Blog

By Mariann Dienes — Applied Linguistics Expert and Neurolanguage Coach

At the end of a long week of meetings, sessions, team dinners, team lunches, and events, I was about 30 seconds into a presentation, when I saw one of my colleagues dozing off at a table in the front row. The people at the rest of the tables were not doing much better. We had been listening to the same topics in disguise for a week. Had I not been the moderator, I would have fallen asleep, too. 

People had flown in from around the world and were jet-lagged. They were translating a lot of information in their heads. Some conference attendees likely needed some exercise to be able to refocus. Ninety-minute sessions without a break, plus weeks packed with lectures, mean people zone out even if they do not fall asleep. The message you want to deliver gets completely lost. 

People typically need help to digest large amounts of information. They need breaks so they can absorb what they have heard, react to it, and process it in ways that allow them to share and make a difference.

While conference presentations and jet lag are common in global business, I’ve found that regional differences in adapting to working and living in new communities also have their challenges (even with a short-haul rather than a long-haul flight). No matter what you do or how many presentations you make, some people do not seem to hear. They can’t hear. 

One of the biggest hurdles I’ve found as an Eastern European is understanding other regional ways of thinking and feeling understood. Perhaps I need a different PowerPoint? I speak enough languages. 

Take business development, for example. Often, North America and Western Europe lead the way in cutting-edge global development for small businesses. It is easy to say (in English), “Well, everything is online these days. You can travel anywhere. You can work from anywhere, and that’s a bonus for all of us.”

While that is true, sometimes my brain isn’t able to keep up, even without jet lag. I slip in and out of France, New York, or Istanbul, all from the same swivel desk chair. Even more frequently these days, I look at the Zoom faces from across the world and I want to gently inquire (or sometimes more directly and boldly), “Do you understand that although I am fluent in English, my thoughts need a moment? I’m not just translating a language but also a thought pattern.”

You see, I want to take my seat at the table of emerging small global businesses, but I am overcoming more than you can see on a screen. Many people from my region are overcoming post-communist thinking when it comes to starting a business. I certainly am, and sometimes I don’t know how to tell others what I know or don’t know about current trends. 

I believe I’ve come a long way in solving this problem by joining Families in Global Transition’s Business Membership. In our WhatsApp group and our Business Quarterly meetings, we can ask anything. No question is too small. Too silly. Too technical. The Zoom Quarterlies are not recorded so we feel free to ask anything.

In addition, I’ve met several expats living in Bulgaria and Romania. I’m from Hungary. We met through the “Shut Up and Work” sessions and continued our conversations in the “Coffee and Connect” sessions. We are finding our voice. Through the FIGT network, we can meet in an informal atmosphere, taking the next steps in possibly forming a new affiliate—FIGT Eastern Europe! If you are living in our region, we’d love to welcome you to our group. Nothing is yet set in stone, but we’re exploring ideas about how we can gather and gain confidence now that we have a voice. It’s a lot to take in.

Author Bio

Mariann Dienes is an intercultural consultant and applied linguist with a background in both business and Applied Linguistics. Having worked for multinational organizations for more than 10 years, Mariann brings a wealth of experience to intercultural consulting. Her qualifications in Applied Linguistics, Neurolanguage Coaching, and English Teaching provide an excellent skill set that facilitates intercultural understanding at its best. Her primary aims are to help clients achieve an increased awareness of cultural dimensions and foster understanding and cooperation in organizations.

By Anastasia Aldelina Lijadi – Vice President FIGT, Acting Affiliate Director

Families in Global Transition (FIGT) is a beacon of support and connection for globally mobile families, offering a range of activities and resources that cater to their unique needs. Over the past two decades, FIGT has expanded its role as a community platform, ensuring that members stay connected, informed, and supported in their journeys. In 2008, FIGT began hosting annual in-person conferences in various cities around the world. In 2019, Bangkok was the last live conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning in 2021, FIGT switched to hosting conferences online.

