Can you believe we find ourselves in September? As Northern Hemisphere schools return to a new academic year in a variety of different formats (on-campus, remote learning or a blend of both), Southern Hemisphere schools would usually be finalising plans for their school’s 2021-enrolled Boarders’ Orientation. COVID-19 means many schools are unable to provide their … Continue reading Preparing Your Child For Boarding School
In Conversation: Tools for Transition in a Pandemic, with Ellen Mahoney
My colleague and friend, Ellen Mahoney and I were recently asked by Families in Global Transition (FIGT) to make a short video discussing the impact of COVID-19 on the international school community. As always, it was a pleasure chatting with Ellen as we shared our insights and ideas. The video remains open to the public … Continue reading In Conversation: Tools for Transition in a Pandemic, with Ellen Mahoney
COVID-19: A Moment in Time
The unusual invitation arrived just as I was again laying out the day’s lunch offerings for our family. Entitled “A Moment in Time,” it was sent by my Aunt-in-law who lives thousands of kilometres away. An amateur artist, she had begun a painting in response to COVID-19 as a way to keep busy, stay relaxed … Continue reading COVID-19: A Moment in Time
COVID-19: A Teachable Moment for Intercultural Empathy
In response to requests by a number of educators from across the globe, who are increasingly concerned about the cultural barriers their school communities are experiencing amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Youth Intercultural Transition Specialist, Jane Barron, shares some of her wisdom and resources for facilitating intercultural empathy learning. For generations we’ve been told that “the playground can be … Continue reading COVID-19: A Teachable Moment for Intercultural Empathy
How Schools Can Support Their International Students During The COVID-19 Outbreak
By Jane Barron and Danielle Pringle Jane Barron and Danielle Pringle have long been champions of the wellbeing and welfare of international students in Australian schools. In this article, they share practical solutions for supporting your international and overseas school students through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 Outbreak and offer insight for implementing robust measures … Continue reading How Schools Can Support Their International Students During The COVID-19 Outbreak
When Moving Season Arrives
It's that time of year - Moving Season. It's when globally mobile families and individuals across the world experience a shift in their community. Some are being left behind, others are moving to a new location, several are returning 'home', a few are preparing for the boarding school experience and all involve goodbyes. Though each … Continue reading When Moving Season Arrives
A Kaleidoscope of Cultures: Cross-Cultural Childhood Losses and Identity Development
Maria Lombart stood before an audience of over 200 people in The Hague, Netherlands. It was two years ago at the Families in Global Transition (FIGT) Conference but her dynamic presentation has continued to resonate with me ever since. It's a personal story of loss and identity development with similarities to many cross-cultural students … Continue reading A Kaleidoscope of Cultures: Cross-Cultural Childhood Losses and Identity Development
Third Culture Families: Redefining the Traditional Concept of Home, Family and Friendship
Please allow me to introduce you to Marielle de Spa - a mover and shaker in the global mobility field and a kindred spirit who values the collective family experience. She carries an important message for families in global transition that I would like to share with you. Read on to be inspired and empowered. Originally … Continue reading Third Culture Families: Redefining the Traditional Concept of Home, Family and Friendship
Returning ‘Home’: Insight from an Expert
It's that time of year when many globally mobile families are either preparing to return 'home', contemplating returning 'home' or farewelling others who are returning 'home'. Re-Entry Expert, Dr Cate Brubaker, shares her wisdom and insight with us on how to make returning 'home' a positive, growth oriented experience that leads to a meaningful and … Continue reading Returning ‘Home’: Insight from an Expert
How Has Living Abroad Changed You?
Last week I was asked this question: How has living abroad changed you? As with many questions asked of globally mobile people (Where are you from? Are you settled yet? Where is home? etc), I had to pause before answering. Did this person want the short answer or the long answer? The truth is, … Continue reading How Has Living Abroad Changed You?
Globally Grounded 