It’s that time again! Every August, I compile a list of my favourite resources to support and inspire you. This year I decided to do something a little different, as we’re celebrating…

Older family members back home can offer expat children and teens a special kind of love, and memories that last a lifetime. International youth empowerment consultant Natasha Winnard shares her story, as…

Have you ever felt a low-grade discomfort when something in your life just isn’t right or a situation isn’t sitting well with you? Your values might be out of alignment,…

We at Expat Nest celebrated our 10th birthday on 21 June 2023!  Check out the photos of our happy celebrations here. I only wish we could ALL celebrate together… Ten years…

Ah, shopping… Whether we love it or dread it, it’s something we’ve gotta do. And it’s much easier today, with online options and easy payment methods. But what happens when…

Living in a new place with an unfamiliar culture can feel like you’re watching life from the sidelines, rather than living it to the fullest. Being proactive, having a positive…

Expat Nest founder Vivian Chiona had the huge honour of being interviewed on Holding the Fort Abroad, a podcast for expats who are navigating the dynamics of long-distance relationships – whether that’s…

Negotiating is not just a skill for the business world or politics. It’s a valuable tool for managing conflict in our romantic relationships too, and it has enormous power to…

Our words and our actions have the amazing ability to inspire deep, long-lasting love – but they can also do the opposite. Harsh, disrespectful ways of interacting can hurt both…

We all bring rules from our childhoods into our adult lives. But which of these rules prevent us from experiencing a more joyful life? Through her own story, author and…

We’re often told to look ahead and set goals – especially as a new year begins. But, says marketing coach Stephanie Ward, goal setting isn’t necessarily the right solution for…

It’s that time of the year again when we ask our friends at Expat Bookshop to compile a list of some of the best expat titles published during the year. As…

We invited Carolina Porto to speak about her new book for Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking expats and internationals, Lar Mundo Afora and Un Hogar Lejos De Casa respectively. Carolina is also…

September was such a wonderful month here at Expat Nest; a time full of joy and momentous events. Expat Nest founder Vivian Chiona shares some highlights of this very special time……

As expats, we know all about travel! We’ve done it for work or for love or to seek a better life… We’ve done it for holidays, home visits and reunions,…

Expat Nest has won “Best Online Expat Counselling Service” in the Global Health & Pharma (GHP) Mental Health Awards 2022. I’m over the moon! This is a big moment for us!…

In 2021, Anne Copeland hosted a workshop, “Why is this so hard?”, at the FIGT (Families in Global Transition) conference. Anne, a psychologist, has worked on researching families in international…

Expat parenting can bring its own unique challenges – and especially if you find yourself parenting abroad with a partner who works away from home a lot. Drawing from author…

Communication is one of the most important promotors of healthy relationships. Yet, it is often overlooked. In this article, you’ll learn some tips on how to enhance your communication in order to strengthen the connection in your relationships.

It’s an annual tradition to ask our friends at Expat Bookshop to round up some of the best books written by, for, or about expats. Some will inform and inspire, others will…

What is my purpose in life? What makes me happy? Should I be living differently? Many of us have asked ourselves these questions at some point. We share why it’s…

We all enjoy music for entertainment, but did you know that it might be beneficial for your mental and physical health? Psychologist Andriani Kalterimtzi-Sinouri explores the healing power of music…

A birthday is a milestone… an anniversary date with yourself! I celebrated mine recently and so today I’m looking back on the year and sharing 10 things I’ve learned or reflected…

Self-compassion is an incredible tool for resilience – and all the more important as we begin to emerge, tentatively, from the coronavirus pandemic. We share why, and offer some of our…

Do you eat when you feel stressed, sad, happy, lonely, bored or angry? We all have different ways to cope with negative emotions and feelings, and emotional eating is one…

“For me, friendship is like the air I breathe: I can’t do without it,” says psychologist and expat consultant Erica Mirochnik. Here she celebrates the joys of international friendships and…

Feeling safe is a crucial factor when connecting with others, yet we all find that safety in different ways. In this article, you’ll learn about the Routes of Safety to help you understand what makes you feel safe in social interactions and how you can find new ways to feel safer in your relationships in your host country.