Looking ahead later this year, we encourage FIGT members to mark their calendars for the 2025 FIGT Global Gathering in Chicago, July 25-27. During this event, we will celebrate FIGT founder Ruth Van Reken’s 80th birthday! It promises to be a memorable gathering for members to connect and mark this special moment. Members are invited to register for the event, prepare to share their own experiences, and participate in the celebrations.

Staying Connected and Engaged

FIGT keeps its individual and business members informed with dynamic updates via dedicated WhatsApp groups. This ensures everyone stays connected and up-to-date with the latest news and opportunities. Members can engage by actively participating in the group, sharing their own updates, and taking advantage of the information shared. For business members, FIGT has introduced quarterly virtual networking sessions that offer a platform to connect, inspire, share, and collaborate, creating new opportunities for professional growth and development. These sessions foster deeper connections within the FIGT business community as members can share their experiences and seek out potential collaborations.

FIGT also hosts “Coffee and Connect” gatherings in virtual settings, allowing members an opportunity to catch up, share experiences, and build relationships in a relaxed, informal setting. Such gatherings are a testament to FIGT’s commitment to fostering a strong sense of community among its members. When members attend these gatherings, they bring their own stories and experiences to share and make new connections.

Recognizing the need for additional resources, FIGT also organizes quarterly “Let’s Talk” virtual sessions with diverse topics, offering an opportunity to exchange insights and have conversations guided by experts in the topics. Members are welcome to attend these sessions, ask questions, and apply the insights gained to their own needs.

One of the standout initiatives is the weekly “Shut Up and Work” sessions, which are held online every Wednesday. These sessions provide dedicated time for members to focus on their own tasks in a supportive virtual environment, fostering productivity and a sense of community. Members can join the sessions and use the time to tackle their to-do lists while feeling part of a collective effort.

Active Affiliates

In addition, FIGT’s regional affiliate groups and topic-focused community clubs also organize a variety of seminars, workshops, and casual gatherings. FIGT currently has affiliate groups in Australia and New Zealand (ANZA), Greece, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Spanish-Speaking regions, and the United Kingdom where members can connect online or via in-person gatherings. These events cover a wide range of subjects relevant to globally mobile families, providing valuable insights and fostering ongoing dialogue and community. 

The FIGT Australia and New Zealand (ANZA) affiliate has been especially active, hosting events such as a talk by Deborah De Cerff on the benefits, achievements, and legacies of global mobility network organizations. Deborah, founder of The Employee Mobility Institute (TEMi), shares how TEMi and similar establishments drive impact and celebrate excellence in global mobility. Another notable event was an online seminar led by Miki Brooks on the challenges faced by Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and their families in navigating multiple cultures. This seminar shared practical strategies for managing long-term, cross-cultural living. FIGT ANZA also hosts the popular Global Mobility Author Webinar, featuring seven authors discussing six books. This event provides a variety of perspectives on global mobility and is recorded for those unable to attend live. 

In September 2024, the FIGT Greece affiliate hosted the 3rd European FIGT Meetup in Athens after the successful regional gatherings in Barcelona (hosted by two FIGT members in 2022) and in The Hague (hosted by FIGT Netherlands in 2023). Regional gatherings offer a unique opportunity to meet fellow FIGT members within the region, share information, and seek collaboration opportunities. Open to affiliate members as well as FIGT members, people are invited to share personal stories and experiences, highlighting the deep connections and friendships formed through the organization. These stories underscore the importance of community and support in the globally mobile lifestyle. 

The FIGT Counselors & Coaches affiliate has monthly Zoom meetups, which provide a platform for clinicians, counselors, and coaches to connect and share insights. This initiative, established in 2018, serves as a platform for communication, connection, and collaboration among counselors and coaches within the FIGT community. In the November 2024 session, for example, the gathering focused on ADHD and supporting long-term expats. The Counselors & Coaches affiliate collaborates closely with the FIGT ANZA Affiliate to reach out to members in the Asia-Pacific region, ensuring that support and resources are accessible to a wider audience.

