Missed Some Great Expat Links on Twitter? (February 7-8 edition)

Hi Everyone, I hope you enjoyed a lovely weekend! Here are some expat links I have tweeted recently that might interest you...

20 Most Beautiful Bookstores in the World
http://bit.ly/y2645f

New Expat Novel by Chris Pavone Launching March 6 But Already Receiving High Praise. Expats, Espionage, Deceit... Sounds intriguing...
http://amzn.to/ygNnlr

Expat Competition: Win A Place At The London International Youth Science Forum
http://tgr.ph/yUYPol

On Facebook? Join The Expat Youth Page To Get The Latest Details (Coming Soon) On This Year's Expat Youth Scholarship
http://bit.ly/wr2Eim

2012 Indie Travel Challenge on Bootsnall
http://bit.ly/w7cMeJ

Expatica's Expat Education Fair in The Netherlands is March 24
http://bit.ly/wVX51h

25 Reasons Google Hates Your Blog
http://bit.ly/wEGtj1

How Do You Live Inside A House The Size Of A Parking Space?
http://bit.ly/ytJjco

Competition for UAE Residents:
"Could You Be The Next Ultimate UAE Explorer?"
http://bit.ly/w1DWFM

Expat Show Beijing, China, Scheduled for 28-29 April 2012
http://bit.ly/wOu19H

Interview with Social Media Director of Families In Global Transition's Judy Rickatson
http://bit.ly/zQSGrQ

And A Reminder... Registration Now Open for FIGT (Families in Global Transition) Conference, 29-31 March, Washington DC
http://bit.ly/xJnS7k

Enjoy!

***

To follow me in 'real time' and keep up with even more great expat links on Twitter, please click here.

If you reading this blog post online and you are not already an Expat Women member, please support us and sign up here to receive our monthly, motivational newsletters.

Thanks for your support and I wish you a sensational day/evening! Andrea @andreaexpat

FIGT Conference - 2012 Dates Announced & Speaker Proposals Now Invited

Hi Everyone, The dates for the 2012 FIGT (Families In Global Transition) conference have now been announced. Next year's conference will held 29 - 31 March, again in Washington D.C..

If you are interested in speaking, proposals are now invited. The deadline is September 9, but that day will come around very quickly, so it would be smart to start your proposal now. 

Click here to see who presented at the 2011 conference. 

Click here for details of how to present at the 2012 conference.  

I hope that many of you wonderfully wise expatriate and repatriate women apply! Andrea :)

Words from FIGT

"For over 10 years, the annual Families In Global Transition conference has inspired, educated and brought together those serving families on global assignments as well as family members themselves.

The FIGT community of speakers has included top professionals across all sectors. FIGT's mission is to promote the positive value of the international experience, and empower the family unit and those who serve it before, during and after international transitions.

Our work is spread to hundreds worldwide through the words of our distinguished conference speakers and the connections they make with attendees."

Expat Women April Home Page

Hi Everyone! Just back from three weeks of travel (Marrakech for Expat Women, then Jakarta and Bali for the school holidays), I wanted to let you know that our April home page is up! Please take a few minutes to read, enjoy, share and tweet about them for us. Thank you very much and I wish you a fabulous April. Warmest regards, Andrea.

Success Story Karen Hastings Cupcake Karen Hastings is a savvy American entrepreneur in London who opened Cupcake – a concept spa and private members' club for mums-to-be and new mothers with young children. A Young Guns Award from Growing Business Magazine, a spot as one of the top 100 Start Ups in the UK, and rave reviews across major and local media have encouraged her to expand... Read more

Business Idea

CAMENAE Group

Jill Walker and Brittany Callard

Brittany Callard and Jill Walker had been living parallel lives across Europe and South East Asia for the last two decades when they decided to embark on a new project together: CAMENAE. With their collective design training and international business experience, Jill and Brittany have built CAMENAE into a successful luxury brand of Italian made leather handbags and accessories...