Today, Eva Antza shares her experience in “Cultureland”, a concept that expresses the essence of the international experience that we expats share, no matter where we are in the world. She tells us her story of going “home”, and the confusion that arose on her return.

Recently an expat shared a heartfelt letter with me that she’d written to her late mother to help process her loss. Writing letters to loved ones who have passed away…

Being caregiver to a loved one is not for the faint of heart. It’s often an act of hard work, sacrifice and altruistic love, with emotional highs and lows. We…

Regina Reinhardt, an adult third culture kid and cross-cultural trainer/coach who spends her time between Switzerland and Greece, shares how she solved a recent social dilemma. Her story suggests that…

Smartphones have become an accepted part of our personal and professional lives, and in many cases an extension of our hands! But how much is too much? When does your phone time…

I had the incredible honor on International Women’s Day 2020 to be awarded as one of the “100 most inspirational women in the world” by Women Appreciating Women (WAW), both for…

We’re talking about love! Due to the pandemic lockdown, many expats are facing relationship challenges right now. In this interview with psychologist Dr. Margarita Lourido, we cover some tips to…

¡Hola! Happy new year! As we begin 2021, my wish is that we will continue to keep learning in order to build resilience. May we also experience many moments of joy and…

It’s that time of year again when we ask our friends at Expat Bookshop to round up some of the best books written by, for, or about expats. This is an annual…

It was a great honour to chat to clinical psychologist and co-founder of the Global Nomad’s World, Daniela Tomer. Daniela is also involved in Families in Global Transition, which is…

I got together with Sundae Schneider-Bean for a fascinating chat on love, sex, expat couples, midlife crisis and marriage meltdown. I was honoured to be interviewed by Sundae, a solution-oriented…

As expats, we’re often encouraged to “get out there” and make new friends so that we can feel more at home in our host country. If you’re an introvert, this…

Using creative processes like art-making can help us to cope with change and capture our unique expat story. Global nomad, art psychotherapist and transition specialist Shellee Burroughs shares some easy…

Now that we’re spending so much time at home, it’s the perfect opportunity to go through your wardrobe and make sure it’s really working for you! I’ve even been giving away…

Silence. It’s something so natural and known to us, yet also something so rare that we don’t have enough of it. The importance of silence is increasing as our environments…

Surprised? 🙂  Although we’re all practising social distancing – and some of us are in quarantine or complete lockdown – weekends remain important. To successfully manage our self-isolation, it’s essential…

For globally mobile families, traditions and rituals provide an important thread of continuity and identity. Even more so if you are a TCK and an international adoptee, shares Anna Svedberg,…

Some people describe it as a breaking of their bones, one by one.  Some say it’s as if the whole world is collapsing around them. Facing your days with heartache…

Expat partners who decide not to work and to rather take care of the family’s needs, or can’t work due to visa restrictions, can begin to feel lost or restless….

It’s that time of year again when we ask our friends at Expat Bookshop to round up some of the best titles written by, for, or about expats. In NO…

Third culture kids (TCKs) may need extra attention and help from their parents in making friends in a new country. Jinfeng Shen, our Chinese-speaking counsellor, shares some useful tips for…

I’ve just got back from the 4th EU-Arab World Summit, which aims to identify opportunities for cooperation between the EU and the Arab world… …and where I announced this amazing news:…

Intuition, sixth sense, inner knowing, gut feeling… whatever we choose to call it, we all seek it. Intuition and energy coach Saskia Baardman loves to help people get on their…

You’ve done it – after weeks or months of preparation and planning, you’ve finally arrived on the other side! But now what? Although there’s a lot of helpful information out…

Every birthday I like to write a more personal article about something that has inspired me, as a gesture of appreciation to you, my beloved Expat Nest community. Thank you for being…

Saying goodbye to the holidays and hello to the new school term/year can be tough on your children (and you!). Here are some fun, practical tips for parents wishing to…

Today I’m taking a moment to acknowledge you, and your expat journey. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it many times before, it takes incredible courage to move…