The FIGT Japan affiliate will celebrate their five-year anniversary with FIGT with an upcoming event in March 2025, featuring a panel of Japanese adult third culture kids (“kikokushijo”) in their 20s to their 60s. The event will be bilingual, in Japanese and English, targeted to the local TCK and expatriate community in Tokyo.

Connecting Through Networks, Clubs, and Communities

The FIGT Research Network recently hosted discussions on TCK experiences from the Global South and childhood mobility in post-colonial Asia and Africa. Such discussions provide valuable insights into the unique experiences of these individuals and contribute to the broader understanding of global mobility. 

The FIGT Book Club is another terrific initiative that fosters community and connection among FIGT members. Monthly virtual gatherings offer a chance for members to come together and discuss various books, sharing their thoughts and insights in a friendly, engaging environment. The book club provides not only an opportunity to explore different perspectives on global mobility and related topics, but it also helps members build deeper connections through shared literary experiences. FIGT members can join the monthly book club gatherings, read the selected books, and actively participate in the discussions. This is a great way to connect with others who share similar interests, gain new insights, and contribute to the vibrant FIGT community. Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking to connect with fellow members, the FIGT Book Club offers a welcoming space for meaningful conversations and personal growth.

The FIGT Parenting Community is also a vital part of the organization, offering frequent seminars on various parenting topics, including anxiety, transitioning to university, and more. These seminars provide valuable insights and practical strategies for parents navigating the complexities of raising children in a globally mobile environment. During these seminars, FIGT members can join in the discussions and apply the knowledge they gain to their own parenting challenges.

In addition to these many ways to connect, FIGT also welcomes members who are conducting research projects on phenomena related to global mobility and Third Culture Kids.

Ongoing Active Support

FIGT continues to be a vital resource for globally mobile families, offering a wide range of activities and initiatives that foster connection, support, and growth. Whether through virtual events, local affiliates, or ongoing communication efforts, FIGT remains committed to supporting its members in navigating the complexities of global transitions. By actively participating in these activities, members can maximize the benefits of their FIGT membership and build a strong, supportive network.

By Brianna White, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Child Mental Health Specialist

If your drive starts in Chicago and your destination is in Indiana, should you take the freeway branch toward Milwaukee or Cincinnati? How was I supposed to know? This was before GPS, and I was on my first solo road trip as a repatriated TCK. So, I guessed and then focused on not crashing. After an hour of success in that realm, I relaxed enough to notice I was headed North, which I did know was wrong. Too bad parents don’t pass on their home-area mental maps genetically. Instead, I had to take an exit, park, and consult a map every single time the freeway branched. GPS has been nice.

Wouldn’t it be great if there were a cultural GPS? You could type in, “I want to look like a polite, friendly, competent 16-year-old American,” and it would tell you how to host a culturally appropriate birthday party. When small challenges accumulate—or when you have a particularly bad experience, like my Milwaukee detour turning a five-hour trip into an eleven-hour ordeal—you can get anxious.

“Common sense is only common to those with similar experiences.” – Unknown

I first heard this quote about six years into my transition to the U.S. after growing up in Papua New Guinea. It was a relief—finally, a way to describe the real reason why I was guessing wrong so often. Another term for this experience is being a hidden immigrant. For example, fresh off the plane at 18, I took driver’s ed. At intersections, I kept looking for cars in places that baffled my instructor. But my expectations would have made good sense in Papua New Guinea, where they drive on the opposite side of the road. 

How traffic flows and where cities are located are just two examples of local knowledge. In a new culture, you may suddenly find that your instincts fail you. You’ve literally lost your common sense. If you look or sound different, people often extend grace for these missteps. Foreigners aren’t expected to “get it” all the time. But when a TCK returns to a country where they look and sound like they belong, they don’t often receive that same patience. Even if no one is unkind, repeated failures to display common sense can feel isolating.

