A day of 'expat expert' seminars in Antwerp illustrated the ongoing challenge of keeping today's global nomads informed of the challenges ahead. We investigate further.

Another step in helping expats deal with global mobility was taken in Antwerp when celebrated 'expat expert' author Robin Pascoe delivered two presentations.

The presentations were well received by parents

Organiser and Australian expat Ruth Buckmaster was inspired to arrange the talks due to a lack of awareness she noticed among some expats of the "TCK's world of websites, literature and experts".

Accordingly, she says the talks — hosted by the American Women's Club of Antwerp and the Antwerp International School Parent Teacher Organisation — met with "fabulous" feedback.

"We bubble wrap possessions when we move, but give no thought to our relationships," she says, adding that many expats have little idea what to expect and scarcely prepare for what they will encounter.

'Exhilarating'

One expat mother who travelled frequently as a child and never encountered the 'expat literature' recounts how she "found herself" after Pascoe's presentations.

Describing the evening presentation as "exhilarating", the expat mother says she never realised how much "emotional baggage" she was carrying around after a childhood spent in four languages and constantly having to say goodbye.

"It was just a revelation of how much children change and can accept different circumstances," she says.

Though she always thought of her expat childhood as a positive experience, the woman now plans to ask more questions to her children as she continues to move around the globe.

"We always involve them in changes we make, but we would perhaps try and understand a little more how it is affecting them," she says.

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