Most of us will be familiar with the word “burnout” but what does it actually mean, and how does it apply to us as expats? Here are some signs of…

Yay! We’re celebrating our birthday! Thank you for being a part of our community. It’s such an honour to serve internationals like you, and we really value the time you…

It’s a dream come true! Who would have thought back in 2013, when I launched Expat Nest, that I’d be sharing this exciting news: Our website is now in Chinese!   We’ve…

Being the accompanying spouse/partner on an international relocation comes with its own unique challenges. Many of our clients are trailing spouses and we work to help them rediscover their identity…

Eight times – that’s the number of moves expat Linda Rinn had made in the past six years! If there’s one big life lesson she has learned through this process,…

“Leave” may be a short word, but it can bring a 180-degree life change. And while leaving can cause a lot of pain initially, a well-considered departure can lead you…

It’s uncomfortable and we really don’t want to feel it (or even admit that we feel it!). But it’s not unusual for expats to experience fear of missing out (FOMO)….

Is relocation stress affecting your relationship? Expat psychologist and couples therapist Jeanine Souren understands the high stakes for couples on international assignment. Here she shares some tips for protecting your…

“An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place and circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break” – ancient Chinese proverb…

Members of the Expat Nest family will know that I switch off completely from my emails and social media accounts at the end of every year. It takes some discipline…

It’s that time of year again when we ask our friends at Expat Bookshop to round up some of the best titles written by, for, or about expats. Expect books that…

Giving birth may be one of the most impactful events in a woman’s lifetime. Yet, when the excitement of the big occasion has passed, mothers are often left feeling lonely,…

We write all the time (emails, Whatsapp, social media posts, work documents), but when last did you write by hand? This week’s guest author was inspired to reflect on the…

It’s easy to see the fun side of studying abroad, but there are downsides too. The following pointers are geared towards helping international students who are having a tough time,…

  “There is a nobility in compassion, a beauty in empathy and a grace in forgiveness” – novelist John Connolly.   A world full of beauties… a world full of…

Keeping up a fitness routine can be really tricky for internationals, who tend to travel a lot for work, pleasure and home visits. Earlier this year, Expat Assure asked me to share some tips on staying fit and healthy while abroad. Below is a snapshot of our interview (find the original piece here).

This year’s August special is on stress, which was also the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2018. One study from the Mental Health Foundation, the largest known study of…

We’re debating a big question here, and we want to hear what YOU think…   Is time an ally or an enemy?   How do you feel about time? Do…

Whether you’re moving to a new country, a different city, or across town, the loss of the familiar can be challenging, writes Dr Patricia Stokke from culturalworldconsulting.com. Here are four…

For single expat parents (SEPs), parenting is a vastly different experience from nuclear family parenting, and brings both challenges and rewards. To celebrate Father’s Day, a single expat dad from The Netherlands, who prefers to tell his story anonymously, shares the details of daily life with his young son.

I’m so excited to share the results of our international survey with the entire Expat Nest community! Back in 2017, I asked you to take the survey. This was the…

Our past experiences influence our present ones – that’s nothing new or surprising. But how exactly, and why? Counsellor Kristýna Maulenová discusses how our childhood can impact our current relationships,…

Despite being an experienced expat, Dee Mackenzie found herself desperately unhappy in her latest location. Today she shares her story of how gratitude helped her to get unstuck. She reassures us that…

I hope you enjoy this heartfelt video message [3.06 mins] from me to you. It is a thank you to each and every one of you. The video is filmed…

Not everyone finds it easy to ask for what they need or want. The very act of asking open us to potential rejection – especially if what we’re seeking is…

When partners in a relationship have different emotional needs and expectations, one or both can start to feel lonely or dissatisfied. In celebration of Valentine’s Day, relationship therapist Jeanine Souren…

Winter is just one of four seasons, right? A bit darker and colder, that’s all. So why does it feel challenging and dreadful for so many of us? We share…

Is ‘being more efficient’ on your list of resolutions for the year? Being organised can save you valuable time and free you up to do more of the things you…

