Don't worry parents, your children will settle in the new country, so don't use them as an excuse for turning down an international assignment. Expatriate children can – and do – grow up to be savvy, articulate, interesting, and diversity-embracing adults, so give them a chance of a lifetime, a life-altering, enriching experience.

Much has been written about the expatriate child experience, warning parents about the pitfalls of life in another country. Throughout this article, eight American children, all now thriving adults at various stages of life, recall their positive experiences of living abroad and offer practical advice (see "A look at successful expatriate children today"). While on assignment, a few attended international schools, others enrolled in local facilities, and a couple went to residential schools in the host location – and none of them would trade their education as expatriate kids for anything.

Advice to parents: Be open and flexible

Never say "no" to this kind of experience because of your children, who should instead be a reason to go abroad as both they—and you—will benefit. And when you do accept the assignment, remember that how you approach the move will make an impact on the family and affect their experience. "Sometimes parents are forced to go and aren't that happy about it. When my Mom wasn't happy, then neither was I," recalls Julia. "When she started being happy, so did I." For Tannia, the experience was different. "I didn't want to go.  I was [afraid] to change," she says. "But now, I miss it! I was very fortunate," she adds. "I had a mother who said, 'yeah, let's go!'" In other words, go with the right attitude:

• Be open-minded and courageous about this adventure.
• Learn to embrace change.
• Make the best of it while you can.
• Consider it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

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