Expat adults, you know this feeling of culture shock well. It’s stressful, and the challenge is constant. But imagine this: You move somewhere new, speak the language fluently, and look like you belong, but you don’t know how to handle basic adult tasks. Will people assume, “Oh, they must be a TCK,” or will they think, “Something is wrong with this person?” At best, you miss out on the help that’s often extended to foreigners. At worst, people question your intelligence or find you odd and avoid you. It’s much easier when your language skills and cultural newness match.

This expectations mistake is not just for strangers. Just like people expect tall or highly verbal children to act older, it’s easy for parents to forget that their culturally adept child is still a beginner in this country. Young people may also fail to give themselves the patience they would offer a foreigner. When “normal” things feel disproportionately difficult, parents might think, Why is this so hard? Are they just an anxious kid? Meanwhile, TCKs might wonder, What’s wrong with me? Why am I so anxious and overwhelmed?

So how can parents help their TCKs adjust? First, let’s not assume anxiety is the issue. Maybe their anxiety management skills are fine. Maybe the real problem is too much hard stuff all at once. Learning to manage anxiety in tough situations is important, but anxiety is a normal response to a challenge. Here’s a key distinction: Are you at a 10/10 anxiety level because of one hard thing, or because ten hard things are happening at once? The latter is a common experience for repatriating TCKs.

Sometimes, we don’t need better anxiety management, we just need the challenge to be easier. I don’t mean avoiding things that are hard. I’m talking about facing the challenges by means of breaking it into smaller steps. For example, learn to order at a drive-through from the passenger seat before attempting it from the driver’s seat.

Before deciding how difficult something “should” be for your TCK, ask these two questions:

1. How new is this situation?

2. What is making it so hard?

At 26, I entered a bank for the first time. My parents and I had always done banking by mail or online, so I had never seen in-person banking in action. The experience was completely new. What made it stressful wasn’t just that I didn’t know where to go or what to do—it was also my embarrassment at how anxious and lost I felt over something that seemed so basic.

Advice for TCKs and ATCKs: When something is hard, admit to someone you trust that it’s new and unfamiliar. Getting help is a relief. Use your friends and parents as cultural GPS. Pro tip: Your parents’ friends are often the best to ask—they’ve been in the home country while your parents were just as out-of-it as you. (This is why we sometimes call them Third Culture Adults.)

Advice for parents: When you expect common sense from your TCK, pause. If they seem anxious about something, ask, How new is this situation? and What are the hard parts? Breaking challenges into smaller pieces and tackling them one at a time makes all the difference. And whenever possible, have a buddy for long road trips.

“Mom is in the hospital!” What? My sister’s calling me at 8 a.m., sounding teary and panicked. She had just gotten a call from the hospital saying that my mom was brought in at 3 a.m., was undergoing tests, and that we shouldn’t come in before 5 p.m. “Well, then it cannot be that bad, right? “we tried to assure each other.

I had just been in Germany for a week visiting my mom. My daughter was with me because she had to renew her US working visa, so we combined our trips. We saw my mom every day, went for walks, had lunch together, and accompanied her running errands. My mom is 86 years old, has still been living independently, and is very healthy due to her daily walks, or so we thought. 

When we went to the hospital in the afternoon, the diagnosis was a heart attack, pneumonia, atrial fibrillation, water around the heart and in the lungs. All test results were critical, and she was not in good shape. When she saw my sister and me, she said that it had always been her wish that I would be in Germany together with my sister when she died. Our eyes went wide… Was she feeling that she was going to die? Was this kind of “planned”? Was she sort of taking advantage of the situation that I was present…???

I was torn between feeling grateful that I was there at the right time if I had to say goodbye and shocked that she could go so quickly. While dealing with my own feelings, my mom stayed in the ICU for a week, went to a normal floor after that, and was then sent for rehabilitation to another hospital. She did come out the other end; she was weak and tired easily in the beginning and had to learn how to walk with a walker, but she could get back into her apartment, which was her greatest wish.

Living a globally mobile life makes you resilient. There are countless transitions, and you observe friends, co-workers, and acquaintances get sick and die, but of course, that doesn’t hit home so badly. 

Why was this experience so hard? 

