Families in Global Transition International Conference 2010

Plenary Sessions
Concurrent Sessions
Cracker Barrels
Research Workshop And Posters
Workshops
Book Signing

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 anecdotes 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 (1A)
Janet Bennett

Along with loving your partner, what best practices can keep your relationship strong through the trying times of transition?

As international boundaries are rapidly changing, intercultural identity becomes ever more powerful to each of us. For those who have experienced more than one culture deeply or who are biracial, bicultural, or bilingual, the modern question of cultural identity is exceedingly complex. The impact of seeming to be an outsider while at the same time, being at home everywhere, presents each of us with both challenges and opportunities. The invisible multicultural identity has been deeply reviewed in literature both poetic and scientific. This session will explore the nature of that identity, examining both the constructive and encapsulated aspects of living as a mediating person, building bridges between and among cultures. Finally, we will discuss: How does being "different" affect our work? Our relationships? Our experience of prejudice?

Purposeful Leadership: Using your Global Experience to Lead from Within (1B)
Sandy Thomas

The purpose of this session is to have participants explore their own leadership journey and think about their leadership style from an intentional purposeful perspective. In this session participants will share their own leadership journeys with each other by highlighting defining moments that helped shaped their values, principles and leadership point a of view; explore lessons learned and leadership principles; and explore their journey from a global perspective. By examining what we have learned from our past leadership experiences we are more likely to uncover leadership principles. This session is for all who work, live or interact with youth and want to have a positive impact on their lives. But also those that want to understand their own story and how they came to be the person they are. This is about leading from within and understanding the journey that brought you to the place you are. Dr. Katrina Burrus will be a discussant at this session, to frame how the leaders fare in the world as adults.

Crossing Oceans and Borders: Take Your School With You (1C)
Marilyn Mosley Gordanier

Learn about the advantages of distance learning while living abroad or in transition. When a family relocates for corporate, military, religious-based or other reasons, it requires children to adapt to a new country, home and school all at the same time. Maintaining consistency with school can help smooth the transition and ensure that the child receives a quality education. In this seminar we will talk about the pro's and con's of distance learning for TCKs. Come away from this workshop better prepared to consider distance learning as a viable educational option. You will learn that there are distance-learning programs that have a strong relationship component, have dedicated teachers who guide students through the curriculum, and have college placement success comparable to the top American college preparatory schools.

Global Mobility Programs & Trends (1D)
Sarah De Hayes

This session will provide an overview of corporate mobility programs; outline expatriate administration through the assignment lifecycle; identify the integral parties involved; define key terms to demystify a multi-layered business model; expand on current trends and best practices; and offer a roadmap to navigate the process of transition at a corporate, supplier partner and personal level. HR Professionals, service providers of all types, and expatriates are most welcome and will benefit from this session.

How can a Web-based Platform Support the Social Network? Adding Value to Integration for Relocated Employees and International Hires (1E)
Anne-Claude Lambelet

The Session presents the results of a survey recently conducted to evaluate the impact of a Swiss web-based Platform, "Glocals," on its members/users’ integration process into their new living environment. All the survey participants were recently relocated adults (less than a year) that had to manage a move and a settling in either as single or with a spouse/partner and/or children. The survey conducted was developed with the support of a specialist in adult learning, a specialist in relocation management. It also was submitted to a HR specializing in international mobility. In addition a sample set of 1-on1 interviews have been conducted after the initial survey responses at specific points flagging integration and use of platform. The presentation will focus on three main aspects: (1) "Glocals" as an integration tool: from a social, cultural and practical perspective, (2) other integration supports the surveyed population benefited from, and (3) gaps in the surveyed population’s needs and the current offer.

Re-occurring Cycle or Full Speed Ahead? - Should Families Return "Home" between Assignments? (1F)
Julia L. Simens

The purpose of the workshop is to explore the benefits and pitfalls of back-to-back international assignments. In particular, we will look at how the parents view this and does their view match up with their child's viewpoint. Specific coping skills and practical applications will be discussed for families who do the "re-occurring cycle" of host culture to home culture to different host culture. Then we will discuss specific coping skills and practical applications for families who go "full speed ahead," host culture, to host culture, to host culture.

The workshop will share video interviews of international students and their view on the lifestyle their parents have chosen for them. A sampling of data collected will show if the parent's viewpoint is consistent with their child's feelings about the family's moves. There will be a discussion between members of the audience and those who want to share their self-reflections will have the opportunity to do so.

Teaching Locally, Thinking Globally: Helping School Educators Understand the Third Culture Kid Experience (2A)
Ruth Van Reken

In recent years, most international school educators have become aware of common characteristics many of their third culture kid (TCK) students share. Because of this, they are also learning how to help their students build well with both the strengths and challenges of a globally mobile childhood. Sadly, many educators in local national schools aren't yet aware of the dynamic that often occurs when third culture kids attend these local schools. This session will take a close look at why it's important for local educators to be aware of the TCKs among their students and offer strategies for how each of us can be involved in raising awareness of this important topic for educators everywhere.

Top 5 Uncommon International Job Search Strategies for Spouses/Partners (2B)
Susan Musich

Spouses and partners struggle with international job searches, and research indicates that this is one of the main reasons for assignment failure or rejection of an international assignment. This session will allow spouses/partners and HR corporate participants to share their unique experiences and strategies regarding global job searches as well as learn some uncommon strategies that have proven to be successful in emerging markets and developing countries as well as traditional locations. Discussion will include working in the informal sector, setting up a small business, telecommuting, consulting work with multilateral and bilateral organizations, and work permit strategies. Handouts will be provided.

