FAQs

Since I created ExpatChild in 2012 I've filled it with articles covering almost every general topic about expat life and moving and living overseas with children. You can probably find what you're looking for by searching.

Naturally, there will be aspects of your move, life and family that won't be covered here, which is why I offer my one-to-one Expat Espresso Chat hours. These one hour discussions are where we can discuss your personal situation so that you can gain clarity and confidence that you're making the best choices for your family.

Over the years, certain questions pop up again and again, and while I've usually written an article in answer to that question, you may find it easier to look here - after all, there are hundreds of articles here and I like to help you as quickly and as efficiently as possible!

Frequently Asked Questions

Not a question I will answer! Everyone is different, and everyone has different needs, wants, loves and hates. One person's idea of the best country will be another's idea of hell on earth. Have a think about why you want to move overseas and what you want that new country to 'give to you', plus how you will best fit into that country. Do some Googling; there are plenty of statistics out there that may help you find your dream country.

Ah, well that's pretty much how and why I created ExpatChild! There's a ton of information on this topic here. And on my Expatability Chat Podcast. It does depend on your children's ages, but basically communication is key - talk and more importantly, listen. Let me link you to some key places to help you start.

Now I realise that each family and move is very different, so if you'd like some expat expert advice from me on this topic, please book a call here.

The most likely answer to this question is a big, fat YES! However, there are always considerations and I have spoken to people who have dreams that simply cannot be made into a reality. A lot depends on your expectations. I could write pages and pages on this, but perhaps it would be better to talk. That way, I can hear your plans and give my insight and advice to help you solidify your plans. Let's chat - book a call with me here.

A common problem, I'm afraid. Expat guilt is A Thing and whether it's you feeling guilty for moving, or your family and friends making you feel guilty by giving you the old 'guilt-trip' treatment, you are most definitely not alone. I've written about it here - Expat Guilt - and you'll see from the many, many comments just how common this problem is. I will just say this, if your family are saying you are being selfish for wanting to move, aren’t they also being selfish if they try to hold you back?

Anyway, to address this, I have created a very special, very useful Master Class on how to manage expat guilt: how to cope with your own feelings and how to manage others. You can find it here: Erase Expat Guilt and Reclaim Your Life Master Class.

Another topic I can talk about for ages, so if you'd like my own brand of no B-S advice on this, book an Expat Espresso Hour here and I'll share my views to help you cope with the expat guilt.

Oh yeah! More than ever you'll need to prepare for this move back home. Most ex-expats thought moving back home would be easy. It's not (and I can confirm this as I moved back to the UK after 12 years overseas. It was hard!). Take a look through my articles here and listen to my Expatability Chat podcast episode on the repatriation topic. And book in a call so you can prepare for a move back with minimum disruption - let's chat!

All Repatriation Articles
Repatriation Blues - podcast episode

The intent of my Expat Espresso hour is to enable you to talk over any expat life, parenting, education and personal / emotional issues you may have with someone who has not only lived overseas and moved back home, but who also has some real life experience too. As long as you are OK with my no BS straight-talking, you'll find I have a ton of common-sense and can quickly bypass any overwhelm you may be feeling. Talking with someone who completely understands your life means we can get straight to the point without you having to explain and justify yourself!

Some of the aspects of expat life I can cover are;

Clarity on your options and decision making process
Brainstorming with someone who knows the life
Confidence that you’re making good choices for your family
Emotional support
Overcome overwhelm
Coping with homesickness and expat guilt
Tips to help you prepare your children for the move and advice on helping them adapt to their new life
General education options and tips
Insight into moving and living overseas, plus moving back home again too
Referrals to other sources where necessary

Obviously I can't cover every eventuality here! If there's something different you'd like to discuss that's not listed here, please drop me an email before you book your space.

There are certain topics I don't deal with, mainly for legal reasons. These include:

Getting a visa – please research through your chosen country’s government website
Finding you a house - please read this article - Buying Property Overseas and listen to this podcast episode - Finding Your New Home Overseas
Helping you find a job - please see the FAQ above

And when you're ready to move, let's chat further!

Got Questions?

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Book a call with me today.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions