Transitions are critical points of major upheaval for all families. Living internationally can add an extra element of stress beyond the typical pressures families face during life changes.
Category: Transitions
If it’s the first time your family has lived in another culture, you likely have much to look forward to as you step into this new adventure. But that adventure will also be a challenging time of adjustment. Your family will face a lot of changes — in culture, housing, relationships, school, language, food, currency, and more.
Families moving to a new country will encounter new cultures. Some of those cultures are indigenous to the new country, and some are foreign to the new country, especially those within the international community. Some of the cultures will be localized to a community such as an international school or workplace.
Going to a different school is a challenge, even in a child’s home culture. Living internationally adds a whole new dimension to this major life change.
When a family uproots from their home culture, one of the most difficult aspects of leaving is letting go of close relationships. Despite having social media and other modes of staying connected, the physical loss of family and friends can be incredibly painful.
Transitioning from traditional school to home education is a major life adjustment and involve several phases of adjustment. Your family will need time to adapt to the new situation, new expectations, and new roles.
Sometimes a family finds itself in a situation where it needs to homeschool for a summer, a semester, or a year, but expects to return to traditional schooling.
Transitioning from home education to traditional schooling is a major life adjustment and involves several phases of adjustment. Your family will need time to adapt to the new situation, new expectations, and new roles.
The return home, also known as repatriation, can turn out to be more difficult than the move to a new culture.
Teens who have lived abroad with their families, especially those who have moved internationally many times, are no strangers to change. But making the transition to university in one’s passport country is likely the first big transition they make independently, without parents and siblings.
If you are experiencing a major transition as an internationally mobile family, a seminar or coaching session may be helpful.