Read more

Expat Confession

Expat Friends Leaving Expat Women Girlfriend

My partner and I have been living as expats for the past six years. Unlike most of our expat friends, we are not on the 'expat treadmill' and do not have to move every two to three years because of our employer. However, many of our friends are now getting ready to be moved to another location and every time we catch up with them, a large part of the conversation revolves around their upcoming move and how unsettling it is. But I cannot help but think about those of us left behind. It is unsettling for us as well...

Read more

The STARS Come Out at FIGT

A Report from the Families in Global Transition (FIGT) Conference, held in Washington DC, March 17-19, 2011 Apple Gidley

Two key words came out of the Families in Global Transition (FIGT) Conference in Washington DC last month. The first wasfocus. The second was STARS - Spouses Travelling and Relocating Successfully, as an alternative to the traditional and not always well-respected term, "trailing spouse".  UK Telegraph blogger and long-time FIGT supporter, Apple Gidley, tells us more about what took place at this year's FIGT conference...

Read more FAWCO Conference 2011 A Report from the FAWCO (Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas) Conference in Marrakech, Morocco: 16 - 20 March 2011 Andrea Martins Morocco: home of wonderful spice markets, gorgeous-colored materials in the Medinas, exotic jewelry, shoes straight out of Arabian nights, buildings ornately decorated from floor to ceiling with the most exquisite tiles, delicious food to shake up the senses... it is little wonder that last month's 40th Biennial FAWCO (Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas) Conference, themed Celebrate Tradition, Embrace Diversity, in Marrakech was so well attended... Read more Not a Member Yet?  Just a reminder that our blog is separate from our main site, so if you are reading this blog post online or you are only subscribed to our blog, you will not automatically receive our Expat Women monthly newsletters. To receive our April newsletter and to go in the running to win our monthly prize of a complete set of Explorer Publishing Mini-Guides, please sign up today to our main site, ExpatWomen.com.  When you join, you will also receive a link to download our free e-book of Winning Stories. Thanks for your support!

Expat Expert Blog: Would You Like To Contribute?

Hi Everyone, An update on our friend and a mentor to many expatriate families, Robin Pascoe, who was recently honoured with Jo Parfitt as a "Trailblazer" at the March FIGT Conference.

Robin has given closure to her piano blog this week, having figured out now the next step in her career/life (...stay tuned...) and she has also put a call out for guest contributors to her Expat Expert blog.

If you are interested, here are Robin's guidelines:

"1. ExpatExpert.com is devoted to the needs of the expat family and in particular the accompanying partner and children. Your content must have some semblence of a family component to it, OK?

2. Postings should be no longer than 500 words tops, shorter would be even better.

3. It's perfectly all right to re-blog (is that like re-gift, or re-tweet?) something you have already written on your own blog...

4.....and absolutely give me the URL of your own blog, website, Facebook fan page, whatever. I am here to promote you as well as your writing so I need all the relevant info in order to do that. If there is a picture, even better! I think even I can manage to upload a photo.

5. It would be super (but not necessary) to conclude your posting with a provocative question or just simple question that might inspire some discussion. I'd like to encourage readers to 'talk amongst themselves.'

6. How-to-do-this: Go to my contact page and write to me about your idea for a submission. Together, we will take it from there."

Robin's site and blog are very well-read and respected in the expat/mobility field. So, if you have something valuable to contribute, you might benefit from some nice exposure. :-)

Various Expat Women News Tidbits

Hi once more Everyone, Following on from my earlier post today about how easy it is to put tidbits of information on Twitter, here are some of the tidbits I have posted on Twitter recently that might interest you...

Seeking: American and British Expats in Singapore for a Research Project
"For Third Culture Kids Seeking: American and British Expats currently in Singapore to participate in a research project. Single recording session approx 2 hrs, reading English sentences. Monetary Token of appreciation will be given at the end of the session. Contact Nicole at dataproj.sg@gmail.com if interested."

