  
Special InterestInternational EducationWhat types of international education are available in the Netherlands.Read more Special InterestHousing in the NetherlandsThis section offers you practical tips and useful information such as where to buy or rent, selecting an agent and negotiating the deal.Read more Special InterestEmploymentThere are a number of things you need to know before entering the job market in the Netherlands, such as: the make-up of the Dutch employment market, finding a job here as an expatriate, Dutch labor law, the Dutch social security system etc.Read more |
Jo Parfitt's Expat Book ReviewsIf you live abroad and want to be well-informed about the places, the people and the cultures among which you spend your time then you’ll love our new book review section. - They have been written by people, just like you
If you want to stay informed of new books written especially for you, please visit this page regularly and please tell us of any new books that deserve a mention here too. Want to review a book? If you know of a book that has recently been published and that fits the criteria above, then please send your reviews to Jo Parfitt via the contact form at her website www.joparfitt.com. You will need to provide a jpeg image of the cover, write about 150 words about the book and include the details you see in all our reviews – author, publisher, price, number of pages and format. Not sure how to write a book review? Then download the attached document and find out how. All books available on Amazon
Susan Adkins
Serial expat, author, speaker, publisher and writing mentor Jo Parfitt shares her wealth of knowledge and experience in this must-have bible on developing and sustaining a portable career. Parfitt has assembled a varied group of experienced, talented contributors to help provide additional insights, wisdom and practical information useful to anyone interested in carving out a career-on-the-go. Interspersed are hundreds of highly effective real-life stories, exercises, questions, checklists, tips and resources to illuminate key points and help construct a self-tailored, portable career wherever you are, at home or abroad.
Parfitt outlines people's innate desire to find meaningful work, its impact on their sense of identity, and the challenges and opportunities inherent in forging a movable career in this increasingly globalized world. You name it, she covers it: identifying passions, values and strengths, assessing the full range of skills, abilities and experience, developing possible career options, growing local and global professional networks, working at home, part-time/full-time work/freelance work, starting your own business, marketing yourself, the rapidly growing demographic of male 'accompanying partners' and much more.
Serial expat, author, speaker, publisher and writing mentor Jo Parfitt shares her wealth of knowledge and experience in this must-have bible on developing and sustaining a portable career. Parfitt has assembled a varied group of experienced, talented contributors to help provide additional insights, wisdom and practical information useful to anyone interested in carving out a career-on-the-go. Interspersed are hundreds of highly effective real-life stories, exercises, questions, checklists, tips and resources to illuminate key points and help construct a self-tailored, portable career wherever you are, at home or abroad. Parfitt outlines people's innate desire to find meaningful work, its impact on their sense of identity, and the challenges and opportunities inherent in forging a movable career in this increasingly globalized world. You name it, she covers it: identifying passions, values and strengths, assessing the full range of skills, abilities and experience, developing possible career options, growing local and global professional networks, working at home, part-time/full-time work/freelance work, starting your own business, marketing yourself, the rapidly growing demographic of male 'accompanying partners' and much more. This delightful new children’s book relates eight-year-old Mike’s determined quest for information about his upcoming move abroad. The answers he finds are illuminating, comforting and empowering. Susan Adkins
Tina L. Quick’s Global Nomad’s Guide to University Transition provides crucial guidance for Third Culture Kids (TCKs) who are moving to their passport country for higher education. This guide is thoroughly researched and the American style and content makes it of particular use for a US audience. Sian Witherden
Cherry Denman follows her British husband’s diplomatic career from Beijing to Cyprus, dealing with one mishap adventure after the other. Denman weaves the reader through her clever and mischievous ways of coping with the occasionally ‘stiff’ life abroad as a diplomatic spouse. Laura Wilson
You own two or more passports. You boarded airplanes before you could walk. And you feel strange surrounded solely by ethnic majorities. If any of these statements ring a bell, you may well be a part of the third culture kids (TCK) phenomenon. Home keeps moving is the penned memoir of a childhood spanning continents, languages, school systems and multi-cultural friendships. Heidi Sand-Hart’s journey is a touchingly personal account, and yet she stands as a universal voice for all of us who as youngsters knew more about training maids in the Far East than the latest MTV video clips. Combining diary format style writing with chapter headings on specific issues connected to the TCK syndrome generally works well, and is useful when wishing to refer back to certain observations at a later point in time. Rather than a professional guide, this book rather feels like having a heart-to-heart with your closest girlfriend. We laugh, cry and sigh with Heidi through her frustrations and efforts to fit into each new environment, just as she has adjusted and coped with her current “home”. A must-read for any TCK - I was hooked till the early hours of the morning to finish reading a story so comfortingly close to my own reminiscences. Jennifer Reischel (a fellow TCK)