  Someone sent this quote to me recently and I simply had to share it with you in our first article of 2018. As we begin to work on our…

Ready… Steady… Go! Is that how the festive season feels for you? Like a race that’s over just as soon as it began? Then today’s message is for YOU. As…

Let’s begin with a simple task. Think of someone you know who has never struggled in life, not even once. Someone who has never suffered a loss; someone who has…

At Expat Nest, we love to read (and share!) honest firsthand accounts of the expat experience. I believe this story will resonate with all internationals and I hope it touches…

I am a book lover, and I love that there is a growing genre of books by expats, for expats and about expats! So I again asked our friends at Expat…

Touch is so much more than just a sense, or the contact of our skin with the world. Touch allows us to connect with others and to explore the world….

In a modern world, we often forget the important role that scent plays in our everyday experiences. Essential oils, which can soothe or energise us, are a wonderful way to…

Life presents challenges for everyone. Expats, however, often have to deal with extra dilemmas brought on by a transition-rich lifestyle. Expat Nest counsellors are skilled at helping you to find…

Media reports and academic articles often warn us about the negative effects of stress. There’s good reason for this, too. But did you know that, under the right conditions, some…

As we enter the last chapter of the year, I wanted to share something with you… Here are some quick and gentle habits that I have found really improve my…

To give full meaning to our life, we all need to connect with other people. Certain relationships accompany us through life; others enter and exit as each chapter opens and closes. No…

Source: www.ektaevents.org.uk   “Cultureland”… what a magical concept! For me, it expresses the essence of the international experience that you and I share, no matter where we are in the…

What is an expat? Well, if you’re one, we don’t have to tell you there ain’t no simple answer! There are as many stereotypes about what it means to be…

What is success? It’s a question we often think about when it comes to our professions. But we rarely ask it about our relationships… and knowing the answer could open…

We’ve carefully selected 12 of our favourite quotes – one for each month of the year – to inspire you as you head into the new year. Some are the…

We all have times when we feel flat. Maybe we know the reason (we need a break, there’s conflict at work or trouble at home), but sometimes we don’t. Here…

Pregnancy and childbirth can be even more challenging than usual when you’re away from the support and familiarity of home. There are steps you can take, though, to feel strong…

Expat, third culture kid, trailing spouse, international… what language do you use to describe yourself or your situation? Do you identify with any of these terms? Do you choose not…

“Goodbye…” It’s such a powerful and emotive word, isn’t it? And, as we will see, it’s more than just a word to signify a parting; it’s a way to complete…

Depression is an often silent feeling that creeps up on us and isn’t easy to identify straight away. This is especially true for those who have relocated. Because it’s normal…

Life transitions – whether we’re relocating, committing to a relationship, or entering parenthood – often encourage us to reevaluate our lives and to create ways of being that are better…

Cheating, infidelity, an affair… no matter what you call it, it is always a painful thing to experience and it’s more common than we might think. Maybe you have cheated…

In therapy sessions, psychologists and clients regularly have to work through often harmful myths or perceptions about sex. We get together with psychologist Fani Traikou to bust some of the most common…

Have you ever found yourself drawn to a particular place, without really knowing why? Or landed up somewhere on a whim, or by accident, only to find it’s just right…

We all meet loneliness at some point in life. Expats in particular may be confronted with it more often, due to the inevitable changes and goodbyes of being a global…

Once upon a time, there were two woodcutters… They worked side by side each day. The one woodcutter worked eight hours a day without stopping and managed to fell 10…

We often hear that love is a language all of its own. Author and anthropologist Gary Chapman, however, believes we express – and receive – love in five main “love languages”. I…

You know those days when it feels like everything is going wrong? Someone cancels on you, you drop your favourite coffee mug, a child or a pet becomes ill… As…

Meet 16-year-old “Maria”. She can’t wait to meet a guy of her age who she’s been chatting to online. But when “Brian” rocks up for their date at a local…

“Home” can be where we are, but it is also who and how we are. Home is mostly a place within. Intercultural consultant and author of Psychology Today’s Between Cultures Marianna Pogosyan…

