Links for trailing partners and their friends

Updated 5 May 2017

http://www.thecultureblend.com/the-transition-that-never-ends-the-ongoing-cycle-of-expat-stayers-goers-and-newbies/ I've been all of these, though there is always someone who's been there longer who considers you a newbie and will be sure to let you know that.

http://www.chatelaine.com/living/real-life-stories/travelling-eat-pray-love-free-fall/ A story about an international move that turned out to have no relation at all to expectations.

http://thebillfold.com/2015/06/the-moral-conflict-of-living-and-working-in-qatar/
A thoughtful article about the conflicts that some of us expat residents of Qatar struggle with every day.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/expat/11617704/Living-in-Qatar-with-children-the-pros-and-cons.html
For families considering Qatar, much more succinct than having to read all my posts since arrival.

http://expatlog.com
Great blog on much more than just expat life- very thoughtful and insightful.

http://expatpsi.com
Expat partner support for spanish speakers!

http://expatchild.com
a wealth of international relocation advice for parents

http://www.stickersonoursuitcases.com/?p=23#more-23
nice post for non-Americans to read about some American cultural norms, and interesting site in general to explore, focused on building connections

http://kirstyriceonline.com/2014/03/in-case-of-death.html
Good advice on preparing for the worst.  Check laws in your own host country to see what preparations would be prudent.

http://sixdegreesnorth.me/2014/03/07/trailing-spouse-the-graveyard-of-ambition/
Don't let the title of this scare you off (as it did me, for several weeks)- keep on reading through the uncomfortable parts that are too close to home, and you'll feel well-affirmed by the end!

http://www.unspecial.org/2012/03/trailing-spouses/

point of view from a UN experience

http://www.expatinfodesk.com/news/2010/10/26/trailing-spouse-syndrome-remains-an-issue-for-expats/

no surprises here, but sort of comforting to see it confirmed by someone else that if the trailing spouse isn't happy, nobody wins...

http://cheeseweb.eu/2011/02/finding-trailing-spouse-work/

some suggestions of what to do if becoming a trailing spouse means you have to take a break from your career

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/bridges-transition-model.htm

I came across William Bridges' Transitions Model when my husband was laid off but found it also applies well to the transition of moving to a new home in a new country, and helps give structure to the feelings one can experience, especially when one is the trailing partner.

http://blog.yourswisslifeline.com/the-ten-commandments-for-travellers-expats/#more-212
advice that applies as well to expats as to travelers and some more blogs by trailing spouses.

http://expatriatelife.wordpress.com

http://changecoachdk.com/2012/10/29/coaching-to-improve-roi-whatever-that-is/
interesting list of ways a cross-cultural coach can help a family settle in.  Funny that I thought I pulled the term "cultural transition coach" out of the air when I had to make up a title for myself on Linked In- and I wasn't so original after all.

www.expatwoman.com

"[A] website for women who are thinking about relocating to, moving to or already living in [Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait]. We have in-depth guides to expat life in the different countries of the region, as well as advice about schools, relocation, settling in, things to do, where to live; answering all your FAQs. We also have Events, Property Listings, Job Adverts, Free Classified Ads, Deals, Competitions and so much more. Expat women can connect through our busy Information Forum- where you can look for advice and help others too on topics ranging from child birth to education and everything in between. "

http://www.internationalman.com/78-global-perspectives/515-not-just-gin-and-tonics-why-being-an-expat-wife-is-harder-than-you-think#

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/quenby-wilcox-/trailing-spouse-vs-accompanying-spouse_b_5163777.html
Thoughtful post about why one woman chooses to be called a "trailing spouse."

http://www.diary-of-a-move.com/2014/04/i-belong.html#links
Short and sweet post about how one young family member sees her connections to different places
and groups

http://www.internations.org/expat-insider/2014/expat-types
A little more informative than the usual "what kind of expat are you" chart

http://areyouanexpatwife.com/recent/
good source of links and support

https://thepriceofourclothes.wordpress.com
Of special interest to those of us expats living in countries that have intensive export industry and are interested in conditions for workers in those factories: a fascinating blog about a trip to Bangladesh to research for "The Price of Our Clothes," a "project about the ways in which American consumers are tied to the Triangle Shirtwaist fire and the garment workers of Bangladesh."