Global Nomadic Leaders (ATCKs): Tomorrow's Leaders in a Global World (2C)
Katrina Burrus

The main objective of this session is to help families, expatriates and ATCKs to better leverage their unique skills in the corporate world as leaders. Using concepts proposed by Bennett, Van Reken, and Schneider, we will review coaching questions to identify, attract and retain a Global Nomadic Leader; the differences between an expatriate leader vs. a global nomadic leader; exercises to know what anchor is needed in each of us to continue to be mobile; and discussion of personal experiences. Mini case studies will be used to debrief. All participants will learn something about themselves and have a practical guide to identify, attract and retain ATCK/Global Nomad Leaders. ATCKs will learn about specific challenges they might face as a leader in a corporate environment.

Just Another Expat? Insights and Strategies of Female Minority Expatriates (2D)
Kendra Mirasol and Charisse Kosova

Greater numbers of female minorities are accepting global assignments according to recent studies. Though accustomed to minority status in their home country, they are often unprepared for the additional challenges they face, and how they are received abroad. Join us for candid insights into the experiences encountered by this under-studied population. What circumstances led to their selection and decision to expatriate? How did cultural values of their destination country ease or impede their acceptance as a minority female? Are their intercultural skills more adept than other expats' as a result of their everyday experiences "changing cultures" back home? Is their transition process similar to or different from other non-minority females? What advice would they provide to others? Our session will describe case studies and summarize interviews with expat minority females in several regions of the world. Strategies for preparation and support will be outlined. Audience contributions will be encouraged.

Supporting Spouses/Partners and Families: The Recipe for Success (2E)
Yvonne Quahe, Anne Folliet and Catherine Mathieu

62% of assignments fail because of the inability of the spouses and/or family to adjust. How can organizations work with their families to mitigate this risk? Global Mobility and the World Bank Family Network (WBFN) work in partnership to support spouses and families as they move to Washington DC or to Country Offices overseas. Global Mobility (an HR unit) and WBFN (a volunteer organization of spouses/partners of World Bank Group staff) will share their story as best practice of optimum synergy. Participants will be invited in this workshop session to share what they would like to achieve for their organization and have the opportunity to begin developing an action plan.

Business Plan: "The Path Forward" (2F)
Deniz Demirors

If you don't know your destination, any road can take you, but you can also get lost and lose money. A business plan is a written document that contains the business goals, the reasons why they are believed to be attainable, and the plan for reaching those goals. Even though it sounds very complicated and like a lot of work, it really boils down to asking and answering a few critical questions:

What type of business are you starting?
What are your mission, goals and objectives?
Who are your target customers and what do they need?
How will you best meet that need?
What is your market size?
What is your financial plan?
What is your marketing plan?

A business plan makes you decide "what is important" and keeps you focused on your, mission, purpose and goals.

Transition Saturation© Struggling in Deep Waters: Too Many Changes/Too Few Adaptive Skills (3A)
Linda Maguire

Answer the Call! Learn to recognize warning signs, help a child "take heart" when hope is failing; create hospitable environments and protect the child by providing structure, competencies, and boundaries This call-to-action session encourages professionals, parents and educators to be "mentor and guide" in the daily life of the child or adolescent. We know children have strong natural adaptive skills. However, the weight of frequent change is daunting; exaggerated by global influences, cultural dynamics, world events and family concerns.

Frequently on the continuum of transitions, the global child lives in a world shaped by the uncertainties of real or anticipated losses, relocations, deployments, changing schools, and new communities, saying hello and saying good-bye. When it is a volatile world inside and out, it takes supportive adults to play a vital role in providing stability and well being. Add your voice to the conversation!

International Schools' Policies and Programs Supporting the International Student - 2009 Survey Results (3B)
Mary Rabbitt and Elizabeth Sawyer

This session will present responses from an up-to-date survey of international schools administrators and admissions personnel with respect to policies and practices which have been developed to support the educational needs and adaptation of the internationally mobile student. Survey data will be gathered in the six months prior to FIGT-2010, and is intended to capture the best practices of schools that are, in some cases, changing practices that have been in place several decades.

Some of the questions on this survey include:

Does the school have special programs to prepare graduates to return to their passport country for university?
Are more home country languages offered, e.g., different than English or host language studies, and how have foreign language programs changed in the last 5 years?
Does the school support expat families in the community who home school? What is the nature and extent of that support?
What kinds of cultural differences complicate children's adaptation to an international schooling environment?
What attributes support adaptation and resiliency in some international students?

Global Outpost Services– Expatriate Support Network (3C)
Karin Brakel

Karin Brakel, Manager of Global Outpost services will share the Outpost mission and vision for supporting Shell employees, their partners and their families with the challenges of global mobility. Global Outpost is a Shell network of personally experienced and committed expats offering practical support whenever needed to staff and their families in their moves across the world, and back (). Since the set up in 1995 from the Hague headquarters, Outpost has developed into a huge network with 60 Outpost offices in 40 countries, reaching 96% of the total Shell expat community. Being well informed about an upcoming new posting makes the difference in the success of ex- and repatriation, for the employee and their family, as well as for the company.

