The CDFN is a not-for-profit volunteer group of GoC spouses working together to connect spouses and family members of GoC representatives at all diplomatic posts, and advocate for them.
Devenez membre!
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How to deal with dental codes
Navigating dental insurance sometimes involves finding specific dental codes, here are some tips learned in the journey. …
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The relocation rollercoaster
Family adjustment significantly impacts expatriate success. Our power lies in becoming a savvy “client” of the organization’s resources. …
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When home stops understanding you
After years abroad, you return with stories worth telling, only to find that home listens kindly, but not closely. …
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When the resilience of spouses makes all the difference
The complexities of life as a diplomat’s spouse. …
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Why continuous learning matters if your career is on “hold”
Continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth. …
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The Quest for the Enchanted Licenses
Travelers Henko and Chantal face bureaucratic challenges exchanging their Dutch driving licenses… …
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Behind the curtain : Spouses of the World
A great book that shares candid experiences of diplomatic spouses …
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Bring your meds, leave the assumptions
Advocate for your medical needs before posting, asking questions to ensure necessary medications are accessible abroad. …
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What if ‘Where are you from?’ had no easy answer?
Carissa Gobble’s book explores Third Culture Kids. …
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Goers, Stayers, and Newbies
Expat life involves cycles of goodbyes and arrivals, with constant transitions and adjustments. …
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Driving abroad: Tips, tricks and risks
Driving abroad involves risks, cultural adaptation, and knowledge of local rules. …
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A Moving Experience
Hundreds of Canadian families at home and abroad are moving during the annual diplomatic rotation season. Think cicadas, only noisier and slightly more entitled. …
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Globe-Trotter Academy Podcast
Each episode dives into groundbreaking studies that uncover the hidden dynamics of living and working across cultures. …
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A Smooth Transition to a New Post
We asked Canadian government employee families what helped them most when arriving at a new post. …
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Security Clearance Made Simple!
Family members accompanying Canada-Based Staff (CBS) can easily apply for their security clearance to work at mission. …
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The 6 Month Rule
The 6 month rule encourages accepting every invitation to ease culture shock and build connections in your new environment. …
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Tips and testimonials for navigating your life abroad
Four seasoned diplomatic spouses candidly shared their experiences offering advices for those embarking on this unique life journey. …
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Understanding Medical Claims Abroad: A Spouse’s Guide
Filing medical claims while abroad can be a daunting task. This guide aims to simplify the process. …
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Guide to Nurturing Relationships from Afar
Maintaining long-distance relationships requires regular communication, technology, and community engagement for support. …
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Key Insights from our 2024 Survey
The Canadian Diplomatic Family Network conducted a survey involving 253 members to explore the experiences of diplomatic families. Key findings reveal diverse backgrounds, the struggle for meaningful employment, language barriers,… …
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What GAC’s Ombud Office can do for you
Did you know that the Ombuds office is not just for employees, but also for spouses and dependants. …
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CDFN book of the month : Living Abroad
A comprehensive, empathetic guide to the psychological and relational realities of expatriate life. …
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Tackling the Diplomatic Move
Annika Erickson-Kidd, a home stager and downsizing expert presented at our Member’s cafe. Mary gathered her tips for decluttering, careful packing, managing shipping uncertainties, and planning for a smooth arrival. …
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Ex Pat Expectations
Reflexion on the challenges and identity shifts faced as a diplomatic spouse, navigating humor and personal growth in this new life. …
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Why you need to update your inventory…now
With the CDFN life hacks, discover essential quick tips from Chris to streamline your experience while posted abroad. This month: update your inventory for peace of mind. …
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Create your AI FSD-GPT Assistant in 2 minutes (April 2025 Update)