Which Airport has been Voted Best in the World for the 5th Year in a Row?
You'd be surprised!

Top 100 International Exchange and Experience Blogs 2010
Over 19,000 votes.

13 Mistakes For Americans to Avoid When Filing Taxes This Year
If you are American and needing to lodge a tax return in the United States this year, read on...

American Council on International Personnel's 36th Annual Symposium
June 7-10
Washington DC
Main topic: Immigration

Totally Expat Show for Global Mobility Industry Professionals
London 24 May 2010

Families in Global Transition Conference
March 4-6
Houston, Texas, United States
It's not too late!
I really wish I was going...

7 Reasons Not to Put All Your Eggs in the Twitter Basket
Interesting blog post on Social Examiner by Jay Baer, a social media strategist and coach.

Managing Home Leave
Recent article by Paragon Relocations:
"Is there a connection between Home Leave and employee attrition/retention? Home Leave was intended to help minimise the effects of the culture shock of an international assignment. It allows assignees to maintain family ties and stay current with home business contacts and associates; and keep connected with their community and culture. Still, attrition rates upon completion of assignments remain high. Is there a disconnect between the philosophy of the home leave provision and its actual impact to assignment satisfaction?"

Looking for Expat Experts to Contribute to Our ExpatArrivals Guides
If you are interested, read the short message.

Expat Coach Megan Fitzgerald in Top 10
Congratulations to previous Expat Women Business Idea interviewee and long-time ExpatWomen.com supporter, Megan Fitzgerald, who was recently named by The Undercover Recruiter in their top ten Facebook fan pages for job seekers and career-minded folk.

Authors Needed for Culture Smart Books
If you are interested, please contact Jo Parfitt, who will then link you to Culture Smart. Thanks.


To catch all of these updates as soon as I make them, I invite you to follow me on Twitter.

Thanks, Andrea.

2010 Families In Global Transition Conference Sessions Announced

Hi Everyone, What a fantastic Families in Global Transition (FIGT) conference the Board has lined up for March 4-6 in Houston next year! The conference sessions have just been announced and we've summarised them for you here:

Plenary Sessions

Encouraging the Courage of Children, Robert Ivany

Whether we serve in the corporate, non profit or military fields, relocating our families remains the largest single challenge for most professionals. With the hindsight of 24 moves in 34 years and the experience of school systems ranging from parochial to international, private to public, the Ivany family has benefitted from diverse communities. In order to reap the advantages on a global environment and a nomadic lifestyle, however, a significant amount of preparation is essential. Dr. Ivany and his lovely wife, Marianne, will share antidotes and insights into the joy and challenge of raising four children in unique surroundings. They believe that a positive attitude, love for each other and an appreciation of the national culture can combine to create mature, young adults ready to face the changes of the modern world.

ATCK: And Then Came Kate, Apple Gidley

Apple Gidley's closing keynote address will discuss the many transitions that have been a part of her life: from multiple school changes and finally boarding school; to segueing from expat brat to expat wife and expat mother; to finding fulfilling roles both in the voluntary and commercial sector. It will discuss how twenty-six relocations throughout twelve countries have intrinsically given her a deep awareness, and understanding, of many cultures. Apple will also talk briefly about the attitudes encountered along the way of expatriates, their sponsoring organizations, and the host countries. Recognition of expat terminology is becoming more widely accepted in the HR world, and with it a greater understanding of what a global upbringing can bring to the workforce. These and other relevant issues will be touched on, with Apple drawing on her many experiences to highlight certain points.

Cross Sector Panel: "Learning Across Sectors"
Three veteran FIGT participants will make up this panel that will share practices learned from their colleagues in different sectors. A lively interaction will take place among panel members as they share examples of adapting practices learned from the experiences of others' sector successes or failures. The audience will be challenged to continue the conversation at their own table and throughout the conference.

