Expatriation:A Family Affair
The moment
has come! My last week in this period as an Expat and Accompanying Partner.
Work is waiting for me in September!
Lately, I am often asked the following: What did you do and what did you
enjoy most from your time as an Expat Accompanying Partner? My reply is spontaneous and honest:
-
Heaps
of quality time for my family. The main reason, I put my career “on hold” was
to follow and support my family. My family told me that I succeeded in this
role and for me, this is ‘My Greatest Achievement’. I thank my family, as they
are also my greatest supporters, they listened and supported me during my
moments of ‘missing work’. I also thank my friends and mentors for their
encouragement during my moments of “questioning”.
-
Seeing
our ‘Third Cultural Kids’, mature and grow up as global citizens.
-
Finding
myself in a new environment: new country, new encounters (expats or locals). Sometimes,
I felt out of my comfort zone, however, I experienced and learned a lot more about
human awareness and cultural diversity.
-
Discovery
of a new culture: learning the basics of a new language, visiting museums,
local culinary, music… the list is long..
-
Running
my first marathon and participation in my first triathlon (relay). Thank you
“Coach” and my relay team.
-
Begining
of ‘Third Cultural Professionals’.
See you soon…