This post will guide you through using AI to create your own “FSD assistant.” This assistant can quickly search and summarize relevant sections of the FSDs, saving you valuable time… …
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Your Computer’s Posting Transition
Depending on the post where you live, you might not have the ability to buy, fix or update some of your devices. In this CDFN life hack, Chris explains why… …
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CDFN Book of the Month : Diplomatic Baggage
Living abroad as part of Canada’s diplomatic community is a unique journey – one filled with incredible opportunities, cross-cultural adventures, and the privilege of representing our country. But as members… …
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Have Passport: We’ll Travel
At a chaotic kid’s party, a pilot told me about fake wheelchair users, which, honestly, got me thinking. I’m always trying to game travel, especially with my family. I thought… …
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Breaking the Non-Person Shell
Diplomat spouses often face isolation and joblessness abroad, sacrificing careers and independence. Lack of support, language barriers, and limited opportunities confine them to a “non-person” role, far from their ambitions… …
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The Preparation, Training and Support Requirements of Expatriate Trailing Spouses
Webber, E-L., & Vögel, A.J. (2019). The preparation, training and support requirements of expatriate trailing spouses. South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences, 22(1), a2703. …
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Lean on Me: The Importance of One’s Own and Partner’s Intercultural Personality for Expatriate’s and Expatriate Spouse’s Successful Adjustment Abroad
Van Erp, Kim J. P. M., Karen I. van der Zee, Ellen Giebels, and Marijtje A. J. van Duijn. (2014). “Lean on Me: The Importance of One’s Own and Partner’s… …
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The Changing Culture of Diplomatic Spouses: Some Fieldnotes from Brussels
Black, A. (1995). The changing culture of diplomatic spouses: Some fieldnotes from Brussels. Diplomacy & Statecraft, 6(1), 196–222. …
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Place identity construction of Third Culture Kids: Eliciting voices of children with high mobility lifestyle
Lijadi, A. A., & Van Schalkwyk, G. J. (2017). Place identity construction of Third Culture Kids: Eliciting voices of children with high mobility lifestyle. Geoforum, 81, 120–128. …
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Expatriation, alcohol and drugs: antecedents and consequences of substance use in expatriation
Wurtz, O. (2018). Expatriation, alcohol and drugs: antecedents and consequences of substance use in expatriation. Journal of Global Mobility: The Home of Expatriate Management Research, 6(3/4), 316-334. …
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Burnout and Resilience in Foreign Service Spouses during the Pandemic, and the Role of Organizational Support
Gudmundsdottir, S., Larsen, K., Woods Nelson, M., Devine Mildorf, J., & Molek-Winiarska, D. “Burnout and Resilience in Foreign Service Spouses during the Pandemic, and the Role of Organizational Support.” Sustainability… …
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The relationship between family adjustment and expatriate performance
Trompetter, D., Bussin, M., & Nienaber, R. (2016). The relationship between family adjustment and expatriate performance. South African Journal of Business Management, 47(2), 13-21. …
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The diplomatic spouse: Relationships between adjustment, social support and satisfaction with life
Gudmundsdottir, S., Gudlaugsson, T.O., & Adalsteinsson, G.D. (2019). The diplomatic spouse: Relationships between adjustment, social support and satisfaction with life. Journal of Global Mobility: The Home of Expatriate Management Research,… …
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Buying Groceries On Post
If you’ve just landed in a new country and are finding it tough to get by with minimal local language skills, Chris has a trick for you. …
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Planning your move : Measuring Toiletries and Cooking Supplies
Heads up, future expat! To avoid missing your favorite comforts from home, start a fun little tracking game now! Just jot down when you use up things like that special… …
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Being A Tourist On Post
When you arrive at a new post, plan your exploration wisely to balance early excitement with long-term enjoyment, avoiding burnout while ensuring you don’t miss key attractions before your time… …
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Always Pack Winter Clothes
So you’re about to say goodbye to winter for a few years. You’re moving a lot closer to the equator and according to the weather reports you’ll never need a… …
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The 5 Components of Adjusting to a New Country
By focusing on these five things, you can increase your chances of a successful and positive adjustment to your new country. …
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Understanding FSDs
Are you a spouse of a Canadian employee preparing for a posting abroad? Look no further! This webpage is your ultimate reference to understanding and maximizing the Foreign Service Directives… …