Out of the Boxes (3D)
Jo Parfitt

The Expatriate Archive Centre in The Hague grew out of the 1993 collection of writings by Shell spouses that became the book, Life on the Move. Today, it is a registered charity and preserves social historical documents that illustrate the lives of expatriates for over 100 years. The many letters, photos, diaries, papers and memorabilia that now line the shelves originated, literally, out of the boxes or packing cases of their owners. They are now preserved in specially made archival boxes on the shelves of the archive. This workshop will discuss extracts from the collection that relate to issues that are as relevant today as a century ago, such as repatriation, loss and culture shock. Participants will then learn how to write compelling life stories of their own and write their first pieces. There will then be the opportunity to discuss this work and donate it to the archive.

Transitions and Work: Your Relocation, Reinvention, and Resilience as an Accompanying Spouse or Partner (3E)
Jennifer Bradley

Relocation often raises difficult questions about work, especially for accompanying partners or spouses in a dual career family. Moving overseas can have a major impact on professional opportunities. If you find yourself in this position, how can you not only survive but thrive in your new culture? How does your own culture influence your views of work and professional identity? Many of us are unprepared for the experience of leaving valued work roles, and are unsure about how to move forward. The workshop will give you the opportunity to share experiences and to deepen your understanding of the role of work in your life. We will use practical tools and hands-on activities to begin the process of uncovering your unique skills and abilities. There may be challenges, but with the right support, relocation can be an opportunity for reinvention, discovery of hidden talents, and finding new ways to contribute.

Expat Finances: Considerations for an Overseas Assignment (3F)
Andrew Fisher

For Americans, the task of managing finances becomes far more complex when living abroad. Failing to prepare can be a costly mistake. In this interactive presentation, we'll touch on the key areas of wealth management and provide specific answers and advice for Americans planning to move abroad or those who are already living internationally. Topics covered will include:

How Americans are taxed on income and investments while abroad
Banking and cash management
Managing investments as an expat - where to hold, what to own
Neutralizing currency risk
The role of real estate, both at home and abroad
Insurance needs
Estate planning
U.S. credit rating

Globally-mobile Americans must take care to build a portable investment program which is sensitive to taxes, fees, multi-national regulations, and administrative simplicity. Fortunately, all of this can be accomplished by following some key guidelines.

The Impact of Expatriation on Children (4A)
Simone Torres Costa Eriksson

What is the difference between children's and adults' perceptions of the international transition and adaptation? What are the unique difficulties and fears of children depending on their age and emotional and cognitive development? And finally, what is the long-term impact of the successes and failures of children expatriation? The objective of this session is to call attention to aspects behind a successful/unsuccessful expatriation, and the best-practice strategies for parents, educators and global companies before, during and after an international assignment.

Keeping Our Children Bilingual (4B)
Virginie Raguenaud

What does it take to keep a child bilingual? It's a myth that children will simply pick up a language if they're exposed to it. Experts agree that it takes consistency, commitment, and creative reinforcements, in and outside the home, for children to learn and, more importantly, maintain a second language. This workshop will guide new parents through the early questions and concerns and see seasoned parents through the undeniable obstacles in keeping a second language alive as children attend school. I will also clarify common misconceptions about early bilingualism and reveal creative strategies and resources to overcome inevitable setbacks.

The Positive & Negative Impact of Technology & Social Networking on Expat Family Life (4C)
Michelle Sandlin and Leslie Sjurseth

Our session will discuss and examine the positive and negative impact of technology and social networking on expat family life. We will be looking at positive aspects such as utilizing the Internet for acquiring information about a new country and its culture in advance of the transfer and how expats and family members can stay connected to their family and friends back home, while utilizing this technology to connect with their new community. We will also discuss the negative aspects, such as people hiding behind technology and social networking sites as a way of escaping and retreating from the new community and new culture.

Emotional Intelligence: Key to Successful Cultural Adaptation (4D)
Laura Celis Black

This is an interactive and experiential session presenting current research on Emotional Intelligence as it relates to cultural shock or acculturative stress. Participants will explore how emotional intelligence competencies help individuals adapt successfully to a new culture, and will learn some fascinating findings on the correlation between Emotional Intelligence Competencies and successful cultural adaptation. An exploratory research study conducted among expat and immigrant high school students will be shared so participants will see how EQ scores positively correlate to good grade point averages and active involvement in community activities. Two indicators linked to successful adaptation will be described. Implications for children and parents of TCKs will be discussed.

Challenge to Fulfillment: Midlife Transition for Accompanying Spouses and Partners (4E)
Diane Endo

Complicated forces both within and outside of ourselves affect our midlife transition. How can we use an empty nest, changing body, and identity as opportunities to be a greater, more authentic self? This workshop reflects the unique challenges and joys of being an accompanying spouse or partner during a phase of life that affects our bodies, minds, marriage, home, and work. Using a "template for transition," participants will develop insight into their own possibilities for midlife growth. Emphasis will be on personal growth and fulfillment. Although this workshop is presented from a female perspective, all are welcome.

Coaching Expatriates/Repatriates for Improved Transitions (4F)
Colleen Mizuki

The main objectives of this session: "Coaching Expatriates/Repatriates for Improved Transitions" are to:

Outline general differences between coaching and counseling/psychotherapy and the role of each in assisting expatriates/repatriates;
Discuss potential blind spots with both approaches when working with expatriates/repatriates and how to reduce them;
Engage the audience to think about their own theories of people, problems, and change and the potential impact of these theories on their own expatriate challenges and/or practices in counseling/coaching expatriates/repatriates;
Introduce cultural intelligence and discuss benefits of incorporating this into coaching practices for expatriates/repatriates; and,
Present a model based on cultural intelligence for coaching expatriates/repatriates across ages and sectors.

