—— Expat Nest’s blog
Stories Connecting Expats
Across the Globe
August Special: Connect to Your Senses & Feel Calmer
Connecting to your senses is a wonderful, accessible way to bring yourself back to the present moment, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Expat Nest founder Vivian Chiona shares…
Vivian’s Notes: Thoughts Are Not Facts
When we’re in the middle of anxiety or spiralling into negative thinking, it can feel like this is our reality. But is it really? Is there a different way? Vivian…
10 (+1) Things I’ve Learned About Business & Wanted to Share With You
Friday 21 June is Expat Nest’s 11th birthday! We’re over a decade old! In that time, Expat Nest has gone from the inspired idea of a solo entrepreneur to a…
“Transition Takes Time…” Reflections from an International School Counsellor
Globally nomadic students, families and teachers are no strangers to change. Counsellor Steve Ayling reflects on transition and shares an uplifting story from his more than 20 years of working…
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Symptoms & Seeking Support
If only one could wave a magic wand to make the bad memories, flashbacks, anxiety and depression disappear. It’s unfortunately not that simple, but there is hope! Expat Nest founder…
Juggling a New Language (or Two or Three…)? Tips for the Multilingual Family
Are you raising a multilingual family? Writer Gracia Alcaideshares some creative, practical tips on navigating the language learning process, whether you’re learning one new language, juggling a whole bunch of them, or want…
How Healthy Is Your Relationship? (12 Warning Signs)
A strong relationship is built on a foundation of love, acceptance, mutual respect, shared interests and goals, and spending time together. Taking an honest look at the health of a…
Finding a Moment of Peace: The Self-Soothe Box
How do you deal with overwhelming feelings? Eva Papastergiou, MA psychologist and art psychotherapist for Expat Nest, shares the “self-soothe box”, a technique to bring yourself back to the moment,…
Top 10 Expat Books for 2023
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 books published during the year. Enjoy this…
10 Favourite Articles… for 10 Beautiful Years!
In honour of Expat Nest’s 10th year, founder Vivian Chiona looks back at her favourite articles from the blog… one for each year since we started. I’m still amazed –…
Families in Transition: Saying Good Goodbyes
Although saying goodbyes is often viewed with a sense of sadness, when approached mindfully it can strengthen relationships – both old and new. Here’s the four-step RAFT process for finding…
Feeling the Love: Grandparents and the Importance of Intergenerational Support
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…
10 Interviews to Uplift & Inspire…
In celebration of Expat Nest’s 10th anniversary, founder Vivian Chiona shares her 10 favourite interviews, covering everything from midlife marriage meltdowns to entrepreneurship to expat grief. I love watching or…
Is Something in Your Life Feeling “Not Quite Right”? Why Values Matter
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,…
Happy 10th Birthday to Us! Plus 10 Top Resources for YOU
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…
How to Say “No” Without Feeling Guilty (9 Tips)
Do you always say “yes” to requests and want to help everyone? Would you (or others) describe yourself as a people pleaser? Being kind and helpful is not a bad…
Is Quiet Quitting/Quiet Firing Affecting You Too? (10 Tips)
“Quiet quitting” is when an employee “switches off” psychologically, doing the bare minimum to avoid being fired or becoming burned out. “Quiet firing” is when a manager gives up on…
Compulsive Shopping: Warning Signs and Tips to Address It
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…
10 Tips to Feel More at Home in a New Culture
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…
Long-distance Expat Relationships: Tips for Making It Work [podcast]
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…
The Power of Negotiation in Romantic Relationships: 10 Tips to Improve Your Skills
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…
Is Your Relationship Causing More Pain than Joy? PLUS Tips to Move Forward
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…
How About More Space Not More Goals?
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…
Top 10 Expat Books for 2022
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…
Interview with author and relocation mentor Carolina Porto
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…
Perfectionism: How to Break the Habit & Live Your Expat Life to the Fullest
Moving to a new country is challenging – for everyone. But perfectionists may have a more difficult time adapting. Relocation and personal development coach Jolanda Tetteroo discusses how perfectionism can…
Special Edition: How to Grow in Challenging Times
Expat Nest founder Vivian Chiona acknowledges the challenges of the past two years – and shares some resources to help us grow during the harder times and emerge stronger. …
Taking Care of Your Mental Health During Travel (5 Tips)
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,…
Could These Two Forgotten Factors Determine the Success of Your Business?
Why do fewer than 10 percent of startup businesses succeed? The answer may surprise you. Serial entrepreneur and business mindset coach Olympia Papazoglou discusses the two most important forgotten factors…
Why Is This So Hard? 10 Challenges of Expat Life & How to Deal with Them
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…
HOLDING THE FORT ABROAD: TIPS FOR SOLO PARENTS
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…
THE POWER OF COMMUNICATION: COMMON MISTAKES & HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
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.