Sol Searching is not your expat survival guide. This humorous biography of twenty-three year old Keidi Keating’s relocation from the UK to Spain’s southern coast on the Costa de Sol reveals a raw yet light-hearted perspective on moving abroad. Keating’s youthful voice exposes her struggles as a newly landed expat with no job, no house and no man in what she thought would be non-stop fun in the sun. The all too familiar silly cultural mishaps and quick-witted British humour keep the pages turning. One cannot help but admire Keating’s energetic determination as she stumbles her way from her parent’s sofa to a thriving career as an editor of the Sentinella Magazine and finds love along the way. Ever expat has a unique story to tell and Keidi Keating is no exception. If you crave a refreshing young perspective on the adventures of moving abroad, pick up a copy of Sol Searching. Erin Wille
Raising Global Nomads explores the effects of bringing up children away from the original country or culture of their parents in a very positive and encouraging manner. These children are often referred to as Global Nomads or Third Culture Kids (TCKs). It encompasses the first emotions that are often felt to the practical considerations necessary on finding out that you and your family ` going to be transferred abroad. There are helpful chapters included in what to look for in schools or the healthcare system of the country that you will be moving to. The initial culture shock and the many challenges and rewards of raising children abroad are covered in detail with well-researched quotes and evidence from experts in the field. This book would be very helpful to those considering a move abroad with a family and for those who are already abroad when dealing with such issues as restoring the work-life harmony.
Sareen McLay
I read a lot of expat memoirs and this and its prequel, C’est La Folie, are by far examples of the best of their kind since Peter Mayle’s Year in Provence. Michael is a journalist by profession and his columns have been loved by Daily Telegraph readers for a few years now. These memoirs chart his new life in France, to where he moved with just a vintage aeroplane and a pocketful of dreams. In reality, he ended up with a flock of Rastafarian sheep, a cat called Cat, hens, cockerels and many very good friends among his neighbours, all of whom were desperate to help him find a human girlfriend. In this volume, they succeed. The only trouble is that it appears they cannot have children of their own. Witty, clever, beautifully descriptive and compelling, this is a book for any Francophile or bibliophile. I simply loved it. Jo Parfitt
Reading Tales from the Expat Harem will make you feel like you have experienced a little of life in Turkey. It is nearly three hundred pages of expat women telling their tales about life in a country that bridges east and west, that even within its own borders joins the modern and the traditional. How would you react if the community you loved living in insisted you sacrificed a sheep because you found the perfect house to live in? Hard to imagine for many, but Pat Yale tells us how she reconciled a Turkish custom with her own personal beliefs. Family tensions, princess weddings, cross country road trips, archaeological digs, religion, belly dancing, food, parties and shopping: Tales from the Expat Harem has it all. This is a cultural adventure, a journey of emotions through the voices of 29 expat women. Together they share the colours of a village wedding, the sounds of a bazaar, the taboos of gender interaction, the culture of a religion, the tradition of evil eye charms, the richness of the Turkish landscapes and the intimacies of Turkish bath houses. Amanda van Mulligen
Cathy is a Brit who has been living in Germany for over 15 years with her husband, three children and feline friends. Her book, Planet Germany, captures the chaos that is her life during the settling-in period in the Rhineland. The tales span a year, covering daily events, minor tragedies, successes, amongst which the launch of her new consulting business. Setting up with her German business partner Brigit (the proverbial phrase like German chalk and British cheese comes to mind), complete with the creation of office space in a former pigsty provides a bombardment of funny events and amusing incidents. Cathy also describes her encounters with the local law enforcement officer (Officer Gorgeous), her children's teachers, the local builder and her German neighbours. The result is a hilarious expatriate adventure, a good insight into the Germans and their culture and fair warning of what to expect living in Germany. Amanda van Mulligen
Filled with “nappy haired” quotes that zoom you into her small inner city apartment, Carolyn’s gutsy and compelling narrative exposes a young black girl’s inner-city limitations. Out of this closed world, Carolyn carefully negotiates untimely deaths, and a mother’s mental illness to form an unexpected lifestyle few dreamed she was capable of. Journey with her as she takes flight into an unchartered world. Envy her courage as she escapes social and family expectations for black girls and continues her search for identity.
