The Expatriate Archive Centre (EAC) has collaborated with Families in Global Transition over the last few years in various ways, and this year we are delighted to introduce them as a new Silver Sponsor for the FIGT2019 annual conference in Bangkok.

The EAC appeared first in the form of Shell’s Outpost Family Archive in 2003 to continue the work started by the Shell Ladies Project in the 1990s. The Archive became independent in 2008, and was renamed as the Expatriate Archive Centre, with the mission to capture, chronicle and protect the life stories of expats and their families from all backgrounds and from anywhere in the world.

We spoke to Kristine Racina, EAC Director - and immediate past president of FIGT - to learn more about the Centre’s journey with FIGT. The Centre was introduced to FIGT by Jo Parfitt, formerly a co-Director of the EAC and a longtime champion of FIGT. Members of the Centre’s staff have attended FIGT conferences in 2014, and 2016-2018.

Kristine experienced her first FIGT conference in 2014, presenting a lightning session about the EAC. The connections made at that conference led to Kristine collaborating with Vivian Chiona and Kate Berger - both currently serving on the FIGT Board of Directors - to form the the FIGT Netherlands Affiliate. All three were instrumental in supporting the FIGT conference moving to The Netherlands in 2016, and also being held there the next two years.

“There is a natural connection between the EAC and FIGT,” Kristine said, explaining the synergy between the two organizations. “We both believe in a need to provide better understanding of challenges faced by global families.”

When asked how FIGT conference attendees and members can contribute to the EAC’s valuable work, Kristine offered a few ideas.

“We would love to see more researchers using our archives. We are also looking for ways to expand our collection, and are eager to get in touch with people who have documented their expatriate experiences and are willing to share them with us.”

Just as FIGT warmly welcomes the Expatriate Archive Centre as a Silver Sponsor, we invite readers to share their stories with both the EAC and FIGT, because all our stories are important.