The information in this session will apply to practitioners, organizations engaging counselors/coaches for their personnel/staff, as well as individuals who may seek coaching and/or counseling to improve their expatriate and/or repatriate experiences.

Home is Where the Heart Is? (5A)
Oshikan Sjodin-Bunse

When we fall in love and create a partnership, our life changes. When we fall in love and move abroad with our partner, big transition awaits us! Moving to a different culture to be with our mate asks of us to leave what has helped us to feel comfortable and at home, such as familiar people, places, work, routines and predictable ways to interact. We may wonder if our love will survive the challenges.

How can a couple navigate this adventure together? How can a successful transition be created? What is needed to keep a sense of balance as an individual?

In this workshop we will explore how realistic expectations, self care, living your values, positive communication and the roles that curiosity and gratitude play can help keep your relationship strong through the trying times of transition. A flourishing partnership and strong Self can make home truly where the heart is.

The Expat Experience through the Arts (5B)
Alaine Handa

The arts (visual and performing) are used to experience culture as well as a form of communication and therapy. Sometimes when our world is constantly changing and we struggle to keep up, the arts can play a wonderful tool to describe your experiences and feelings in a non-verbal way. This is a lecture/demo with Third Culture Kids in the arts showing their experiences through photography, video, music, drama, and dance.

Military Families: Understanding and Bridging the Parent-Child Cultural Divide (5C)
Mary Edwards Wertsch

It's natural for military parents and children to assume they share the same values, beliefs, outlook, priorities, expectations, and ways of relating to the world-after all, they're in the same small family unit, and they share a history. But what they tend not to recognize-to their peril-is that parents raised in rooted civilian (monocultural) surroundings and children raised in the military life are very different from one another. These unrecognized differences lead to mutual misreading that can be detrimental to child and family resilience. In this workshop, Wertsch will teach participants to identify cultural differences and correctly read the behavior of military children-skills which make it possible to address problem behaviors more effectively, improve family dynamics, and nurture children who are better prepared to meet life's challenges.

Choosing a School for an Expat Child: A How-To Guide for Parents and Sending Agencies (5D)
Liz Perelstein and Laila Plamondon

Navigating education abroad can be daunting, especially in economically challenging times. Families and sending agencies have to ask: are international schools the only way to go or are local schools a feasible option? If the language of instruction is English, do schools follow an American educational philosophy? Are there cultural trends that affect education? One may not expect such vital differences in international schooling.

With the latest research on TCK issues and over 10 years of experience as educational consultants, experts in the educational field will show you how to make smart and long-lasting educational choices for an expat child. The interactive presentation will focus on the step by step process of choosing a school that fits the family's values, the child's short and long-term needs, and the family's and company's budget.

Exploring Multiculturalism and Identity in Children's Literature (5E)
Laura Sicola

TCKs are perpetually seeking an answer to the question: Who am I? One of the best vehicles to help them celebrate how they are unique and special, as well as recognize how they are just like everyone else, is children's literature. This fun and heartwarming session will share a variety of stories and demonstrate how they implicitly and explicitly teach lessons of multiculturalism and belonging, using human and non-human characters with whom TCKs can empathize and identify. Attendees will learn strategies for using books to teach life lessons of respecting and celebrating one's own culture(s) and that of others. Participants will explore multicultural storybooks and share ideas with each other. An annotated bibliography of related books will be given to all.

Writing and Publishing a Book 101 (5F)
Jo Parfitt

Writing and Publishing a Book 101 is led by an author, publisher and writer's mentor who has written 26 of her own books and helped more than 50 writers to get their books written and published. This workshop lets you explore the possibility of writing a non-fiction book that allows you to share what you have learned, raises your profile and provides useful passive income. Combining lively lecture with interactive forum, you will discover why writing a book may be the best business decision you ever make, how to find out if your idea has 'legs' and how to get it right first time. Discover what publishers are looking for, how to publish it yourself and the best way to make a profit, fast using new technology.

Cracker Barrels

Outcomes of a Summer Program for Gifted Student (1A)
Tatiana Behrmann

The Summer Institute for the Gifted just celebrated 25 successful years of summer day and residential programming for gifted students. This presentation will give an overview of the programs, which attract a substantial international audience. Session participants will learn what SIG alumni and their parents perceive are the benefits of such programs and how these perceptions are reflective of the educational and emotional needs of gifted students, as reported in a recent alumni survey. Some of the long term benefits included the freedom and creativity that emerge in an open ended educational setting. Students are able to pursue multiple topics that excite and motivate them within the course parameters. The greatest benefit that they perceive is the social and emotional impact on their lives by living and learning within a group of like-minded peers. They also appreciate the independence they can experience and take with them into their college careers.

Global Mobility Talent Management - Expat Coaching (1A)
Sarah De Hayes

This Cracker Barrel Roundtable will specifically focus on the benefits and return on investment to the sponsoring company/ organization and the employee of expatriate coaching. While coaching is an emerging perk for executives and organizations, combining cross-cultural training with ongoing assignment coaching can powerfully link back to reaching business goals and talent retention. This session will briefly define coaching and is applications. The expatriate process can be an optimal opportunity to reach one's own core values and heighten self awareness to elevate leadership skills and optimize business performance. Participants will engage in discussion to share and formulate a value statement for expat coaching synthesizing all aspects of an employee - from the professional to the personal.