The Uniqueness of Expat Celebrations
In early 2021, Lisa Finn Powell, an American expat who has spent 25 years discovering other cultures, presented a webinar, hosted by Families in Global Tradition (FIGT), called “Something Old,…
Top Ten Expat Books for 2021
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…
Finding Your Why (& Why Having a Purpose Helps)
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…
The Healing Power of Music
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…
Healthy vs. Unhealthy Gaming: Tips for Parents
In the recent years, gaming has become one of the most popular hobbies among people of all ages. However, many parents are afraid of the negative consequences that may arise if they allow their teens to explore this world. In this article, we discuss the difference between healthy vs. unhealthy gaming and how you can encourage a healthy gaming style.
Birthdays: A Time to Reflect
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…
The Art of Self-Compassion & Why It’s Important
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…
EMOTIONAL EATING: WHY IT HAPPENS AND HOW TO MAKE THE SHIFT
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…
FRIENDSHIP WITHOUT BORDERS
“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 IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
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.
ONCE UPON A TIME IN CULTURELAND: THE SEQUEL
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.
TAKING CARE OF THE CAREGIVER: SOME TIPS
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…
ARE YOU IN A TOXIC RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR SMARTPHONE?
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…
INTERVIEW: LET’S TALK ABOUT LOVE IN THESE TOUGH TIMES
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…
RELO/talk with Lindy Chapman
One of the take-outs from my chat with Lindy, a US-based relocation strategist, is the importance of acknowledging that expats can experience grief on leaving our old lives behind. We…
2020’S TOP 10 BOOKS FOR EXPATS
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…
AN INTERVIEW ON EXPAT STRUGGLES DURING THESE UNUSUAL TIMES
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…
Catch My Interview on Midlife Marriage Meltdown!
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…
Birthday Message: Big Heart. Sharp Mind. Less Drama
A few months ago, I thought I’d be throwing a HUGE party to celebrate my birthday and the award I won earlier this year (I’ll tell you more another time)….
Introvert Expat? Simple Tips for Reaching Out
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…
Get in Touch with Your Creative Side to Manage Transition
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…
Podcast Time: 3 Inspiring Conversations on Expat Life!
It’s our birthday this month and I wanted to celebrate by sharing some interviews I’ve done recently. On these podcasts, we’ve discussed some great, thought-provoking topics relevant to the Expat…
How to Create a Happy Wardrobe: Tips from a Fashion Stylist
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 in Our Lives
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…
So, What Are You Doing This Weekend in Lockdown?
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…
Expat Story of an International Adoptee
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,…
How to Recover from a Broken Heart
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…
Rediscover Your Power and Joy Abroad: 3 Tips for Expat Partners
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….
Top Ten Books for Expats in 2019
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…
How to Help Your Child Make Friends in a New Country
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…
What Is Intuition, Really? Some Tips to Understanding Yours
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…
5 Unpacking Tips to Help You Stay Sane After a Move
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…
My Birthday Toast: Cheers to a Greener Lifestyle!
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…
Back to School: Tips for a Smooth Transition
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…
August Special: In Times of Change…
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…
How to Recognise & Deal with Expat Burnout
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…
Where you go, I go? Tips for the Relocating “Trailing Spouse”
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…
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) & What to Do About It!
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)….
How to Keep Your Expat Relationship Strong
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…
You Are My Destiny… or Not?
“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…
6 Things I Learned These Holidays & Want to Keep Doing This Year
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…
Top Ten Expat Books for 2018
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…
Caring for Moms in the Postnatal Period (Tips for an Easier Transition)
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,…
STUDENT ABROAD? TIPS TO HELP YOU ADJUST & THRIVE
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,…
Empathy: I Hear You, I Understand, and You Are Not Alone
“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…
10 fitness tips for expats
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).
8 GREAT RESOURCES TO HELP YOU BEAT STRESS
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…
Is Time Your Ally or Your Enemy? Join the debate!
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…
4 Great Strategies to Ease Difficult Transitions for Your Family
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…
A Day in the Life of a Single Dad
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.
Our Survey on Internationals Like You: Results Are IN!
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…
How Your Childhood Can Influence Your Relationships Today
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,…
Gratitude: The Secret to Making Peace with Where You Are Now
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…
Why You Must Ask… & How to Handle ‘No’
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…
Intimacy in relationships… How to align your emotional needs
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…
You can beat those winter blues!
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…
Tips to be more organized in a connected world
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…
Keep Aiming… So You Get Where You Want to Be
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…
Winning the Race, Slowly (and Happy Holidays!)
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…
Be the Hero in Your Life: Ways to Build Resilience
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…
Top 10 Expat Books for 2017
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…
Hunger for Touch
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….
How and Why Authentic Appreciation Makes All the Difference at Work
I am deeply honoured to share today’s article, which is written especially for us by Dr. Paul White and shares some beautiful ways to improve workplace morale. We’ve chosen this…
Using Essential Oils to Lift Your Mood
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…
Is Expat Nest Right for You? Discover Who We Support & How to Get Started
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…
“Good” Stress and “Bad” Stress: What’s the Difference?