Teen/Parent Panel: "Relative Distance"Moderator: Lois J. Bushong
Teens and their parents will discuss in a lively and interactive manner some of the challenges of being internationally mobile. Our format will highlight the ways perceptions can vary between teens and parents and within families who have purportedly witnessed the same events. It will be entertaining to see how the perceptions vary between the teen and their parent, hence the distance - emotional as well as geographical.

Concurrent Sessions

• The Multicultural Self in the Intercultural World, Janet Bennett
• Transitions and Work: Your Relocation, Reinvention, and Resilience as an Accompanying Spouse or Partner, Jennifer Bradley
• Global Nomadic Leaders (ATCKs): Tomorrow's Leaders in a Global World, Katrina Burrus
• Emotional Intelligence: Key to Successful Cultural Adaptation, Laura Celis Black
• The Impact of Expatriation on Children, Simone Torres Costa Eriksson
• Global Mobility Programs & Trends, Sarah De Hayes
• Business Plan: "The Path Forward", Deniz Demirors
• Challenge to Fulfillment: Midlife Transition for Accompanying Spouses and Partners, Diane Endo
• Expat Finances: Considerations for an Overseas Assignment, Andrew Fisher
• Crossing Oceans and Borders: Take Your School With You, Marilyn Mosley Gordanier
• The Expat Experience through the Arts, Alaine Handa
• The Positive & Negative Impact of Technology & Social Networking on Expat Family Life, Anne-Claude Lambelet, Michelle Sandlin and Leslie Sjurseth
• Transition Saturation© Kids Struggling in Deep Waters: Too Many Changes/Too Few Adaptive Skills, Linda Maguire
• Helping People Through: The Gap…Between Two Worlds, Kevin McNulty
• Just Another Expat? Insights and Strategies of Female Minority Expatriates, Kendra Mirasol and Charisse Kosova
• Cross-Cultural Coaching: Tools for Successful Cultural Adjustment, Andrew L. Miser & Oshikan Sjodin-Bunse
• Coaching Expatriates/Repatriates for Improved Transitions, Colleen Mizuki
• Top 5 Uncommon International Job Search Strategies for Spouses/Partners, Susan Musich
• Out of the Boxes, Jo Parfitt
• Writing and Publishing a Book 101, Jo Parfitt
• Choosing a School for an Expat Child: A How-To Guide for Parents and Sending Agencies, Liz Perelstein and Laila Plamondon
• Supporting Spouses /Partners and Families: The Recipe for Success, Yvonne Quahe, Anne Folliet and Catherine Mathieu
• International Schools' Policies and Programs Supporting the International Student - 2009 Survey Results, Mary Rabbitt and Elizabeth Sawyer
• Keeping Our Children Bilingual, Virginie Raguenaud
• Exploring Multiculturalism and Identity in Children's Literature, Laura Sicola
• Re-occurring Cycle or Full Speed Ahead? - Should Families Return "Home" between Assignments?, Julia L. Simens
• Home is Where the Heart Is? Oshikan Sjodin-Bunse
• Purposeful Leadership: Using your Global Experience to Lead from Within, Sandy Thomas
• Teaching Locally, Thinking Globally: Helping School Educators Understand the Third Culture Kid Experience, Ruth Van Reken
• Military Families: Understanding and Bridging the Parent-Child Cultural Divide, Mary Edwards Wertsch

