional organizations. For further details about Mixed Blessings or presentations on multicultural and multiethnic relationships, please contact:

Harriet Cannon: ph 206.780.3843 Rhoda Berlin: ph 206.919.5771
Email: mixedblessingsllc@gmail.com www.mixed-blessings.com

Harriet Cannon, M.C., LMFT, LMHC and Rhoda Berlin, M.S., LMFT invite FIGT educators, intercultural trainers and other interested members to join us in Umbria, Italy June 24-29th 2014 for a seminar 'The Migration Story: Exploring the Heart of Multicultural Life in Therapy. For more information and to register see www.italyseminars.com

London Totally Expat Show 2014, The Business Design Centre, London • May 19, 2014

Mon, 12 May 2014 16:29:43 GMT

Do you have international assignees in Germany? Want to find out how our business model redefines Destination Services? Visit us at the Totally Expat Show 19th May in London, UK. http://totallyexpat.com/london-show-2014/

King & Mayr will be exhibiting at this years’ largest of the Forum for Expatriate Management (F.E.M.) Totally Expat Shows, held at the Business Design Centre in London on 19th May 2014.

The Show is attended by hundreds of Global Mobility Professionals, International Service Providers and there are seminars held throughout the day by leading industry experts.

If you have short-/long-term international assignees with or without their families living & working in Germany, please stop by our stand, H-2, to see how we can maximise assignment success for both them and your company!

As winners of the European EMMA for Destination Service Provider of the Year 2013, we look forward to seeing you there and explaining how our innovative business model redefines Destination Services within our Industry, and simultaneously saving company resources, reducing HR Department workload, legal responsibilities, confidentiality issues and most importantly time, hassle, stress and money for everyone involved.

Press Release Contact:
King & Mayr GmbH & Co.KG
Alan King
a.king@king-mayr.com
Telephone Number: +49(0)2451-910-50-20

The Interchange Institute Announcess 2014 Schedule for Crossing Cultures with Competence Workshops

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 20:56:08 GMT

Dr. Anne Copeland, Director of The Interchange Institute and former Program Director of FIGT, is pleased to announce the 2014 schedule for her training of trainers workshop, Crossing Cultures with Competence, and specifically to invite the FIGT community to join her this year.

Upcoming workshops:

May 19-20, 2014 in New York City, co-sponsored by Girl Scouts USA (earlybird registration deadline: April 21)
July 21-22, 2014 in San Francisco
October 1-2, 2014 in London, co-sponsored by TASIS
October 20-21, 2014 in Boston

A Level Two workshop will be offered for those who have completed the first course, on the next day, in the same location (i.e. May 21 in NYC, July 23 in San Francisco, October 3 in London, October 22 in Boston). Co-sponsored workshops are open to all. If you are interested in co-sponsoring with us, please contact me at copeland@interchangeinstitute.org.

During the workshop, Anne teaches you how to put together an effective host country overview, how to explain core cultural differences in attitudes and values, and how to help people understand the family and individual challenges they face when moving to a new country. Leave the training with all the kit you’ll need to start offering your own orientations, plus a site license to reproduce materials for your trainees. The training is designed for people who already have significant intercultural backgrounds of some nature, and who are:

trainers and coaches wanting to add new cross cultural skills to their toolbox
international school counselors and teachers wanting new ways to help families make a smooth transition to a new country
human resource managers wanting to ease global employees’ transitions while keeping training in house
relocation professionals wanting to offer additional services
interculturalists wanting a ready-to-go kit to offer cultural orientations
mental health professionals wanting to supplement their skills and tools
others with an intercultural personal background and experience in helping others understand cultural differences.

Click here to read what past attendees have said about the workshop. Here’s one sample review from March’s workshop, just after FIGT:

“The Crossing Cultures with Confidence training sessions were very informative and great fun! All course participants had extensive opportunities to experience the sessions as our future clients may experience them and to also present sections in the role of the trainer to familiarize ourselves with how the material can be used most effectively. The most value I personally see is in the full ownership of the fully customizable, beautifully prepared and meticulously organized training material for future use. That alone will save me weeks of work to develop and put together professional workshop material for various settings. I highly recommend this class to anyone with a deep interest in intercultural communication who has the desire to teach others how to cross cultural boundaries, real and imaginary.” (March 2014 Attendee)

Call or email Anne Copeland (617 566 2227 or copeland@interchangeinstitute.org) today to discuss whether this is the right workshop for you.

