News From Our Members

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!!!
 

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

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

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.

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

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
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
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.

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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

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.

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