FEATURE ARTICLE
Oh, the Places We’ll Go – The Lives of Expat Spouses
EXPATRIATE INTERVIEW
Anders Blak, Kjaer & Kjaer
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Robin Pascoe, Expat Expert
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
International Auto Coverage
CLEMENTS INSIGHT
In Memory of Robert S. Clements
ON A GOOD NOTE
A word from our clients
Oh, the Places We’ll Go – The Lives of Expat Spouses
By Emilie Udell
Your spouse is successful. Obviously, you know that or you would have never said, “I do.” But when your spouse is offered a career opportunity to relocate to a new country, you may be wishing you could say, “I don’t.” The transition you face is certainly life altering, since you will have to give up your job, the routine you are used to, and add a few thousand miles between you and your family and friends. These changes can be difficult to cope with, and the last place you may think to look for advice is on your kid’s bookshelf.
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During his life, Dr. Seuss wrote and illustrated 44 books, all with his signature rhyming technique. His last book, “Oh the Places You’ll Go” was published in 1990 with a message behind it that transcends all ages, and is quite relevant to anyone who is moving to a new country. The story talks about the loneliness and sense of bewilderment associated with living in new places - similar sentiments are often expressed by expat spouses. Dr. Seuss assures the readers they will triumph over these feelings. Here are a few words of advice for expat spouses, as well as a few words of encouragement from Dr. Seuss. “You’ll get so confused that you’ll start in to race |
Pressure from your family and friends can make it feel like you should be immediately happy and content in your new country, living the glamorous life as an expat spouse, but the truth is everyone experiences culture shock. For some, it may only take a few weeks to become familiarized with their surroundings and start unpacking, but for most, it can take several months. Take as much time as you need settling in. Unpack things and begin exploring your new location as you start to feel more comfortable, one day at a time.
“You will come to a place where the streets are not marked.
Some windows are lighted. But mostly they’re darked.
A place you could sprain both your elbow and chin!
Do you dare to stay out? Do you dare to stay in?
How much can you lose? How much can you win?”
Start to learn more about your area and its culture by setting goals for yourself and take pride in achieving small feats. You probably never thought twice about going to the post office to purchase stamps in your home country, but in a new place, this is an accomplishment worth celebrating. Give yourself a small task each day, and work towards completing it. Next Monday, you will figure out how to drive to your children’s school. On Wednesday, you will learn five new conversational phrases in the country’s language, and use them when you go visit the market on Saturday.
“You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed.
You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you’ll be the best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.”
If you left a job in your home country, you probably are not used to the amount of free time that comes with unemployment in your new country. Depending on local visa restrictions, it can be difficult to get a job. Volunteering is great way to share your skills and time, as well as make new friends, and occasionally, volunteering can lead to full-time employment. Many countries also offer programs for native English speakers to teach their language to local citizens. Transitionsabroad.com has a wealth of information on job and volunteer opportunities, and it’s also searchable by country.
“Oh, the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done!
There are points to be scored, there are games to be won.”
Even though you may feel alone, thousands of spouses worldwide are going through the same emotions and new experiences as you. Thankfully, there are many organizations and social clubs founded by expats for expats to help you cope with the change and make new friends in your area. One of the most popular organizations is the Federation of American Women’s Clubs Overseas, which has over 70 local chapters in 35 countries. Clubs also exists for almost any type of expat spouse, whether you are a wife, husband, or a life partner. Finding an expat club near you can be as simple as doing some internet research.
Although they would be his last published words, Dr. Seuss’s final rhyme sends a word of encouragement to those with a new place to go:
“You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So get on your way!”
Still looking for advice? Check out our partner spotlight on Robin Pascoe, the Expat Expert.
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Expatriate Question & Answer
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Where do you currently reside? How many years have you lived there? How many years have you lived away from your home country? What other countries have you lived in? How do you stay in touch with other expatriates? What helped you decide to work and move abroad? What do you like most and least about living abroad? |
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 Kjaer & Kjaer Headquarters in Denmark |
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What was the biggest adjustment you had to make?