Vicky Gray has cracked the code on emigrating to Australia, and luckily for us she's willing to share! This firsthand account of her family's move from England to Oz is packed with facts, tips, stories, and personal anecdotes that will help others following suit. Gray's book provides a wealth of information on topics such as visas, moving services, banking, real estate and home rental, employment, schools, health care, driving, moving with pets, local flora and fauna, entertainment, food, language and social mores. A must-read for anyone contemplating a move to Australia, Didgeridoos highlights the challenges and ultimate rewards inherent in moving anywhere in the world. Let Gray's experiences and candid insights help enhance planning, minimize disruption and avoid costly or unnecessary mistakes for your move. Linda A. Janssen
Everyone who has lived in another country will have, no doubt, done some collecting of their own. This could range from keepsakes to artwork; for others, it could be the words they weave together. Jo Parfitt has been writing her whole life – a passion and pastime that became her saving grace when she had to confront the then-seemingly insurmountable challenges of being ‘the wife’ in a new country. In A Moving Landscape Jo shares with us the poetry she has been keeping throughout her more than 20 years of expat travel – including the years before and in between – capturing the highs, lows, laughs and tears of her personal experiences. The emotional as well as the physical landscapes changed, and while we may not visualise each and every physical landscape captured by her words, in them we recognise some of our own emotional landscapes. We are invited to share and reflect, and simply take a moment to enjoy some contemporary poetry about a subject with which we can identify.
A touching tale of love and strength, The Singing Warrior takes you along on Niamh’s journey from Ireland to London to Greece to the Netherlands and, finally, to inner peace. Sexually and physically abused as a child, Niamh looks for love in all the wrong places as she struggles to bury her past and find happiness. When she finds herself on her own in the Netherlands at age fifty with a daughter to care for, Niamh realizes that the time for healing is now. The book begins with Niamh’s revelation before jumping right back into her earliest memory, and begins to uncover the past she had tried so hard to hide for all those years. Each chapter includes her age at that time in the story in addition to the chapter title, making it easy to follow along. The Singing Warrior paints beautiful, heart-wrenching, powerful, and sometimes disturbing pictures that engulf the reader and pull them into the pages. Bhroin is an extremely gifted writer and I had a hard time putting the book down. A remarkable story by a remarkable woman. Tiffany Jansen (http://clogsandtulips.blogspot.com)
If you took Bridget Jones, turned her into a male, made her Australian and dumped her in the Netherlands, you would have Sean Condon in this delightfully funny account his three years in Amsterdam. Forced into expat status when his wife gets an overseas assignment, the unemployed Condon finds himself making a go of it in a new country. Brushoffs with celebrities, illegal tenancies, illusive visas, bankrupt magazines, and a run-in with the Happy Hooker herself fill Condon’s days in his new home. Tongue-in cheek, he shares ups and downs, idiosyncrasies, sights and sounds, and basic day to day life with an extremely interesting cast of characters in an extraordinarily detailed and nuanced (mostly) true-tale. My ‘Dam Life also features history and language notes that really help the reader get a feel of the Netherlands and Condon’s experience there. This is a quick, enjoyable read (even the footnotes are funny) that will have your sides splitting long before the end. Tiffany Jansen (http://clogsandtulips.blogspot.com)
If you’ve ever wondered about the Dutch fascination with seemingly inedible snack foods, their abrasive honesty, or their affinity for complaining and protesting, The Undutchables is a must-read. I would even go so far as to say that it is mandatory for anyone planning a move to or extended stay in the Netherlands. Having lived extensively in the land of clogs and tulips themselves, White and Boucke set out to try to explain the many curiosities of ‘Holland’ and its people. No stone is left unturned in this witty account of all things Dutch: public transportation, driving, money, food, customs, children, health, language and more. Using the same ruthlessly depreciating humor the Dutch are so infamous for, The Undutchables is less of a travel guide and more of, what the authors call, “a psychological survival kit for expats.” Indeed, expats (particularly those in the Netherlands) will find themselves snickering in recognition as they read the bizarre yet true anecdotes set forth in this humorous survival guide. Tiffany Jansen (http://clogsandtulips.blogspot.com)
