Every culture celebrates holidays, and many find brightness in the shortened days of fall and winter with festivals and family gatherings. While some festivals are religious and some are secular, some big and some small, one thing almost every one has in common is special food and drink, and in large amounts. One of the […] Continue reading… from Tasting Your Way Through the Holidays
In last week’s newsletter, we mentioned the importance of a smooth family adjustment to an assignment. Just as important, however, is finding a community of like-minded people, either other expatriates or with the local citizens, especially for those on assignment without family support. An AXA study showed that 9 in 10 expatriates feel isolated in their new country, which […] Continue reading… from No Assignee is an Island
We never know when disaster will strike, something I learned personally in the past month with Hurricane Helene. As a longtime western North Carolina mountain resident, we are used to being the place people evacuate to, not somewhere that needs to be evacuated from. We had no power, water, or communication for five days, and […] Continue reading… from Compounded Disasters
An international relocation is one the most overwhelming and stressful events an employee can face. Even when the transfer is wanted, excitement can soon turn to anxiety as dozens of questions come up. The hazy dream of life abroad snaps into focus with practicalities as assignees wonder how they will find apartments, what schools will […] Continue reading… from Announcing Your One-Stop Shop for Relocation Advice
One of the most difficult decisions when moving to a new country is what home furnishings to bring (or to bring any at all). Furniture is a large expense and hassle regardless of whether assignees ship their own or purchase new items locally. A few key factors can affect the decision: Climate Humidity, sun, and […] Continue reading… from Making a House a Home
Growing up in the Appalachian mountains, outdoor recreation like camping and boating was a large part of my childhood. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the popularity of camping around the world. While most people think of relocation as from one city to another city, part of the fun of an assignment abroad can be easy access […] Continue reading… from Roughing it Internationally
June is the month in which many countries uplift and celebrate the LGBTQ community. People travel from all over to visit some of these incredible and colorful celebrations. For assignees who belong to the LGBTQ community, Pride events can help connect them to the local scene as well as providing a way to have fun […] Continue reading… from Worldwide Pride
Feeling under the weather in a foreign country can turn even a common cold or allergies into an extra headache. While people across the world suffer from the same maladies and most expatriates are assigned to areas that have well-stocked pharmacies, local products may be unfamiliar or labeled in a language or script an assignee […] Continue reading… from Common Illnesses, Uncommon Cures
Depending on what country you’re from, boarding school may be familiar from your own education, a luxury, or an unthinkable separation. In the UK, India, and China, boarding schools are relatively common, while someone from the US may not know anyone who has attended one. For some families, therefore, it can be a shock to […] Continue reading… from To board or not to board
