Category: Voices of the Community
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Did you go outside today?
“Isolation” is a real problem according to research about diplomatic families. Here are a few tips to escape this trap.
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An Unexpected Currency
We sometimes live in places where a little effort can go a long way. Across posts, canadians are finding their…
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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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Tackling the Diplomatic Move
The CDFN offers strategies for diplomatic families to manage relocation challenges effectively and confidently.
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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 the resilience of spouses makes all the difference
The complexities of life as a diplomat’s spouse.
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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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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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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…
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The relationship between family adjustment and expatriate performance
This study explores expatriate family adjustment’s impact on performance and the importance of HR support.
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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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Guide to Nurturing Relationships from Afar
Maintaining long-distance relationships requires regular communication, technology, and community engagement for support.
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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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Ex Pat Expectations
Reflexion on the challenges and identity shifts faced as a diplomatic spouse, navigating humor and personal growth in this new…
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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:…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