Cracker Barrels

• Outcomes of a Summer Program for Gifted Student, Tatiana Behrmann
• Global Mobility Talent Management - Expat Coaching, Sarah De Hayes
• 10 Things to Know Before Starting Your Own Business, Deniz Demirors
• Ensuring Educational Continuity: Tips for Families Who Experience Multiple International Relocations, Heather Dickmeyer
• Optimizing Repatriation - Positive Experiences of Going Home, Madeleine Dobson
• From Third Culture Kids to Geographical Itinerancy, Deniz Gyger Gaspoz
• 10 Things You Should Know Before Choosing A Distance Learning Program, Marilyn Mosley Gordanier
• A Short Screening of "I am a TCK", Alaine Handa
• Are Missionary Kids (MKs) Less Religious Than the American Public? Nancy Henderson-James
• Awesome Leadership Opportunities for Youth! Tonya Kay King
• How International Schools Can Support Students' Native-Language Needs, Andrew Kittell
• Using your MBTI Score to Help You Plan for a Successful Integration, Anne-Claude Lambelet
• 10 Considerations When Sending Minority Women Abroad, Kendra Mirasol and Charisse Kosova
• Learning, Changing and Growing…Inside The Gap Between Two Worlds, Kevin McNulty
• The Coaches Corner, Andrew L. Miser
• Social Networking Strategies for Spouses on an International Job Search, Susan Musich
• Building Beneficial TCK Communities, Darci Nealeigh and Candy Hart
• Choosing a School for an Expat Child: A How-To Guide for Parents and Sending Agencies, Liz Perelstein and Laila Plamondon
• Top 10 Issues of TCKs Repatriating for University, Tina Quick and Julia L. Simens
• Multicultural Children's Literature, Laura Sicola
• Moving for Love? Be Sure to Pack These Quick Tips, Oshikan Sjodin-Bunse
• Learn the ABC's of Resilience to Master the Hard Days, Oshikan Sjodin-Bunse
• Understanding our Attachment Needs: Tips to Boost Emotional Resilience, Laura Stephens
  Positioning your Corporation as a Leader in Expatriate Community Support, Thomas Speckhardt and Caitlin Morse
• Births Abroad: Practical Tips for Service Providers Working with Growing Global Families, Marian Valia
• Culturally Complicated Childhoods: A Bane or Blessing? Ruth E. Van Reken
• Belonging: Impossible Dream? Mary Edwards Wertsch
• Quiet Space and Reflection, Lois J. Bushong
• Researchers' Forum, Becky Powell and Ann Baker Cottrell
• Cost-Effective Approaches to Supporting the Expatriate FamilyPresented by a group of FIGT Leaders
• TCKs Repatriating for University:Confronting the Challenges and Building Communities, Tina Quick, Darci Nealeigh, and Candy Hart
• "Portable Stability"© for Families in Turbulent TimesLifeboats & Lifelines to Secure Families & Strengthen Organizations, Joyce Blake and Linda Maguire
• Cross-cultural Coaching: Tools for Successful Cultural Adjustment, Andrew Miser and Oshikan Sjodin-Bunse

Click Here to learn more about attending the 2010 Families in Global Transition conference in Houston, Texas. Conference fees range from only US$350 - US$750.

I'm a big supporter of FIGT, having loved the two conferences I have attended. The sessions are great, but it is the people that you meet that truly make the event memorable. If you have never gone, but would like to go... maybe 2010 is your year.... Think about it.

Enjoy your day/evening! Andrea.

FIGT Executive Director Vacancy

Hi Everyone, Know anyone who might be interested in the part-time Executive Director role (replacing the much-loved Joyce Blake after the upcoming FIGT Conference) to start around April 2009?

"Families in Global Transition, Inc. (FIGT), based in the United States, seeks a part-time Executive Director with a desire to work for a leading edge non-profit educational organization with an international, national, and local presence. The position requires a creative, innovative and entrepreneurial approach to developing global partnerships, enhancing the strong profile of FIGT, and directing the organization's fundraising and marketing efforts.

Reporting to the FIGT Board of Directors, the Executive Director has responsibility for overall strategic leadership of the day to day management of FIGT, associate programs and services, website development and maintenance, and conference planning.

Compensation will be commensurate with applicant qualifications. Resumes will be accepted until 15 Dec 2008. For a Position Description and list of preferred Qualifications, please contact Sandy Thomas. Thanks."