It’s my birthday today, and in the build up to this milestone, I had an important insight I’d love to share with you. We live in a busy world, where…

Empty nest is often described as a feeling of grief and loneliness parents may feel when their children leave home for the first time. Yet, by building your “nest” branch…

In a globally connected world, it’s not unusual to have intercultural encounters, while organisations are bound to have an increasingly diverse workforce. Diversity brings its blessings: flexibility in thinking, a…

All of a sudden, your heart starts pounding, your breathing becomes faster and shallower – as if you are running out of air – and your palms are sweaty. You…

“An emotional bootcamp…” – that’s how one expat described her divorce. Of course, break ups are hard in general and for many reasons – financial, emotional, practical – and the…

Language and the spoken word is our most direct way of communicating. It’s how we connect with others and how we make sure our needs are met. So it’s only…

While many expats expect to experience culture shock when moving to a new country, few of us anticipate the shock of returning home. We assume we will transition smoothly because…

It’s a challenge faced by all parents as well as those who play an important role in a child’s life or act as a support system to parents: keeping your children…

Time is something we all share… but how we perceive and manage our time differs greatly across cultures. So how can we, as expats, adapt to these different definitions of…

There are books that slip into your life and leave just as quietly. There are books you forget almost immediately after reading them. And there are books, like Arianna Huffington’s…

Most expats are familiar with nostalgia. Sometimes it comes to us gently; other times it hits us hard. And though we can usually identify the feeling as a bittersweet longing…

Moving to a new place is exciting but it can also feel scary and overwhelming. You have to adapt to new people, a new language, a new way of doing…

Ten years into her expat life, Expat Nest founder Vivian Chiona reflects on what “home” means to her… and comes to an interesting conclusion.   This year marks a decade…

Recently I was chatting to a perfectly lovable and loving friend who has given up on his love life. My response – that he is perfect, just as he is,…

Three years ago I was introduced to Thanksgiving by a dear friend (who is not with us anymore) and her husband. Holding my hands at the dinner table – yes,…

Leaving your friends and support network behind can be one of the greatest challenges of an international relocation. But, as every expat knows, it also creates space for new friendships…

Holidays are meant to be fun, right? And yet often they’re fraught with expectation and obligation and can leave us feeling frazzled. This is especially true for expats, who tend…

Expat Nest welcomes culture/travel blogger Tea Gudek Šnajdar, who talks about the special role that travel has played in her expat experience. Exploring her new country and taking advantage of…

How often do you get headaches? Enough to affect your happiness? Whether you experience occasional migraines or suffer from a chronic condition, headaches can be both emotionally and physically distressing….

Moving to a foreign country inevitably throws you into situations you’ve never experienced before – whether it’s a new language, unfamiliar social etiquette, or the loss of your favourite home…

A birthday is a milestone… an anniversary date with yourself! So today I look back on the year and share ten things I’ve learned about myself, about taking things one…

If you have a lot on your mind at the moment, here’s something for you! I’m a big believer in quick and brilliant tools that make a difference in our…

Today I’d like to share a wonderful book with you – Diane Lemieux and Anne Parker’s The Mobile Life: A New Approach to Moving Anywhere – and encourage you to…

How are you feeling about your career? Empowered and “on purpose”? Or are you seeking greater clarity and direction? Sometimes we just need to ask the right questions to understand…

After joining her partner in his home country, Renata Harper found herself experiencing a new kind of missing that surprised her – one that has since led to profound change in…

In our previous article we covered some important aspects to take into account when deciding to move abroad for love. Today’s article is for those who have taken the leap……

We may talk using words, but our looks, gestures and actions – and even our silences – also convey a message to our children. This week I reflect on some of…

Today we honour those expats who have moved, or are ready to move, for love. We also highlight some important things to consider when deciding whether or not to become…

Let’s get straight to the point… Tip #1: Learn to differentiate between a problem, a worry and an irritation. You can then try to dismiss the irritations and worries and…

In the summer of 2014, I went on a solo voyage to Bali. The trip was challenging, but it was also the most spiritually fulfilling I have ever taken. Coming…