1. I felt trapped between two worlds and two families.

2. I questioned my choice of living abroad, in this case, being away from someone who just recovered from being very sick.

3. It was suddenly very clear to me that life is indeed finite.

4. I realized that I most probably won’t be with my mom when she eventually dies because of pure mathematical reasons (so many days living abroad vs so many days visiting).

5. It was obvious that I had to find a good time to leave her, not only a good time for her.

What got me through this situation?

1. Applying the “first things first rule” and canceling appointments and commitments.

2. Talking and meeting up with my German friends in the evenings. 

3. Contacting my international friends who understood the much-needed perspective from the expat point of view.

4. Making time to do sports and parking the car further away from the hospital, therefore enjoying walks in the cold winter air.

5. Having a supportive husband who said there was no rush for me to come back home.

6. Having my daughter with me who also extended her stay in Germany.

7. Staying in my mom’s apartment while she was in hospital.

8. My mom was very grateful and eventually said it was time for me to return to Mexico.

After extending my visit various times and staying in Germany for two months, I’m back in Cancun and no longer a short drive away. My German family and I exist again in separate time zones. Being far away, I miss the little moments, the spontaneous lunch, a casual chat over ice cream, and making the shopping list together. I feel this mix of longing, bittersweet guilt, and helplessness, but I also know that I’ve done everything I possibly could and that I left my mom as well as possible.

The hardest part is knowing that life will move forward for both of us. My mom will grow older, and so will I. And as much as technology can bridge the gap, it can never replicate the comfort of simply being near each other. Being an expat teaches us the importance of love over distance, booking and making the trip, and spending time together when and if possible.

P.S.: My mom is almost back to her usual self. She ditched the walker and is moving around with her cane again, going for her much-loved daily walks.

Sadly, our beloved Operations Lead, Melanie Wilcocks, will be leaving us at the end of December for a wonderful new full-time opportunity. Melanie is the backbone of FIGT as Operations Lead and handles all the tech back-end and administrative tasks. We will miss her greatly. Now we are looking for an experienced talent with a proven track record in administration roles, preferably familiar within non-profit organizations.The Operations Lead works collaboratively with board and executive committee members. Most of the core responsibilities are related to FIGT administration, such as stakeholder management and membership management. Key qualifications needed are: Effective and clear communication in English, Ability to work well with culturally and linguistically diverse teams, A strong interest in self-learning, A keen eye for details, Ability to learn/manage various software technologies including Google products as the main document repository, Self-disciplined to work with deadlines in a remote way of work, Advanced time management skills. This is a part-time and remote job contract that requires a flexible schedule and a  sense of urgency to work with volunteer members on various topics. A typical work week is 8-10 hours with peak periods associated with the pre/post annual event as well as some months when the pace is slower. The detailed role description is linked here. If you are interested, please contact Özlem Nolet, our Volunteer Director at volunteersmanager@figt.org. This is FIGT’s only part-time paid position.

Fewer sessions, but powerful topics

The #FIGT2024 program, Momentum: Moving forward together, is finally ready to be shared, and Early Bird Registration is now open!

As we enter the final weeks of preparation, enthusiasm is growing. This year’s FIGT Forum, on 20 - 21 April, 2024, will be shorter than our previous conferences, but we are offering a variety of powerful topics and speakers, as well as opportunities for our community to gather. We are hopeful that many of you will join, contribute to our collective knowledge, share experiences and learn from those who will be speaking and attending. Besides the speaker sessions, we will also have a virtual space where you can make plans to meet up and carry on the conversations — obviously, what would an FIGT gathering be without that?

Speakers

Our keynote speaker is Dr Hossein Hassani, a highly accomplished and skilled data scientist, academic, and researcher with over 15 years of extensive experience working with national, international, and multicultural organizations, research institutes, and academia. Dr Hassani will take us on a journey to explore the fascinating — and sometimes unsettling — world of Artificial Intelligence. This fast developing field may not seem to be directly relevant to our ‘globally mobile’ community per se, but it is and it will continue to impact our lives.