Expat360Life Jumpstart Webinar

Fri, 11 Apr 2014 13:57:25 GMT

How is your expat experience shaping up? Could be better? If you have recently ‘landed’ or have been struggling to create the life abroad you dreamed of, or simply want ‘more’ from your time overseas and are feeling overwhelmed by life, then this is the webinar for you.

We are running another 6 week coaching and mentoring programme designed for expats who want more from life starting in May 2014. Please join us on Tuesday 22 April at 20.00 hrs UTC for the free live Expat360Life Jumpstart Webinar where we'll discuss the following:

The 4 biggest myths about creating a successful Expat life
The 5 Expat Traps to avoid when setting up your life overseas
The 9 things that need to be in place in order to create a successful and happy life abroad
Live Expat 360° Life Jumpstart exercises to help you begin to make the changes you desire

The Expat360Life Programme is open to everyone who wants more from their overseas experience, and is completed from the comfort of your own home (or local café!) in a virtual community of expats in similar situations.

To find out more and register for free, go to www.expat360life.com.

Don’t count the days. Make the days count.

Contact:
Amanda Wilby
info@globaltalentcoaching.com
UK Phone Number: 44 (0)20 7193 7251

Invitation to Employers - GO-TO Job Fair May 2, 2014

Fri, 04 Apr 2014 19:25:13 GMT

The U.S. Department of State is inviting representatives of international businesses and organizations to attend the Global Opportunities for Talent Optimization (GO-TO) Job Fair on May 2nd from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Foreign Service Institute located at 4000 N. Arlington Blvd, in Arlington VA.

The job candidates are the spouses and partners of the Foreign Affairs community and are available for international positions only. The participants are headed to their overseas assignments or are currently located overseas. Over 180 in-person and virtual participants have already registered to attend this job fair event.

These job seekers are provided with visas to enter the country of assignment, health benefits, air transportation, housing, and education for school-aged children. Additionally, they have the legal authority to work on the local economy in over 200 countries and can easily obtain work permits in these locations.

These candidates are experienced in their fields, and are adaptable and flexible. Many are multilingual, most are bilingual, and over 40% hold graduate degrees.

Participating employers will be invited to join our special group on LinkedIn where they may view each candidate’s profile.

All employers with international positions are urged to join us on May 2nd and discover how members of this talented pool of prospective employees can directly benefit their organizations. Click on the link below to reserve your cost-free booth: https://globalfeedback.wufoo.com/forms/exhibitor-registration-form-goto-job-fair/

Contact:
Debra Thompson
gotojobfair@gmail.com
(407) 864-0726

TERN FINANCIAL GROUP WELCOMES ECKART RUSSELL AS DIRECTOR

Wed, 29 Jan 2014 19:39:49 GMT

TERN FINANCIAL GROUP WELCOMES ECKART RUSSELL AS DIRECTOR
Influential Risk Management Pioneer Joins Board

Montreal, CANADA. (January 29, 2014) - TERN Financial Group Inc., an emerging financial services provider focused on the global relocation market today announced that Eckart Russell has joined the company´s Board of Directors. As a member of the Board of Directors, Mr. Russell will contribute his vast experience and expertise in the global risk management and insurance industry, to provide guidance for the company’s strategic expansion and solutions for the development and delivery of its products and services.

“We are gratified to have someone of Eckart Russell´s stature join our Board; his presence is a coup for TERN Financial,” said Paul Coleman, President and CEO of TERN Financial. “Eckart’s profound knowledge and expertise will be invaluable as we continually develop novel solutions for the international relocation sector.”

Throughout Eckart Russell’s unparalleled career he has been a true pioneer and leader across all facets of the insurance business including broking, underwriting, claims management and advocacy, alternative risk finance, captive insurance, corporate risk finance, enterprise risk, commodity and foreign exchange risk management. He has been widely recognized for his excellence on several
occasions, notably Business Insurance Risk Manager of the Year (1973), Power Broker of the Year in the Transportation Segment (2008) and the David Frees Award of the Rail Risk Management Association (2012).

“It´s a terrific time to work with this accomplished executive team of TERN Financial, to help bring fresh solutions to this very dynamic sector of the global financial services industry,” said Mr. Russell. “I am looking forward to the challenge”.

Recently retired from a 50-year career in risk management and insurance, the last 25 years as Managing Director with Marsh & McLennan Companies, Eckart Russell was educated at Hamburg University and Harvard Business School and is currently a consultant to major industrial corporations.

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About TERN Financial Group Inc.