This week Expat Nest founder Vivian Chiona is inspired by Tayo Rockson, an adult TCK (Third Culture Kid) and expert on intercultural assimilation. Tayo has lived in Nigeria, Sweden, Burkina…

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, this is a great time to think about our relationships – and by that we don’t mean which singing card to buy! Here’s…

When someone we love takes a turn for the worse, life abroad can suddenly become very stressful – and bring on a host of complex emotions and decisions. This week…

In the spirit of the festive season, Hanna Cheda gives us a glimpse into what “celebration” means through the eyes of a truly multicultural family. She also gives thanks for…

This week we welcome Tamar Amiri, an occupational therapist living in the Netherlands, to Expat Nest. During an international relocation, we tend to be aware of the emotional or mental…

In this Tuesday’s article, Expat Nest shares the story of American-born Lori, who recently lost her great love. Lori and her Dominican husband met in her hometown of Rochester, New…

I recently participated in an exceptional course on experiential learning, in which I had the chance to deeply contemplate the concept of change and if we can ever really be…

A Third Culture Kid (or TCK) is a child who spends a significant period of their developmental years in a culture outside their parents’ passport culture (D. Pollock and R.E….

How often do you say, ‘I love you and I want you to know it’? Well, for many of us expressing love is not as easy as it might seem….

I read a lot of books this summer, one of which was Linda A. Janssen’s The Emotionally Resilient Expat: Engage, Adapt and Thrive Across Cultures (2013). I wanted to share…

Another summer gone by…another time most of us as expats have to say goodbye to our family members back “home.” Now it’s time to start fresh and new and to…

As expats, most of us will be faced at some point with the issue of moving to another city/country or going back “home” (unless we stay expats forever). We will…

“I could be sitting with a group of friends, talking, laughing, eating, having a great time. But somehow I feel as though I’m not really there. I don’t feel like…

In this Tuesday’s article, Expat Nest shares the story of Alkmini, a Greek-born expat living in London. She describes what home is to her, how the meaning of ‘home’ has…

“I can’t sleep.” “I don’t sleep through the night.” “I lie awake for hours each night before I fall asleep.” Do any of these sound familiar to you? People suffer…

“I think I would like to start counselling, but I am not sure if I need it? What are the important things I need to consider? How do I know…

“I can’t let it go…it is as if my mind and heart is still stuck with his/her memory! This relationship is haunting me! I would like to move on but…

In acknowledgement of how stressful it can be to lead a highly mobile expat life, Expat Nest founder Vivian Chiona invited Ioulia Maimari, a clinical psychologist and cognitive behavioural therapist…

To manage stress, we often need to first understand it. This week Expat Nest founder Vivian Chiona invites Clinical Psychologist and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist Ioulia Maimari (MSc) to discuss the…

Have you ever felt the pain of a particular moment to be so intense that you wished you could just wake up one day and not feel it anymore? Or…

Being heartbroken is difficult enough… being heartbroken and an expat can really complicate things. Many expats feel that they don’t have the support they need to mend a broken heart….

Being a teenager can be wonderful and testing at the same time. Being an expat teenager can bring additional blessings and challenges. Expat teens go through the natural developmental challenges…

“I’m fat.” “I’m too skinny.” “I’d be happy if I were taller, shorter, had curly hair, straight hair, a smaller nose, bigger muscles, longer legs, a flatter stomach…” “I am…

Αs you may have read in a previous blog, my solo trip to Bali in 2014 was full of inspiring insights that I still carry with me today. I learned…

The festive season and end-of-year celebrations are supposed to be the most joyous time of the year: fancy dress, gourmet foods, decorations, lights, parties, music, gifts and an opportunity to…

Expat Nest invited clinical psychologist and psychotherapist Sivia Gouvali, M.Sc,  to discuss some of the common symptoms expats may experience while adjusting to expat life…   Expatriation means a break…

Do you really want to continue feeling this way? Why not handle your anger now? The good news is that dealing with your anger is a skill that you can…

An international relocation can be both exciting and daunting. Fortunately there are some small steps that can immediately help you feel more at home in your new country… #1 List…