Now in its 12th year, this indispensable guide is the one-stop-shop for all newcomers to the Netherlands. Packed with everything you need to know from how to buy a house to how to register a business or find a school for your children, this book has it all. I used it myself when I came here over six years ago and, to be honest, I never needed any other publication or website to complement its omniscient content. Beautifully illustrated, the pages of this book are crammed with well-written, easy to understand explanations of all the processes and bureaucracy you will encounter upon moving here. There are road signs, information on bicycle safety, public transportation and much, much more. And of course, there are lots of addresses and contact information without which no self-respecting handbook would be complete. To order this book visit: www.xpat.nl or www.hollandbooks.nl By Jo Parfitt
Now in its 12th year, this indispensable guide is the one-stop-shop for all newcomers to the Netherlands. Packed with everything you need to know from how to buy a house to how to register a business or find a school for your children, this book has it all. I used it myself when I came here over six years ago and, to be honest, I never needed any other publication or website to complement its omniscient content. Beautifully illustrated, the pages of this book are crammed with well-written, easy to understand explanations of all the processes and bureaucracy you will encounter upon moving here. There are road signs, information on bicycle safety, public transportation and much, much more. And of course, there are lots of addresses and contact information without which no self-respecting handbook would be complete. Here, the authors discuss the benefits of working overseas and how doing so can accelerate your career and the pair speaks from experience… Perry headed overseas at the age of 25, returning to the US ten years later with a number of adventures to tell (such as working in an office off Russia’s Red Square and touring Bangkok with Margaret Thatcher). Today she is senior vice-president for corporate affairs at Kraft Foods, Inc. Stacie spent three years of her midlevel career in Asia (starting in Hong Kong) before jumping into a senior global position upon her return to the US. Today she is an author of business literature, speaker and consultant – and mother of two. With additional anecdotes from four other ‘global girls’ (all American), Get Ahead by Going Abroad provides invaluable advice on everything from landing (or creating) that overseas assignment to dealing with differences in business etiquette; from packing to settling in to ensuring a successful return home (should you wish it!) Their enthusiasm for the personal and professional opportunities inherent to working abroad is infectious – and their thoughts on adjusting to your new environment while remaining true to yourself insightful.
Jo Parfitt wears many hats, and readers will benefit from every one! This outgoing Author/Journalist/Teacher/Publisher/Publishing Consultant/Writing Mentor lives her passion daily, as evidenced by her credo 'sharing what I know to help others grow.' Parfitt has taken all that experience and passion, and successfully distilled twenty tips and tasks to help you identify work that you can be passionate about. Parfitt starts by sharing her own path to building a career; it may have taken a few twists and turns out of necessity given her expat life, but has always been based on her own passions. She then offers practical, illustrative tips in chapters such as 'What Matters?,' 'What Drives Your Career?,' 'What's Stopping You?,' 'Portfolio of Passions,' and 'Find Your Defining Moments'. Better yet, Parfitt doesn't merely tell. She also shows you how to find your own answers by including with each tip an accompanying task. These tasks include questions and exercises geared to help you sift through the background noise of your own situation to come up with meaningful, actionable answers. Not limited to expats, this book is for anyone seeking 'work that makes your spirit soar'.