As well as Dr Hassani, the #FIGT2024 Forum will feature:

• a speaker talking about unplanned transitions — preparing for and living through mobility changes without the preparation that so many of us make when moving from one place to another;
• a speaker who will share tips for handling trauma in our lives and in the lives of those around us, helping us reach feelings of safety;
• a panel discussing challenges for people who move without their families and how we can best support them;
• a presentation on the value of advocating for neurodivergent children and children with special needs at international schools;
• a session about the challenges faced by migrating families — proving an increased need for improved understanding of different cultures and countries, and;
• a session that focuses on the strengths and skills associated with a globally mobile life.

Variety

They say that variety is the spice of life. And our community knows that variety is the one constant in our lives. So we encourage you to join us — come explore the variety of topics in #FIGT2024 and the varied population of our community. You can find details of the program here. And don’t forget, Early Bird Registration is now open! Take advantage of the discount and sign up before the Early Bird Registration closes on 20 March 2024.

The KISS principle - Keep It Simple - may sound straightforward, but as many of us know, keeping things simple often involves several steps, some quite complex. Our current 2024-2026 Board is continuing to work on the strategy set by the 2022-2024 Board — to simplify things at FIGT. We’ve reflected on what we do, how we do it, and for whom. And, just as importantly, we have considered the time we ask of our volunteers, many of whom make our very presence possible. This group of volunteers dedicate their time to the management and direction of FIGT, and their time should be respected.

New Times

After reviewing how we got “here” in our last blog post, this is an update on where we are now and how we plan to move forward. 

Although we received fewer RFP (Request for Proposal) submissions for our simplified virtual forum, the proposals were certainly not limited in terms of topics or approaches. At first glance, fewer entries automatically made the simplification process easier, but we still needed to discuss and review each proposal critically, which we did en comité. 

Having received confirmation from the approved speakers, we are now finalizing the program of events. Given the many time zones in our community, finding the ideal “times” for our forum for everyone is difficult, but we hope to come up with a solution.

While details are still to be confirmed, a draft of the program can be seen here. We will update the website with our speakers and panelists in the coming weeks, as well as open the registration process. To stay informed, be sure to look for updates in our FIGT Newsletters. You can sign up here to receive them directly to your inbox.

More to Come!

While #FIGT2024 will be online, it will be a live event, one that we encourage people to attend so they can share their questions with the speakers and connect with one another. In an effort to keep things simple — for ourselves as well as for those attending our events — speakers and panelists will record their sessions ahead of time, BUT they will be present and live for the Q&A sessions and discussions. The recorded sessions help guard against potential technical issues, such as poor connections.

Another new suggestion was for different ways attendees can enjoy the experience of #FIGT2024, through WatchParties, for instance. Details will be shared in the upcoming months.

A new year, a new format. For 2024, FIGT has decided to plan an online Forum. Here is a brief summary of the reasons for this change, how it has come about, and what is planned in terms of our theme.
 
Changes impact
 
There have been many changes in our world over the past few years. There were, as we know, many tragic stories, experiences, and lessons during this period. But, for FIGT it has also encouraged our community to meet more often and share experiences. The online events which take place throughout the year are an encouragement – and challenge for those volunteering their time to manage FIGT.
 
FIGT itself has been through some changes as well. Besides managing more events, the Board has also been reflecting on and reviewing different elements of the organization. Central among these has been a redefinition of our Vision and Mission. Our vision is “(being) the community hub for the globally mobile” and our Mission is to be “a caring community for the globally mobile where curiosity, connection, and collaboration happen.”
 
The process of change within FIGT is also one of the reasons the event in 2023 was postponed. We needed time to reflect, discuss and deliberate. Long discussions took place on our Annual Conference. The Board considered all other new online events and gatherings, and considered the balance of output with volunteer workloads. The decision was that in 2024 things needed to be ‘simpler’, and the idea of a Forum was born.
 