10 Things to Know Before Starting Your Own Business (1A)
Deniz Demirors

This session will encourage the audience to ask 10 critical questions in the areas of most critical things to know before starting their own business.

Ensuring Educational Continuity: Tips for Families Who Experience Multiple International Relocations (1A)
Heather Dickmeyer

For families who experience multiple international relocations, educational continuity during the high school years is a major concern. With a little advance planning, it is possible to ensure a stable and quality education. Participants will consider strategies for advance educational planning, discuss possible pitfalls, and receive a short list of related resources. Consideration will be given to changes in curriculum and academic calendar, the education of special needs children, and unanticipated disruptions to educational plans.

From Third Culture Kids to Geographical Itinerancy (1B)
Deniz Gyger Gaspoz

If we examine the population of the TCK we realize that they are of two types: the settled long-term TCK and the mobile long-term TCK (as defined by Baker Cottrell). Nevertheless, in the literature and in the researches they are often mixed.

But would it not be interesting to better define these two populations when doing research? Are they facing the same challenges? Which different and/or similar situations are faced by the settled long-term TCK and the mobile long-term TCK?

We would like to present and to discuss the relevance of the concept of children and teenagers in "geographical itinerancy" which relates more particularly to young people who have to face multiple international relocations.

10 Things You Should Know Before Choosing A Distance Learning Program (1B)
Marilyn Mosley Gordanier

In the past several years, the field of distance learning education has grown considerably. There are a multitude of options for TCKs to maintain consistency with their school of enrollment no matter where they reside. Topics covered include Individualized Approach to Education, Personalized Teacher Services, Regional Accreditation and Approvals, Strong Curriculum, Program Accountability, College Placement, Academic Opportunities, Student Support Services, School Community, and Parent Training.
With more and more distance learning programs available on the market, the task of selecting a school doesn't need to be an overwhelming process. Of the numerous factors to consider, these ten areas should help you ask the appropriate questions in finding the school that's right for your family.

A Short Screening of "I am a TCK" (1B)
Alaine Handa

"I am a TCK," directed/produced by Alaine Handa, is a documentary film that includes interviews with third culture kids describing their experiences growing up among worlds, frustrations with non-TCKs upon their return to their passport country, their future plans that are affected by their TCK upbringing, and how they view the world around them. This session is a short screening of the film with a short discussion to address the issues that might happen when moving to a new country or returning "home" and the ways to cope.

Are MKs Less Religious Than the American Public? (1B)
Nancy Henderson-James

What accounts for the fact that only 53% of missionary kids in my survey maintained a religious faith as adults, compared to 60% of the general American public? The factors mentioned as influential or that analysis of the data revealed were 1) parents' liberal or conservative denomination; 2) exposure to multiple cultures; 3) long separations from parents while at school, leading to anger at God or a sense of independence and self-reliance; and 4) loss of Africa (survey respondents were from Angola or Congo), stability, and home. Many missionary kids feel ashamed or awkward about their lack of religious faith. 23% of respondents were nonbelievers, 7% were ambivalent, and 18% of respondents did not answer this question, often stating that the topic was sensitive. This presentation will open the topic for discussion and reassure MKs that they are not alone if they do not practice the beliefs of their parents.

Awesome Leadership Opportunities for Youth! (1C)
Tonya Kay King

Looking for fun, educational ways for youth to learn and practice leadership skills? Need Service Learning hours (for IB CAS requirements)? Interact with other youth in age-appropriate activities? With organizations with over 150 years of quality leadership opportunities which provide excellent hands-on leadership skills and opportunities, and are particularly well suited for international students? Come explore the options and bring successful ideas of your own to share in this informative and fun Cracker Barrel session, as well as learn why research strongly encourages leadership and Service Learning for our youth!

How International Schools Can Support Students' Native-Language Needs (1C)
Andrew Kittell

Educators agree on the importance of maintaining strong native language development in children who grow up outside their passport countries, both for those who will one day return to their passport country and for immigrants who will become bilingual, building their second language skills on top of a strong first language. Educators can play a critical role in supporting students' native-language development. This interactive cracker barrel session will share practical advice on establishing and maintaining a school-based, native-language support program for internationally mobile children. We will examine the history and development of ACS International School's Native Language Enrichment Program (NLEP) and offer advice to educators and parents based on this program's success.

Using your MBTI Score to Help You Plan for a Successful Integration (1C)
Anne-Claude Lambelet

This session will focus on how your personal style and preferences can be brought to play to facilitate managing your international assignment. Whether single or as a couple, knowing your Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) score can help you better understand how you function, what your strong points and weaknesses may be in assimilating the new experience of living in another country and if you are going as a family unit, how you can "team up" to leverage your skills. For Relocation professionals and HR specialists dealing with expatriates, who already know their MBTI score, or want to learn more.

Learn the ABC's of Resilience to Master the Hard Days (1C)
Oshikan Sjodin-Bunse

Have you possibly experienced yet another cross-cultural mishap or misunderstanding that has left you feeling full of confusing and conflicting thoughts and emotions?

