FEATURE ARTICLE
Relocating Young Expats
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Global LT
TIPS & ADVICE
Starting a Journal / Finding a School
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Umbrella Liability Insurance
DID YOU KNOW
Clements Insight
ON A GOOD NOTE
A word from our clients
|||| Feature Article
Relocating Young Expats
by Emilie Udell
You have packed your family's belongings, said your good byes, learned “hello,” “thank you,”, and “where is the restroom?” in your new country’s language, made arrangements at your destination, and now your new job and life are just a 12-hour plane ride away. Your family has stepped up to the new challenge of an overseas move.
You are all set to go, but there are still nagging questions; will there be playgrounds, cheerleading practice, and little league baseball games in your host country?
Under all the other stresses of moving, it’s easy to overlook the amount of anxiety your children may be experiencing now that they are faced with the idea of starting an entirely new life. Expatica.com, an online resource for expatriates, estimates 45% of expatriates have children aged 5-12. Just like parents, young expats face numerous tribulations when moving abroad, from emotionally draining circumstances such as having to give up the family dog or saying good bye to friends; to challenges that are mentally draining like learning an entirely new language and cultural mindset. All of these factors on top of the usual developmental changes kids go through can make moving even more traumatic.
Your children will now be considered "Third Culture Kids", the term commonly used for children who have grown up in a country other than their passport country. The idea is that children abroad are exposed to two cultures, that of their home country as well as their host country, to form a third culture that is a blend of both.
The good thing is you can help your children prepare for the move, and it can be as simple as being receptive to their concerns and keeping communication lines open. The more you talk about what to expect when you move, the more they will be able to mentally and emotionally prepare for their new surroundings.
Introduce Your Destination
Try to familiarize him/her with the country by reading books related to expatriate life or the country in which you will be living. If your child will be required to speak another language, look into getting a tutor to teach him/her basic phrases. You can also try online or video courses to aide in learning the language.
Keep in Touch
Make sure your child has an address book to record their friends’ contact information, and even a camera to get pictures. Create scrapbooks and photo albums to preserve memories. When they start to feel homesick, your kids will be happy they have connections to their old friends through photo albums, and the ability to share new experiences with them through emails and letters.
Express through Art
Encourage your kids to explore their new surroundings through photography, video, or creative writing. Creative outlets are a great way for them to express their feelings, and see the beauty in a new situation. Many organizations have contests for writing and artwork. For children of Foreign Service members, there are organizations such as the Foreign Service Youth Foundation that holds regular contests, in addition to workshops on topics including college preparation. For more information, visit www.fsyf.org.
In this newsletter, we highlight other ways to help your family acclimate to their new surroundings, so for additional ideas, check out our “Tips and Advice” section. Moving abroad will never be easy... well, unless someone patents a “flying house.”
You may contact Emilie Udell in Clements International's Business Development Unit at 1.202.872.0060 or eudell@clements.com.
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We are pleased to introduce one of our many international partners, Global LT. The following article was written by Global LT and discusses their focus and unique services.
Global LT
Global LT is the premier provider of language training, cultural training, translations and expatriate settling-in services. We have provided these services to corporate and government employees since 1979. Headquartered in Troy, Michigan, Global LT offers its services anywhere in the world through our network of global language and cultural providers.
Cultural training is one of our most exciting offerings. Our cultural training goes beyond the basics. Below is a Global LTCultural Insight, highlighting our understanding of the richness of cultural diversity and the value this can have for an expatriate and his/her family. Culture is fascinating!
Did you know that children of expatriates who accompany their parents on overseas assignments follow a fairly predictable path in their adult life? One of the most common characteristics they share is a much higher rate of university and post graduate degrees than the norm. At least two-thirds of these kids feel it is important to have an international dimension in their lives and a good number of them, unlike their teen counterparts, feel in touch with events happening outside of the U.S. According to Samuel L. Britton of TCK World these children are called “- Third Culture Kids”. He defines them as individuals who” have spent a significant part of the developmental years in a culture other than that of their parents, and develop a sense of relationship to both.” Their cultural “lenses are multi-colored and they eventually have strong opinions about the global village in which they have traveled and lend themselves in unique and creative ways to the world. Certainly individual responses vary to an international assignment, but the potential for outstanding personal growth is enormous. Assisting these children and their families before and after their expat experience can be critical in tapping the benefits that come with being a Third Culture Kid.’
- Global LT Cultural Training –- Third Culture Kids. For more information about Global LT's Language Training, Cultural Training, Translation or Expatriate Settling-in Services, visit www.Global-LT.com, or call 248.786.0999, ext. 22.
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|||| Tips & Advice
Start a Journal with your Child.
Journaling is a fun and important activity to help children adjust to their new home and environment. By documenting memories, recording events, and exploring feelings they are able to reflect and to talk about what happened that day, and dream about what could happen the next day. In addition to creating a history of their travels, they are able to practice and improve their writing skills.Here are some tips to help you and your children get started:
- Provide your child with an interesting blank notebook along with a pen and pencil. Allowing them to choose the notebook will help to gain their interest and enthusiasm.