TERN Financial Group works in close partnership with relocation industry stakeholders to define and deliver novel risk and insurance solutions, innovative products and improved processes. TERN Financial was established for the express purpose of deftly applying accumulated expertise, profound insights and enlightened perspectives against the risks inherent to global talent mobility dynamics. TERN Financial’s exclusive focus is on delivering economies, efficiencies and revenue to the international relocation sector’s risk management challenges. The company is located in Montreal, Canada. To learn more, visit www.terngrp.com.

Contact:
Paul Coleman
TERN Financial Group Inc.
paul@terngrp.com
541 346 2753

TERN FINANCIAL GROUP PLEDGES SUPPORT TO STUDENTS ON ICE

Tue, 14 Jan 2014 19:34:38 GMT

TERN FINANCIAL GROUP PLEDGES SUPPORT TO STUDENTS ON ICE
Backs Students and Scientists Aboard Arctic Tern I

Montreal, CANADA (January 14, 2014) - TERN Financial Group Inc. today announced a multi-year commitment to support Students on Ice (SOI), an award-winning organization offering international youth experiential educational expeditions to study environmental issues and climate change in the Arctic and Antarctic.

TERN Financial Group In. has pledged to offset travel expenses for deserving youth from communities facing uniquely challenging socio-economic circumstances participating on the Students on Ice expeditions, as well as for researchers and scientists aboard Arctic TERN I.

Students on Ice provides students, educators and scientists from around the world with inspiring educational opportunities and, in doing so, helps them to foster a new understanding and respect for the planet. It is the only organization in the world that offers an opportunity for students to be immersed in 'hands on' research activities and lectures, taught by polar experts, educators, and researchers. Since 2000, SOI has successfully conducted at least two youth polar expeditions per year.

“TERN Financial is proud to support Students on Ice,” said Paul Coleman, TERN Financial president and CEO. “The organization’s active stewardship of the environment, advancement of science, and development and education of youth are well aligned with our corporate values. Geoff Green and his team are making a positive impact on several important fronts and we look forward to a rewarding and enduring partnership.”

The ship-based expeditions employ modern ice-class vessels as the educational platform and expedition home. The Arctic Tern I was acquired by the Students on Ice Foundation in 2009 for its unique ability to access coastal areas that are hazardous to the navigation of traditional Arctic expedition craft. The vessel is a safe, environmentally friendly, cost effective, and versatile polar class sailing vessel that provides an unparalleled platform for Arctic education, science, film and media. Between 2013 and 2018, Arctic Tern I will be on expedition in the eastern Canadian Arctic.

-30-

About TERN Financial Group Inc.

Contact:

Paul Coleman
TERN Financial Group Inc.
paul@terngrp.com
541 346 2753

FIGT Announces New Job for Board Member

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:15:48 GMT

Washington, DC – April 2, 2013 – FIGT announces that one of its board members, Mary Margaret Herman, has a new position at 2U Inc., a company that partners with top-tier universities to deliver rigorous and selective graduate degree and undergraduate for-credit programs online. In her new role as Post Enrollment Services Manager for American University's Masters in International Relations online, Ms. Herman will focus on enhancing the student experience in order to help them to acclimate to the virtual learning environment and succeed in the completion of their degree.

Mary Margaret stated, "As an alumna of the M.A. program in International Communication at American University's School of International Service and former AU employee, I am ecstatic about this opportunity at 2U as well as the privilege of playing a role in this historical moment for a school I know and love! "

Ms. Herman is a member of the FIGT Board of Directors and leads the communications team. She is a Jersey Shore native and dual-citizen of Ireland. During her free time, she loves to garden and spend time with her family.

Dwellworks Announces Acquisitions in Mexico and United Kingdom

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 18:46:53 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dwellworks Announces International Expansion with Acquisitions in the United Kingdom and Mexico

Cleveland, Ohio – February 28, 2013 – Dwellworks, LLC is excited to announce its expansion into the United Kingdom and Mexico through the acquisition of two experienced and well-respected destination service providers, County Homesearch International and Express Relocation® Home Search and Destination Services.

Gene Novak, Executive Vice President and CFO of Dwellworks stated, "We recognized a need for a global, consistent, single-source solution for destination services. Dwellworks is thrilled with the opportunity to deliver our clients enhanced compliance, process consistency and delivery, and standardized HSSE practices through our expanded supply chain network."

County Homesearch has operated throughout the United Kingdom for 25 years, earning both the EuRA Quality Seal of Destination Services and ISO 9001 certification. The destination services division will rebrand as Dwellworks by year-end. The property homefinder division will continue to represent private, independent home buyers and renters as County Homesearch International Limited. Andrew Scott and Heather Stanley will remain with the Dwellworks organization as full-time associates in operational and account management roles. Jonathan Haward will be integral to effective ownership transition as a strategic consultant for Dwellworks.