This Cracker Barrel session will present is a Positive Psychology tool that will help you find clarity, positivity and build your resilience when dealing with a challenging situation. In this writing exercise, you name the A, Adversity, clarify your B, Beliefs about the situation and look at the C, Consequences of that belief and D, Disputation of the belief is practiced so that you can view the situation from a different perspective. The best part is the E, Energization, which is describing how you feel after discovering a more realistic assessment of the situation that threw you for a loop!

Quiet Space and Reflection (1F)
Lois J. Bushong

Here is your chance to duck away from the buzz and hub-bub of the conference. Close your eyes. Listen to the soft music. Sit alone with your thoughts. Watch a soothing array of images from around the world. Draw your own favorite international scene. Jot down all of the new ideas that the conference has generated. The room will be set up in a way that is conducive to any of these reflective activities, for this session only. Enter and leave quietly (no talking, no whispering, no email, please) and give your senses a chance to catch up with all that your mind has absorbed. You are the creator of this session.

10 Considerations When Sending Minority Women Abroad (2A)
Kendra Mirasol and Charisse Kosova

Social Networking Strategies for Spouses on an International Job Search (2A)
Susan Musich

This session will highlight the growing importance—particularly the increased interest and use among recruiters in the last year—in effectively and strategically using LinkedIn.com and Facebook.com. Other similar sites, including Twitter, will be discussed along with the pros and cons of using them and representing oneself as a professional in cyberspace. Participants will be asked about their challenges with the spouse career issue and asked to share their experience with social networking. Trends and statistics will be shared regarding social networking as well as some of the more effective and popular sites to access for global participation. Also shared will be examples of best and worst case profiles people have used and a handout will be provided on how to create a powerful social networking profile.

Building Beneficial TCK Communities (2A)
Darci Nealeigh and Candy Hart

The main objective of the session is to provide first-hand experience and advice to anyone who may have the opportunity or need to start a TCK group in their community or on their college campus.

Choosing a School for an Expat Child: A How-To Guide for Parents and Sending Agencies (2A)
Liz Perelstein and Laila Plamondon

Top 10 Issues of TCKs Repatriating for University (2B)
Tina Quick and Julia L. Simens

W e will present, discuss and prioritize the top ten most challenging issues, TCKs encounter when repatriating for university. This will be followed by a group of discussion of how parents, educators and schools can help prepare their students for the transition.

Moving for Love? Be Sure to Pack These Quick Tips (2B)
Oshikan Sjodin-Bunse

Along with loving your partner, what best practices can keep your relationship strong through the trying times of transition? Would you be curious to learn a new love language? Do you want to know what a positivity ratio is and why it is important in your relationship? What is an emotional bank account? Can remembering to respond to your partner in an active and constructive manner be of help for good communication no matter what your mother tongue is? This cracker barrel will give you a quick glimpse of the value that these tools can have for your mobile relationship.

Positioning your Corporation as a Leader in Expatriate Community Support (2B)
Thomas Speckhardt and Caitlin Morse

The importance of creating positive community in highly mobile environments cannot be underestimated. This session provides companies practical examples and tools necessary to create supportive environments for expatriate staff. Participants with learn the importance of investing and partnering with other expatriate support agencies to positively affect the experience of living and working abroad.

Optimizing Repatriation - Positive Experiences of Going Home (2B)
Madeleine Dobson

Repatriation is often spoken of as a challenging experience, the potential difficulties of which can be underestimated to the detriment of global families who need more from their sponsoring organizations and service providers. This session takes a different perspective, presenting positive stories of return and pro-active accounts of how to make the most of being back "home," as told by parents and children in returning households. These accounts of taking control of one's home and lifestyle on return include strategies for family time, the advantage of having one's own home for the long-term and the pull of the landscapes of "home." These real life stories allow other migrants to reflect on and share their own experiences and understandings of return. They also give sponsoring organizations and service providers insight into their clients' potential for positive repatriation.

Multicultural Children's Literature (2B)
Laura Sicola

One of the best vehicles to help TCKs celebrate how they are unique and special as well as recognize how they are just like everyone else is children's literature. At this Cracker Barrel you will discover a world of stories that implicitly and explicitly address many of the issues faced by TCKs, ranging from looking different and not speaking the language of the host country, to eating with different utensils and trying to fit in at a new school. Multicultural literature uses human and non-human characters with whom TCKs can empathize and identify. Attendees will learn strategies for using books to teach life lessons of respecting and celebrating one's own culture and that of others. Participants will explore storybooks and share ideas with each other. An annotated bibliography of excellent multicultural children's books will be given to all.

Understanding our Attachment Needs: Tips to Boost Emotional Resilience (2C)
Laura Stephens

For those of us leading a transient lifestyle, issues of attachment (and detachment) play out repeatedly and can lead us to be exhausted in our efforts to maintain significant, long standing relationships whilst forming and letting go of others. What steps can we take to help maintain relationships whilst coping with the inevitable losses? And how might we support ourselves and our children and partners as we move locations? The session will include a brief look at the basics of Attachment Theory. Building on my own studies, I will offer 15 survival tips including emotional outlets to boost resilience; practical guidance to help maintain a pro-active approach to coping with the losses that run concurrent with a mobile life style; and a look at some age specific needs in children.
Participants will be invited to discuss the challenges presented and share their own experience.

