Why Trailing Spouses Can’t Be Happy (and What Can Be Done)

Companies recognize that accompanying spouses are playing an essential role in the success of international assignments. Research shows that they’re key to absorb the stress of both the … [Read more...]

‘Toxic’ Expats: How to Spot and Avoid Them

Last week, I mapped 5 reasons why you need to talk to other expats. There are more: Carla mentioned availability and Franck underlined work, Betty acknowledged the power of this network, to find … [Read more...]

5 Reasons Why You Need to Talk to Other Expats

When I left France to live abroad, I did not know anything about culture shock, expatriate grief and third culture kids. But I had a clear idea in mind: I would immerse myself in the local culture, … [Read more...]

Culture Shock and Your Expat Child: What to Do?

Have you ever wondered what’s happening in your children’s head when relocating abroad? In this article "Culture Shock: What Your Children Can't Tell You", you already found some … [Read more...]

Culture Shock: What Your Kids Can’t Tell You

In a previous article, you uncovered what Gérard Depardieu could teach expatriates about culture shock. We outlined the very popular Oberg model characterized by 4 stages (honeymoon, crisis, … [Read more...]

Culture Shock: What Gérard Depardieu Can Teach Expats

When you move abroad to live or study in another country, you’ll “suffer” from culture shock. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHgF5pAt2zA&feature=youtu.be Culture shock is the effect … [Read more...]

Expatriates: Who Can You Rely On When Your Parents Get Sick?

Christmas Eve 2010. 6 pm, France. My parents, my brother and his wife were preparing the dinner looking forward to a tasty meal. All of a sudden, my mother felt an excruciating abdominal … [Read more...]

Expats, Not Home for Christmas? 7 Ways to Feel Closer to Your Family

“So you’re not coming back home for Christmas, are you? Oh, we’ll miss you so much. The house will be empty. It’s so sad. I was hoping you could make it. I was so looking forward to seeing the … [Read more...]

The 10 Relatives You Dread to See When Going Back Home For Christmas

The countdown has started. 12 days to Christmas. The expat community is divided: * either you’re going back home, * or you stay put. “So what are you doing for Christmas this year?” This … [Read more...]

Bilingualism: 3 questions to expert François Grosjean

François Grosjean is Emeritus Professor of psycholinguistics at the University of Neuchâtel, Switzerland. He is bilingual himself (French and English) with more than 30 years of experience in … [Read more...]