With consultants located across Mexico, Express Relocation brings over 25 years of industry experience, an established consultant network, and a passion for customer service. The company will rebrand as Dwellworks by year-end, with former owners Jack and Tanya Fraind providing operational and strategic leadership at the new Dwellworks Mexico City service center and for our Latin American expansion plans.

The Mexico City service center acquisition builds on the Dwellworks North American strategy. Dwellworks expanded its destination services into Canada last year with the acquisition of Dada Destination Services Inc. of Ottawa, Ontario.

About Dwellworks, LLC

Dwellworks is a leading provider of relocation and real estate industry solutions, with over 30 years of experience managing a supplier network of consultants, field agents, contractors and appraisers. Dwellworks empowers companies to deliver value and innovation to their clients, offering a comprehensive suite of Destination Services for relocating employees and their families, Property Management for both vacant and tenant-occupied homes, and Valuation Services for relocation, specialty and mortgage appraisal needs. For more information, please visit www.dwellworks.com.

About County Homesearch International Ltd.

Established in 1988, County Homesearch International is the leading independent property homefinder in the UK. A network of offices throughout the UK ensures clients find the best home to meet their needs and then settle in through destination services programs. County Homesearch holds the EuRA Quality Seal, and is the first company of its kind to be awarded the ISO9001 certificate for high quality management practices.

About Express Relocation® Home Search and Destination Services

Express Relocation is a leading destination services provider for multinational firm executives and their families in Mexico. The company has over 25 years of experience and industry involvement including numerous client awards and accolades. With a destination consultant network that spans across Mexico, their consultants are experts in the field, are fully bilingual and have a minimum of five years experience in international mobility.

For more information, please contact:

John Fischer, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing

Dwellworks, LLC

Phone: 216-682-4263

Email: john.fischer@dwellworks.com

December 2012 - ACS Market Update, Winter 2012

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 01:37:05 GMT

ACS has published their Winter 2012 Market Update, read below to learn more about this newsletter, and click the links to read the article. If you wish to view the full newsletter, please click here.

Did you know that the concept of 'personal space' varies from culture to culture? And by how much? Read our article by Maria Foley to find out what first-time international assignees should be aware of when meeting new colleagues.

In this issue:

Aug 2012 — Dwellworks Launches Business Process Improvement Division

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 13:47:05 GMT

Cleveland, Ohio – August 3, 2012 – Dwellworks is excited to announce the launch of a new company division - Business Process Improvement (BPI). BPI is focused on improving quality, reviewing processes and providing a platform for associates to submit innovative company ideas. The division’s rollout highlighted its mission for associates to become “Idea Drivers,” using BPI as a road map to make their ideas a reality.

“At Dwellworks, we use the term ‘relentless incrementalism’, meaning getting a little bit better every day. BPI can generate not only big bang ideas, but also incremental improvements that will benefit both our customers and the company in the long run,” stated Bob Rosing, President and CEO of Dwellworks. “Innovation is not just huge changes – it can also be little improvements that can make a great impact.”

“As an embodiment of the Dwellworks values, BPI is a way for associates to have a voice and work together,” said Patrick Spicuzza, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management & Quality. “Our collaborative approach will encourage professional development amongst team members and an ‘Innovation to Implementation’ mentality for our company.”

By using teamwork to implement innovative ideas, Dwellworks expects results in production gains, cost containment, revenue generation and improved processes.

About Dwellworks

Dwellworks is a network management company providing innovative, efficient and cost-effective relocation and real estate solutions for companies throughout North America. The comprehensive suite of services includes Destination Services for the needs of both domestic transferees and inbound foreign nationals, Property Management for the financial and administrative management of homes, and Valuation Services for relocation, specialty and mortgage appraisal needs. The privately-held company is headquartered in Cleveland, OH with service centers in Detroit, MI, New York, NY, Phoenix, AZ and Washington, DC. Utilizing a dedicated team of associates and extensive supplier network, Dwellworks embraces the core values of integrity, teamwork, performance, innovation and fun.

Contact:
Suzanne Benjamin
Director, Marketing Manager, Dwellworks, LLC
P: 216.682.4207
E: suzanne.benjamin@dwellworks.com

Member Press Releases Coming Soon

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:46:04 GMT

Check back often.

Families in Global Transition Member Press Releases

Telling Your Intercultural Story

Just Launched – Second Edition “The Global Nomad’s Guide to University Transition”

The 2022 EAC Thesis Award deadline is near!

