Solutions for first-time expats and international teams

Expats

Expats in the USA – Why I’m considering going vegan and you should, too

Posted by on Feb 7, 2012 in Expats, Health | 0 comments

In the below video, you’ll hear for 18 and a half chilling minutes why an organic plant-based diet might be a healthful choice, at least while you’re living in the States. Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor. I share information that appeals to my common sense, and I do hope to give you an incentive to start asking more questions of your own. Video player not working? Click the link: TEDxAustin Robyn O’Brien 2011 Further Resources: The China Study  Forks over Knives The...

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Happy Holidays, and help with research, please!

Posted by on Dec 26, 2011 in Expats, expatsMBTI, MBTI | 0 comments

Happy Holidays, and help with research, please!

2011 is coming to a close, 2012 is upon us… I’m sure you’ve read enough “year in review” and “how to plan” posts by now that I’m not going to add to the clutter. You know what you want, you know what you have to do, now go out and do it. What you may not know yet is that I need your help with my research project into how our Type preferences influence cultural adaptation. The premise is the assumption that preparing for an expatriate assignment...

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Third Culture Kids Resources

Posted by on Dec 8, 2011 in Expats, expatsMBTI | 0 comments

Third Culture Kids Resources

Following a great article that Maria Foley, aka @IWasAnExpatWife, shared on Twitter, I found some more of her writing on TCKs. At the same time, someone asked me about TCK resources, so below for your reading pleasure, a collection of links: Ruth van Reken and David C Pollock wrote TCK World, and FIGT has a scholarship in his honor. She started it, and I met her, she’s awesome. Wikipedia’s entry – don’t judge, I love it, with a list of 20+ more resources and links. TCKs...

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German Pension System

Posted by on Oct 13, 2010 in Expats | 0 comments

German Pension System

Greetings fellow expats! As you might know, I’m on file as “agony aunt” over at Expatica.com. I usually receive questions regarding immigration, which I cannot answer because I’m not a lawyer. This week’s question was only slightly different, but I did find some more sources of information you might find helpful. When working in Germany, you and your company are jointly paying into your pension fund. The current rate is at 19.5 %, and both employers and employees...

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Celebrating National Holidays

Posted by on Jul 4, 2010 in Expats, expatsMBTI | 0 comments

Celebrating National Holidays

Happy 4th of July, everyone! This is the third time I’m in the USA for their Independence Day celebrations, and to be honest, I’m a bit underwhelmed this year. In fact, there’s no parade on TV, all stores are open – holding sales, in fact – and let’s face it: nothing screams public holiday like closed stores and having to fight for the last packet of hot-dog buns. Granted, it’s Sunday, but I’ve seen more activity on the streets when the local...

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Bridging the Gap

Posted by on Jun 24, 2010 in Expats, HR Management, repatriation | 0 comments

Bridging the Gap

As a result of my recent repatriation survey, two main factors topped the list of challenges: lack of support provided by the company and family concerns. Here are 7  tips how to face the first challenge. Lack of company support Whether it’s perceived or real, if you don’t feel like your company’s got your back, a lot of resentment can build over the course of your assignment. My favorite saying these days is: “you don’t know what you don’t know.”...

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