A gathering of people, ideas and the community
 
These changes are reflected in the theme for 2024 “Momentum: Moving forward together”. Preparations for the Forum are in full swing. RFPs (requests for proposals) for #FIGT2024, have been received, reviewed, commented on and selected. Speakers are confirming their presence, and we look forward to sharing the program for #FIGT2024 in our next Newsletter, so others can prepare to join us, at our first Forum on 20 and 21 April 2024.
 
Details of #FIGT2024 will be updated as they are announced on our Forum pages on the website. Subscribe to our Newsletter to keep up with announcements. Upcoming over the next  few months:

• Detailed program and schedule for #FIGT2024
• Registration (including Early Bird registration dates)
• Ideas for making it a community event for your location
• Registration options for organizations supporting their employees.

 
There will be challenges but change and challenge tend to follow one another. And from challenges we can learn and grow. Looking forward to learning and growing with you, our community.

Mission and values

FIGT Book Club will provide community service and resources, where curiosity, connection, and collaboration happen through books and writers.

Book club facilitators

Sarah Kobrus and Doreen Cumberford

What to expect

A bi-monthly international gathering on Zoom, focusing on globally mobile writers who have published books. Gatherings will include meeting the author, Q & A by book club host, then questions will be open to the audience. We are aiming for a regular date for the live meeting, proposed for the third Monday of the month. The time will be flexible (due to time zones) and so will vary.

The Book Club launch

Monday, September 18 at 8:00 pm London BST

Meet Author Tanya Crossman 

Book: Misunderstood: The Impact of Growing Up Overseas in the 21st Century

Tanya Crossman is a leading expert in the field of modern Third Culture Kids and issues facing cross-cultural families, with 18 years' experience in the field, including 10 years' research experience. She is the author of Misunderstood: The Impact of Growing Up Overseas in the 21st Century (2016), a book that opens a window on the experience of an international childhood in the internet age. Tanya is the Director of Research and International Education at TCK Training, where she was lead author on two white papers on TCKs and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), released in 2022.

You can buy the book via either of these links:

http://www.misunderstood-book.com/ 

https://www.amazon.com/Misunderstood-impact-growing-overseas-century/dp/1909193852  

After the successful meetup that took place in Barcelona last year, plans are being made for another gathering in The Hague, Netherlands, from August 20-22. The meetup is open to both FIGT members and nonmembers. 

The program will have diverse elements, and we encourage participants to join all of the events/sessions to maximize the opportunity to connect with other attendees. However, there is a maximum we can accommodate. Please complete the registration form by August 14. Please note, if we reach the maximum before then, we will have to close the list. So, first come, first served! 

When we heard that one of the members who attended the meetup event in Barcelona was attending an event in August near Rotterdam - the thought wheels started spinning. FIGT NL, together with two FIGT members, have put together a draft program, the goal being to meet, share, and connect. Details are still being finalized but will be similar to the following:

Sunday, August 20

16:00 – 21:00 Buffet of snacks & drinks and greetings

Monday, August 21

10:00 – 12:00 Morning Session

Voices of young TCKs sharing what has worked, what have they missed, and what would have been welcome during their global lives to help ease the transition into young adulthood. A panel discussion moderated by Kate Berger, a Child and Adolescent Psychologist with 15 years of experience supporting TCKs.

12:00 – 13:30 Lunch 

13:30 – 15:30  Afternoon Session

Round Table: All participants will have the opportunity to exchange information, ask for advice, or seek cooperation possibilities 

16:00 – 17:30 Boat ride with snacks 

18:30 Dinner (at own cost)

Tuesday, August 22 

9:00 – 11:00   Breakfast Morning Session

Research focus 

Are you interested in attending? The Expatriate Archive Centre and ACCESS are generously sponsoring a portion of the expenses. We are finalizing details for additional shared costs, and our aim is to keep participant’s contribution at or below 50 Euros/pp. As mentioned, space is limited, so please click here to register as soon as possible. 

Please send any questions to Kate Berger, Kristine Racine, or Deborah Valentine at netherlands@figt.org.