This expat memoir is different. Its author is a trained journalist, one-time senior editor of Guitar World and recently crowned Columnist of the Year for his column, The Expat Life, at the Wall Street Journal. Not only is Alan Paul a terrific, acclaimed, writer, but he also has a fascinating story to tell. First, he is a househusband. An expat househusband, and thus shares my own nomenclature of Trailing Spouse. Second, he followed his highly successful wife, Becky, to Beijing on their first posting. Third, his hobby for playing blues guitar led him not only to join but to front a Chinese band and to be their singer too. Again, awards were forthcoming, and Woodie Alan was named the Best Band in China. So, this is no ordinary memoir. Or is it? For Alan Paul is a modern kind of guy. He is father to Eli, Jacob and Anna and being a father comes first. He is in touch with his emotions and is frank about the difficulties he experienced, his isolation, his culture shock, the difficulty with which he handled his father’s cancer, at a distance and the deep sadness he felt on having to say goodbye and repatriate to America. His story is the story of any expat partner, male or female, musician or not. It is also, importantly, a story of hope and proactivity and will inspire any expat partner to make the most of their posting and become a rockstar in their own right. Jo Parfitt
For many expats, the fear of their children growing up without forming that ‘special’ bond with their grandparents is not to be underestimated. When there is a physical distance between grandchildren and grandparents the cost of travel and the time and stress involved in keeping a relationship alive can be an issue. This book, written by a global grandparent of 20 years, who has visited his own grandchildren in several countries at least twice a year and the parent of a global grandchild, explains how to create strong and lasting bonds across the miles and generations. Anne, however, has lived in Germany and the Netherlands with her family and is the mother of a global grandchild. Her work as a computer trainer meant that the technology of computers, email, Skype, Facebook and other file sharing and communication tools has made things much easier. Peter, who is an avid Skyper, interviewed relocation and counseling professionals to discover how best to forge those lasting bonds and conducted a survey of global grandparents from several countries. Anne is in charge of the IT section in the book. The result is a useful, inspiring book that will give hope and advice to expat families. Jo Parfitt
Still Life with Sierra is a touching story of picking up the pieces after a tragic loss. Peggy Sijswerda has everything: a successful business, a loving husband and three beautiful children. But when her only daughter Sierra dies in a tragic accident, she and her family become prisoners of sorrow that follows them from the United States to the Netherlands and back again as they search for a new meaning of home and family. Sijswerda begins by taking us along her journey towards writing a memoir and telling Sierra’s story to the world. This is an excellent read for anyone in a bicultural relationship, expats struggling to determine where and what home is, and anyone who has ever dealt with loss. When British businessman Paul West is sent to France to open a chain of tea houses, madness and hilarity ensue as he learns the language, wrestles with Parisian indifference, and attempt (unsuccessfully) to dodge the piles of merde that infamously litter the streets of Paris. Though Paul West is a fictitious character, A Year in the Merde is based on Clarke’s own adventures as an Englishman in France. A Year in the Merde is a laugh-out-loud read that will hit home for expats in general and anyone who has ever encountered the French… and even the French themselves! Tiffany Jansen – http://clogsandtulips.blogspot.com
Reina van Nieuwkerk
Settling into a new country can be a daunting challenge for anyone, but taking along spouse and children presents a unique set of difficulties and opportunities. Philip Graham's The Moon Come to Earth: Dispatches from Lisbon is the true account of moving his family for a year-long stay in the capital of Portugal. The author considers that he has straddled the gap between tourist and expatriate and this collection of essays offers a deep understanding of life in this enchanting city from an everyday American father with a veteran writer‘s curiosity and close eye for detail. Jo Parfitt
Jo Parfitt
Leslie-Ann first came to me as a student in about 2003. I was immediately struck by her passion for her newfound home and her storytelling ability. For Leslie-Ann was born and raised in South Carolina. She married Bill and moved to London over 20 years ago and lived there for many years, loving the fun and bustle of the city. However, almost 10 years ago she and Bill found England’s smallest county, Rutland, and decided to leave London for a new life in an apartment in a stately home. Instead of a street, her view was of rolling meadows, oak trees and livestock. From that moment Leslie-Ann began to write of her experience, noting every detail in a humorous way as she came to terms with the idiosyncracies of the country pub, mud, wellies and local traditions relating to cheese rolling, penny throwing and the game of conkers. When Leslie-Ann found an international publisher no one was more delighted than me. Jo Parfitt
Robin Pascoe has moved ten times with her family and describes this book to be as much a memoir as a self-help book. Sareen McLay
This is more of a tome than a book. Sharing the large format of the magazine from which much of the content came, this indepth, full colour guide brings together the best of seven years of Global Connection Magazine. The magazine is for members only and so thousands of expatriate partners whose companies have not joined this great organization are now able to have access to some great content. I would say that, wouldn’t I, when I too have written for the publication. Jo Parfitt
The German author of this book used to live in The Hague but has also lived in Paris and New York before settling in Switzerland. Jeanne Heinzer works as an executive and life coach and has been helping expatriate partners like herself to find meaning and fulfillment in their lives overseas. The fact that Jeanne has first hand experience of multiple moves, marriage, parenting, career and finance issues in addition to oft-neglected areas such as spirituality and finding balance, makes her an expert in this field. She is a regular conference presenter on this topic. Jo Parfitt
This book is essential reading for expat parents, families, teachers and anyone engaging with children who live in a global environment.