Births Abroad: Practical Tips for Service Providers Working with Growing Global Families (2C)
Marian Valia

Births Abroad is a case study based on interviews with expatriate women having babies outside their home country from 2002 to present-day. This study explored the cultural and logistical challenges associated with the choice to have a child while on assignment and considered issues such as finding proper health care, differences in prenatal tests, relationships with health professionals, hospital amenities, local support groups, birth choices and the early days of childrearing. Through these interviews, service providers will gain deeper insight into the ups and downs faced by global families and learn practical tips to assist the expatriate while minimizing downtime for the corporate client.

Culturally Complicated Childhoods: A Bane or Blessing? (2C)
Ruth E. Van Reken

When we consider the incredible complexity of cultural worlds some children grow up in, how do they begin to sort out any sense of identity in a world that seems to demand they pick one box or another? How does this new level of cultural mixing sort out not only for the families and children living in it, but for our nations and global interactions as well? All the answers won't be here, but important issues and questions that we must address will be raised.

Belonging: Impossible Dream? (2C)
Mary Edwards Wertsch

Belonging-and Not Belonging-are the subject of my research work-in-progress. I believe this question of belonging is a persistent, nagging issue in the lives of TCKs-and is worth looking at directly. Come and share what you think: Is a sense of belonging ruled out for us? How important is it, anyway? What has your own experience been? Do you have observations, recommendations, questions about belonging? We'll use markers and a large pad to explore all this-and later display to share with other conference attendees.

The Coaches Corner (2D)
Andrew L. Miser

This Cracker Barrel session is open to anyone in the field of global mobility, including, but not limited to, administrators, human resources personnel, relocation professionals, cross cultural trainers, educators, expatriates and professional coaches. This session will be a facilitated discussion exploring the value and role that coaching can have in empowering expatriates and their families. Are you interested in learning about all the different ways that coaches contribute to the lives of expatriates? Are you curious about how you can be trained and certified as a professional coach? Are you interested in inquiring into the future of professional coaching as an important resource and service in supporting expatriates and their families? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, please join us for a lively discussion at "The Coaches Corner."

Research Workshop And Posters

Called to Africa, Uncalled to America: The Adult Lives of Two Generations of a Missionary Community on Two Continent
John S. Benson

The parents of TCKs often go overseas with a strong sense of a calling, but their children most often return to their parents' homeland as young adults and have to work at building their lives without the strong sense of purpose of their parents. This poster will explore how the values of the first generation of a missionary group influenced how they made sense of Africa and how the second generation made sense of America without the strong sense of purpose their parents had towards Africa. The poster will center on the research done by the presenter on two generations of Lutheran missionaries to Tanzania.

At Home Abroad: How One's Home Affects the Expatriate Experience
Anne P. Copeland

130 expatriates (citizens of 24 countries) living in one of 48 countries completed an on-line survey about the role their homes played in their expatriate experience. Feeling settled in their homes and community was related to every outcome measure, and clearly should be a guiding focus for helping global families. Those with a strong homemaker role identity settled in differently than those with a strong career identity. Participants' internal memories of their favorite homes were related to their satisfaction with their current homes. Articulating these internal ideals and identity differences could help focus relocation professionals' assistance. Participants described the ways their homes' layout and facilities (appliances, furniture, outdoor space) affected their family's interaction; those who reported a centripetal force (ie, layout leading to more centralized interaction) were generally happier than those reporting a centrifugal force (ie, more rooms with closed doors, further from each other promoted more isolation).

Conceptualizing Families' Experiences of Repatriation: "Return," "Continuity" and "Change"
Madeleine Dobson

Drawing on intensive case studies, this research explores families' experiences of repatriation and offers a framework that may help global families and sponsoring organizations among others to prepare for and negotiate repatriation. It conceptualizes repatriation as being comprised of three elements: return, continuity and change. These categories highlight the similarities as well as the positive and challenging differences between migrants' everyday lives on return when compared to outward migration. Real life examples are presented, accompanied by migrants' photographs, allowing others to reflect on their own experiences and understandings of repatriation, particularly in relation to ideas of going back 'home' and what this might mean. Using this three-fold framework as a tool draws attention to positives, potential challenges and coping strategies, allowing families and their supporters to assess and manage their needs on return.

Teenagers' Journeys in Geographical Itinerancy: Narratives and Resources
Deniz Gyger Gaspoz

How do teenagers deal with high mobility? Our on-going study concerns young people (11-17 years) in geographical itinerancy (mobile long-term TcK). We have conducted extensive repeated interviews with them and their parents (in India, Turkey and Switzerland). The focus of our analysis is to identify what are the social, cultural, and cognitive resources that they use to cope with the ruptures they experience during their multiple relocations. And on this basis, we hope to contribute to the development of means relevant for the education of TcK and offering them support to meet the specific challenges of their lives.

Adjustment to New Cultures and the Influence Children Can Have on their Parent's Happiness
Svala Gudmundsdottir

Research focuses on cross cultural adjustment for Icelandic expatriates in North America.

What do TCKs REALLY Think about Growing Up Global?
Nancy Henderson-James

Ninety TCKs who grew up in Angola and Congo from the 1930's to the 1980's wrote essays on such topics as reintegration into their parents' culture, how living abroad affected their later lives and their choice of profession, their relationship to religion as adults, their opinions about schooling, and how living abroad helped or hindered family life. They wrote about humorous and traumatic situations they experienced and whom they played with. In a shorter section, parents wrote about their decision to live overseas, and their views of family life and education. The MK topics eliciting the most passion were the difficulties of cultural integration, the great love of their homes abroad and how that affected their lives, and their current religious stance. Parental responses revealed limited knowledge or perception of how their decisions affected their children's lives.