Coming in 2022 from Distance Families

Kaleidoscope Announces Virtual TCK Club for ages 7-16!

Book Launch: Being a Distance Grandparent - A Book for ALL Generations

Emerging and Experienced Interculuralists

Is this you?

Book Launch - Lançamento de Livro

The Global Career Workbook

The Global Mobility Workbook

Expatriate Archive Centre Master's Thesis Award

Doors Open for the Location Independent Therapists Community

Telling Your Intercultural Story

Webinar: From Stuck to Unstuck: Creating Positive Change in 2021

The International School Transitions-Care Landscape

Creative Storytelling for TCKs

FREE WORKSHOP: How to find the right business idea for you

Reeling from Relocation

New event: Expatriate Archive Centre's Virtual Information Morning

Book Release

Online Training of Trainers: Crossing Cultures with Competence

Free Webinar on Maintaining Relationships with Family Overseas [Hosted by Resettlement Specialist, Bridget Romanes & Distance-Family Researcher, Helen Ellis]

Global Life in a Global Pandemic: The Impact of COVID-19 on Expatriates/Global Individuals and Their Families: Survey

Our own Doreen Cumberford is launching her book Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure

Thriving Abroad Together Podcast Series

SENIA International Announces New Executive Director, Lori Boll

Social-Emotional Learning Activities Guide for Parents

FREE WEBINAR: How to attract clients and communicate in uncertain times

SALUS© Platform to Address Mental and Emotional Welfare Connected to COVID-19

Virtual Training: Crossing Cultures with Competence goes online!

Expatriate Life in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic

I Did Not Choose to Homeschool My Children

A Cultural Transition Course

Ready to share your story on @WeAreXpats?

Book Signing in Sweden

Training of Trainers: Crossing Cultures with Competence

Supporting the Globally Mobile: Transition, Challenges, Needs and Solutions

iFLG Nominated for LexisNexis Family Law Awards 2019

Social Media Survey

BAMBI Magazine features FIGT

International Finance Survey

International Book Launch for 'This Messy Mobile Life'

Training the Trainers Program: Transitioning Successfully for University: Thriving Beyond Academics

Applications are open for Stanford Online High School

Relocation Survey

VIRTUAL SUMMIT: Effortless Success In Your Portable Career & Business

Arriving Well: Stories of Identity, Belonging and Rediscovering Home After Living Abroad

A Great Move : Surviving and Thriving in your Expat Assignment By Katia Vlachos

Training of Trainers: Crossing Cultures with Competence

Don't Miss Jo Parfitt's Writing Me-Treat in The Hague

Transitions 101 - Tips and tools for transforming your school's transition program

Take Your Career With You Online Free 2 Week Summit

The Ultimate Guide for Giving Birth Abroad - essential tools & tips for expats expecting

Third Culture Kids, 3rd Edition - Growing Up Among Worlds

Wilderness Treks: A Natural Path to Healing

Comprehensive guide for international students planning on studying in the U.S. just published

THRIVING ABROAD: The definitive guide to professional and personal relocation success was published on 14th June 2017

The Expat Career And Lifestyle Podcast 30: Interview with Claudia Landini. How To Craft Your Expat Professional Identity By Creating A Portable Career

Conference: "From Expat Spouse to Global Entrepreneur"

Take Our Survey for Internationals!

Repatriation Experience Survey

Passages Through Pakistan - An American Girl's Journey of Faith

How an Unhappy Spouse Can Affect the Success of an International Posting

Frequent Business Travel and a Happy Relationship

February FIGT Meetup in Sydney, Australia

RELAUNCH! Virtual Re-entry Retreat

November FIGT Meetup in Sydney, Australia

Home Is Where...

Moving with Kids Summit

Caring for Aging Loved-ones from Around the World

How does childhood experience with being different affect our later lives as expatriates?

Lovepat Survey: We're Looking for Lovepats. Are You One?

New Expat Exhibition Opening in The Hague City Hall

A new book for French speaking readers "Réussir sa vie d'expat. S'épanouir à l'étranger en développant son intelligence nomade

Online Course for Expat Parents!!!

Free Webinar: Expat Parenting - Helping Children and TCKs Adjust to Life Overseas (or back 'home')

JOURNAL OF CROSS-CULTURAL FAMILY STUDIES: CALL FOR PAPERS!

SUMMERTIME PUBLISHING IS BURSTING WITH SPRINGTIME NEWS

A Great Move : Surviving and Thriving in your Expat Assignment By Katia Vlachos