- A great time for kids to start a journal is on the first day of a trip. At this time, there will be lots of new things to write about and it will help it to become a habit.
- You can be the writer for younger children who aren't able to write for themselves.
- Keep a list of these questions on the last page of the journal for quiet days. You and your child can create the list together, or use some of these ideas.
- What is the first thing the child can remember?
- Was there a birthday that was his or her favorite?
- What does he or she like about their best friend?
- What is the best thing they have ever done?
- What foods do they love or hate? Why do they like their favorite color?
- What was a fun thing they did today?
- Families can have a common journal. In the evening, each person shares something that happened to them that day. Take turns being the recorder.
- A child can make a journal more interesting by adding mementos from the day. It could be ticket stubs, a drawing, a colorful leaf, or even a post card from a special place.
Search for the an International School
The following checklist and information was provided by ACS International Schools. ACS International Schools enrolls a total of 2,300 students aged between 2½ and 18, from over 60 countries, at three London area campuses in England. Based on international and American research, principles, and educational practices, ACS is committed to maintaining the highest standards of scholarship and citizenship.
A transition overseas can be an exciting time for a family, but despite all the opportunities an international move brings, parents must consider the educational and emotional impact such a move may have on a child. Careful preparation will ensure children get off to a good start in the new country.
Communicate.
Allow children to express their feelings and concerns. Kids respond more positively to relocation if they can voice their hopes and fears of life in a new country.
Begin the school search early.
Recommendations from colleagues and friends help parents identify international schools with teachers trained to help children through global moves by quickly assessing educational gaps and implementing discreet interventions.
Investigate the best qualifications for teenage students.
Whether choosing a transferable national curriculum or the renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, ensure qualifications will be recognized worldwide, allowing students to progress onto universities around the globe as well as back home.
Engage with the new community.
Choose a school with strong parent involvement. International schools normally have welcome committees to greet new families and help everyone settle quickly as well as ongoing strong community and school networks.
Visit the new school.
Take children for an orientation visit before they begin – it will ease their concerns about finding their way around, and give them the opportunity to meet a buddy. A familiar face in the lunchroom can transform a child’s first few weeks in a new school.
Enjoy!
ACS International Schools
London England
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|||| Product Spotlight
Personal & Commercial Umbrella Coverage
Think about the protection you get from an umbrella during a sudden storm. Now, imagine getting that same protection for your finances.
Umbrellas keep you from getting soaked, so it is a perfect way to illustrate the extra protection provided under an Umbrella Liability policy. The idea is basic; once the underlying coverage has been exhausted, the Umbrella Liability policy provides additional funds to make sure your bills are covered.
Often, this type of policy is used in litigious situations. With the number of lawsuits on the rise, your typical insurance policy might not be enough to cover the cost of court proceedings and settlements. By adding an Umbrella Liability policy to your current coverage, you can increase your limits to as much as $3 million.
Here’s how it works:
You are involved in a car accident that results in a lawsuit. A judge decides you have to pay $800,000 to the opposing party. If you have auto insurance that covers up to $100,000 in liability, you will have to pay the remaining $700,000. With additional Umbrella Liability coverage up to $1 million, the settlement amount would be completely covered, and you would not be burdened with an overwhelming settlement to pay.
From a business standpoint, an Umbrella Liability policy is vital to a company’s success, since it is even more vulnerable to litigious situations.
The best part of this valuable policy is it does not cost a fortune. Most personal Umbrella Policies are only a few hundred dollars a year; a small price to pay to make sure your assets can weather the storm.To determine the right level of protection for you and your organization, please contact your dedicated Clements International representative today at +1(202) 872-0060 or via email at info@clements.com. Also visit us on the web at http://www.clements.com.
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M. Juanita Guess Award
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Martine McKinnie with Jon C. Clements (left) and Ambassador George M. Staples |
Meet Our Staff
To continue to acquaint you with your friendly, dedicated Clements International staff members, we’d like to introduce you to two of our Account Executives: Smita Malik and Yan Bui. |
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Here is what our clients have to say...
Dear Clements,
"I am completely satisfied with your service. I had a policy previously with you on an earlier assignment that required a claim and my experience was excellent - this is why I opted for your insurance again."
Sincerely,
Department of Defense Officer
London, United Kingdom
Dear Clements,
"It has been my pleasure to work with Clements during the past year when I assumed administrative responsibility for our vehicle insurance. Everyone with whom I have interacted has been professional, responsive, polite and helpful and I have appreciated it every time. Thank you both for our excellent working relationship. Should I find myself in the role of needing to recommend a global insurance company, I would confidently be able to do so with Clements."
Best wishes,
Relief & Development Organization
Washington D.C.
Dear Clements,
"I have been using Clements for several years while I am serving abroad (since 1986). Just keep providing the great service."
Best wishes,
Professional Expatriate
Warsaw, Poland
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