Searching for the Holy Grail: Belonging
Mary Wertsch

In the course of writing my book about military brats, it occurred to me that unresolved issues of belonging are very much part of the psychological backdrop to the lives of TCKs. They may hover in the vague distance; they may suddenly and painfully spear the heart; they may hide inside other issues—but for the unrooted, the multicultural, the exiled, they are always there. I decided to investigate how TCKs perceive belonging, define it, value it, try to find it, even disavow it. I want to know how most TCKs answer the question, "Is your life centered by a strong sense of belonging?" and then trace the implications. At this point, I have received about 70 responses to my belonging questionnaires, and my research is ongoing. My goal is to produce a book that will help TCKs bring this subject into focus and think it through.

Workshops

A - Cross-cultural Coaching: Tools for Successful Cultural Adjustment
Andrew Miser and Oshikan Sjodin-Bunse

Expatriates and their family members who are living and working in a foreign country deal with a number common cross-cultural dilemmas. These dilemmas, such as a lack of understanding of the social norms and rules, challenges to their personal and cultural values, an inability to communicate, a disruption in family functioning and a loss of identity, can leave expatriates being in a state of disempowerment. This workshop will allow participants to explore the unique role that professional coaching has in providing expatriates a forum to learn valuable tools in shifting from being in a state of stress to being in a state of resilience when dealing with common cultural dilemmas. The state of empowerment is defined as the ability to influence, to exert personal power and to have significance in the face of life's circumstances. Finally, participants will have a first-hand experience, through participation in exercises, of the value of cross-cultural coaching.

B - Researchers' Forum
Becky Powell and Ann Baker Cottrell

Join a group of researchers who study people in global transition. Listen to their recent findings on such topics as teenage TCKs' narratives, how expatriate children affect their parents' happiness, what TCKs really think about growing up global, TCKs' sense of belonging, families' conceptions of repatriation, the adult lives of missionary kids, and how homes' architecture and layout affect expatriates' family interaction. Join in or listen as the researchers talk among themselves about methodological, funding, and conceptual quandaries they face.
Research studies to be discussed include:

John Benson:
Anne Copeland: At Home Abroad: How One's Home Affects the Expatriate Experience
Madeleine Dobson:
Deniz Gyger Gaspoz:
Svala Gudmundsdottir:
Nancy Henderson-James:
Mary Edwards Wertsch:

Researchers and research consumers are all welcome!

C - "Portable Stability"© for Families in Turbulent Times
Lifeboats & Lifelines to Secure Families & Strengthen Organizations
Joyce Blake and Linda Maguire

"Those were hard times…Whatever got us through?" What worked? What didn't? The goal of this workshop is to offer solution-based support strategies to answer these questions, and address the relevant current concerns that threaten the strength and stability of globally mobile families.

Healthy global family members need both mobile and rooted connection as well as a sense of belonging to stabilize their identity in the world. Attention is given to the particular needs of those family members who are having difficulty "taking hold" or adapting well. We will also cover the issues associated with returning "home" to country or community; discussing benefits as well as unanticipated disappointments and displacements.

We welcome your voice! Exchange experiences and resources. Join us for a richer understanding of these complex issues.

D - TCKs Repatriating for University:
Confronting the Challenges and Building Communities
Tina Quick, Darci Nealeigh, and Candy Hart

Unfortunately, TCKs, being neither truly domestic students nor truly foreign students tend to "fall in the cracks" of the university's resource safety nets. Tina Quick discusses how global nomads are left to sort out personal and cultural identity issues on their own while attempting to fit into a culture they feel they should know but don't. The transition to college/university can be fraught with confusion and uncertainty. Preparing students ahead of time for the inevitable issues will help them understand what is to be expected and how to survive and thrive in the transition.

TCK university students, Darci Nealeigh and Candy Hart share their experience of being part of a university TCK group. They describe the challenges faced by students who are sent to live in their parents' home culture to attend college, often leaving their families, friends, and support groups behind in another country. They then describe the benefits of having a campus or community TCK group to serve as a new support group, and offer advice and experience for starting such groups on other campuses or in other communities.

Special Event - March 5th - Meet Intercultural Press Authors

FIGT and the Intercultural Press, a Nicholas Brealey Company, are thrilled to host two book signings during the annual conference on Friday, March 5th. (Watch our site for exact times.)

Ruth E. Van Reken, FIGTs co-Founder, adult TCK, consultant, and co-author Third Culture Kids: Growing Up Among Worlds (revised edition) was born and bred in Kano, Nigeria, to an American father born and raised in Iran. Ruth raised her own three TCKs in Liberia. Ruth will greet followers of her life's work at the book signing as well as conduct her own session at the conference: Teaching Locally, Thinking Globally: Helping School Educators Understand the Third Culture Kid Experience.

Later that day, you will get a chance to meet the author of Bilingual By Choice. Born and raised in France, educated in the United States, Canada, and Russia, Virginie Raguenaud now lives in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. During the family's relocations, her mother, born and raised in Belgium, and her father, born and raised in Madagascar, helped her develop a strong sense of self. Virginie will speak at the conference in a session entitled: Keeping Our Children Bilingual.

Join us for the full conference (March 4-6) or just the day (March 5) if you are local to Houston and meet these groundbreaking authors.