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…
Little Things that Transform My Life…
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…
The Challenges of Developing and Maintaining Friendships as an Expat
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…
7 Common Myths about Expats and The Expat Life
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…
Relationship Success: What Does It Mean to You?
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…
12 Inspirational Quotes for 2017
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…
Feeling Down? Small Steps to Start Feeling Better
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…
About to Become a Parent Abroad? Tips from Someone Who’s Been There
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…
Understanding “Expat Language”: What do YOU call yourself?
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…
Healthy Goodbyes for Healthy Starts
“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…
Putting on a Brave Face… Are You Hiding Your Depression?
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…
Lessons from a Busy Today’s Mom
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…
Understanding Infidelity and How You Can Begin to Heal
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…
Myths & Truths about Sex in Long-Term Relationships
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…
How intuition can lead us to the most surprising places (literally!)
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…
Has Loneliness Knocked at Your Door? Some Tips to Overcome it
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…
A Story with a Message for You
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…
Top 10 Expat Books for 2016
There is a real power in books, isn’t there? Not only do they offer entertainment, adventure and escape, they can also support us through difficult times – especially when they…
What’s Your Love Language?
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…
A Teen in Danger: What Would You Do?
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…
In Search of Home…
“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…
Follow Your “Hell Yes!”
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…
How Do You Rate Your Intercultural Skills? Take this Questionnaire!
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…
How to Keep Work-Life Balance Abroad
Expats tend to take on demanding jobs abroad and, as non-natives, we often feel we constantly have to prove ourselves. This can result in us neglecting the truly important things…
How to Cope with Panic Attacks
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…
When Your Relationship Collapses… and You’re Abroad!
“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…
Dealing with the Language Barrier as an Expat
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…
Repatriation: Returning Home for Another Shock!
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…
Expat Story: Parenting and Letting Go
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…
How Time Differs across Cultures
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…
10 Things I Learned from a Book that Touched My Life
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…
The Beauty and the Beast of Nostalgia
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…
CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION: WHEN “YES” MEANS “MAYBE”… OR EVEN “NO”!
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…
Culture Shock: What it is and how to deal with it
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…
How I Became My Home
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…
You are perfect to be loved
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,…
How to experience even more gratitude
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,…
Six easy ways to make friends in your new expat home
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…
Expat Story: Holidays and home visits…finding the balance
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…
Your headache toolkit: 8 tips for managing headaches
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….
Feeling out of your comfort zone? How to gently stretch yourself
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…
What I’ve learned since my previous birthday…
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…
How to handle a challenge in 5 easy steps
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…
Vivian Chiona reviews: The Mobile Life
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…
“Get clear on your career now”: Take Expat Nest’s questionnaire
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…
What you miss the most… and what this tells you
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…
Love-expat: Creating a meaningful life abroad (Part B)
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……
10 ways to improve communication with your child (teens too!)
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…
Love-expat: How far would you go for love? (Part A)
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…
How to minimise stress… 5 quick tips
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…
Do you smile with your heart? What I learnt in Bali
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…
Use your difference to make a difference: Interview with Tayo Rockson
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…
Burnout… Keep your “fire” alive
Εxpat Nest is thrilled to welcome Mina Stamataki, an occupational health psychologist (MSc) who lives in the Netherlands. Mina works in Human Resources, focusing on learning and development as well…
Love… and the right match for you
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…
Caring for your ageing loved ones from a distance
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…
What will you stop doing in 2015? Take a different approach
It’s that time when many of us are thinking or talking about our New Year’s resolutions… how we will make up for our ‘mistakes’ or ‘flaws’ in the previous year. But there’s…
Expat Relocation: What are your senses telling you?
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…
Is it possible to become more ‘ready’ for change?
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…
10 things you might not have known about Third Culture Kids (TCKs)
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….
An Exercise: I love you! But do you know that?
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….
Vivian Chiona reviews: The Emotionally Resilient Expat
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…
How to overcome the post-holiday blues
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…
Expat dilemma: should I stay or should I go?
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…
Feeling alone even when you’re around people? Here’s what you can do
“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…
When expat worries become sleepless nights… here’s what to do
“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…
How to find a counsellor that suits you
“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…
Letting it go…A short activity
“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…
Mind-body techniques to help you deal with stress
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…
Stressed? An expat? Here’s what you need to know!
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…
This too shall pass…
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…
Dealing with losing love as an expat
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….
How to help your expat teen cope with moving
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…
What are your 10 best qualities?
“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…
The power of “not yet”: another lesson from Bali
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…
Got the festive season blues?
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…
Signs that you may be struggling to adjust
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…
Are you ready to deal with your anger?
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…
5 tips to feeling happier in a new place
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…