Visiting my friends and family in Denmark so infrequently was a difficult adjustment.
What advice would you give someone who is moving abroad?
Be open and positive. Be patient in adjusting. Learn, understand, and respect the culture.
Where would you like to go next?
I like it in the US and New Zealand, but I would be open to any place…almost…
For more information on Kjaer & Kjaer and the Kjaer Group, visit www.kjaer.com.
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The Expat Expert- Robin Pascoe As the wife of a former Canadian diplomat, Robin Pascoe is quite familiar with the unique lifestyle of expatriates. She left her career as a journalist and her home in Vancouver to follow her husband to each of his postings, including Bangkok, Taipei, Beijing, and Seoul. She also faced the challenge of raising two children in a life where no home was permanent. |
Today, she shares her experience with the expatriate community through her insightful books, contributions to expat publications, and frequent speaking engagements. She has authored five books on issues such as keeping your marriage strong during an assignment and preparing for life after repatriating. Her most recent book, “Raising Global Nomads: Parenting Abroad in an On-Demand World,” was released in September 2006. All books are available on Amazon.com.
Additionally, she often presents at expatriate conferences, and is known for her sharp wit and sage advice on life abroad. She also manages the popular website, www.expatexpert.com, which serves as a meeting place, discussion group, and source of advice and information for thousands of expats worldwide.
For more information on Robin Pascoe, The Expat Expert, please visit her website www.expatexpert.com.
Clements International is proud to sponsor Robin Pascoe in her endeavors.
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|||| Product Spotlight
International Auto Insurance
From going to your favorite coffee shop for your morning brew to picking your kids up from school, your schedule is packed. You need your car to take you everywhere, and with that, you need an insurance plan you can trust to keep you on the road. Clements International offers Comprehensive, Collision and Theft, Primary Auto Liability (Third Party) and Excess Liability coverage, all conveniently packaged in one program. Choose the plan that’s right for you, whether it be WorldAuto, designed for government professionals abroad, or AutoElite for individuals on a corporate assignment. Additionally, an auto policy with Clements includes the following features:
- Transit Coverage
- Hired and Non-Owned Automobiles
- Terrorism Coverage
- Rental Insurance Reimbursement Expense
Call Clements International today at (202) 872-0060 to speak with a dedicated account representative about a plan that is right for you, or visit our website at clements.com for an instant quote.
Ten Road Safety Principles
Contributed by Kjaer Group
- DRIVE RESPONSIBLY
- DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE
- ENSURE VISIBILITY AS A PEDESTRIAN
- FOLLOW AT A SAFE DISTANCE
- KEEP VEHICLES IN ROADWORTHY CONDITION
- OBEY TRAFFIC LIGHTS
- OBEY SPEED LIMITS
- OVERTAKE WITH CARE
- USE MOBILE PHONE RESPONSIBLY
- WEAR A SEATBELT
For more information on Kjaer & Kjaer and the Kjaer Group, visit www.kjaer.com.
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In Memory of Robert S. Clements
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Clements International President hosts Cultural Event |
On April 25, the group visited Clements International’s headquarters, and heard a presentation by Mr. Palumbo on Clements’ suite of products and a detailed view of the company’s innovative operations. The group then engaged in a question-and-answer session where they spoke to the differences in culture and insurance industries between the two countries. Translation services were provided by Sue Noda of SGN Pacific Insurance Brokerage, and Global LT. “We always welcome opportunities to discuss how different cultures and marketplaces affect the international insurance industry," said Tony Palumbo, President and COO for Clements International. |
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Here is what our clients have to say...
Dear Clements,
"I would also like to thank you for all excellent customer service I have received from you. I am happy to recommend your company to all my colleagues who may move abroad in the future."
Very Respectfully Submitted,
Foreign Service Officer
American Embassy, Finland
Dear Clements,
"Thank you so much for your kind assistance. You were very helpful, and you are very kind to send me this copy of my policy. It is people like you who make it such a pleasure to deal with Clements!"
Best Regards,
Foreign Service Member
Singapore, Thailand
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