Being a woman and an expat I found the title of this book intriguing. I love confessions that help people, which is why I am a professional counsellor. This book banishes I hope forever the myth of expat women as indulged’ ladies that lunch’ without a cloud on the horizon. Exploring issues happening in real life from divorce abroad, raising bilingual kids to teen suicide it is a treasure trove of sound advice and experience. Sarah Koblow
We all want to thrive in life and this book will certainly show you and your children how. As a social worker and expat Mum I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It takes the nurture verses nature debate and turns it on its head. Lyn has developed a deceptively simple yet deeply practical model to explore and develop inner strengths. All the hard work has been done for you in the form of questionnaire type exercises. The book is a gateway to a whole programme of resources including on-line games. Tried and tested throughout Australia this simply works. So many parents, teachers and experts agree with me that the book is currently sold out but updated reprints will be available soon and can be pre-ordered. Sarah Koblow
This is indeed ‘An Insider’s Guide’ to Romanian property investment. Author Alex Pintea is Romanian born but is fluent in both the dealings of the English and Romanian property market, so the advice is given by an expert. This is no tourist guide, and is seemingly very wordy, but the comprehensive detail is surprisingly easy to navigate. Despite the numbers and technical speak, the book does make perfect sense. Lengthy praise from property journalists and the like would second this fact. Jenny Early
Produced for missionaries and the church but of relevance to all. Knell’s experience of being British and married to an American led her to research the effects of culture shock and moving internationally on both a personal and global basis. In this book she explores the impact of trans-continental mobility and its effects on the children, the teenagers and the parents. An excellent book full of practical advice for anyone connected with moving abroad. Lots of charts and grids. There are lots of very useful exercises as well as suggestions of ways that parents can start to understand their family. Jo Parfitt
had always known that the Dutch favoured emigrating to New Zealand but had never thought much more about how they actually got there. This novel, based on the reality of what was called the Bride Flight, tells the story of a group of young men and women who randomly ended up flying to their new lives on that same plane. Young, beautiful, Ada, pregnant at 18 by a man she hardly knew and doubted she even liked very much; Vivacious, ambitious Esther; Sensible Marjorie and attractive Frank lead us into a compelling story of hope, dashed dreams, unhappiness and yearning. Yet it is also a story of young people adapting to their new homes and as such tells a tale of culture shock, homesickness and while some embrace their new lives, others cling to the familiar. Bride Flight was written originally as a film, which was released to much acclaim a couple of years ago. The book followed and later, its expert translation into English by Colleen Higgins. Jo Parfitt
The author is from Britain and married a Dutchman several decades ago, making her home in the Netherlands,. During this time she has come to know the country and its people and this novel celebrates her discoveries in fictional form. Using the medium of a reading group in a remote town, the author creates strong characters who become the members of this men only club. A clear and compelling picture is painted of the landscape and its people and the fondness the author has for her adopted home is evident. The style is unusual and often wordy. Interspersing the writings of its rather serious male readers the story itself changes pace with each digression, which I found unwelcome, breaking as it did from the narrative. However, these writings serve to reveal the lesser known truths of the club members and, as the novel progresses, our perception of each character alters too. Van Stratum herself confesses that ‘writing became a way of exploring and explaining the differences between my husband, The Dutchman, and me, the Englishwoman. In living abroad I learnt as much about my Englishness as I did about the Culture of the Dutch. Jo Parfitt
I am ashamed to admit that it took me more than a decade to read this celebrated memoir of an English guy turned sheep shearer, who once played drums with Genesis; who moved to the wilds of Andalucia with his wife, Ana, and bought little more than a ruin with a view and no access. But, sitting in my holiday cottage in Norfolk, England, the book stared down at me from the shelf until I read it. Stewart is a great writer and the master of the anecdote. He writes candidly and with humour about the difficulties of learning to build his own house, keeping chickens (badly), raising sheep (more ably) and integrating with the locals to an admirable degree. His cast of characters are sustained for the length of the novel, and we too hope that the magnanimous Domingo finds a wife. When Stewart mentions that they now have a holiday house to rent nearby, I made a mental note to look it up. The reader is sucked into the lifestyle and the landscape to such an extent that I defy anyone to not to, like me, immediately Google El Duque and El Valero. Jo Parfitt
There are a lot of books written about cancer. However, I find this book slightly different in that the experiences of the mother and daughter are captured in their correspondence to each other. Mum Vicki, battling with ovarian cancer and daughter Karen in her very supportive role. The book not only touches on the cancer itself and the horrendous treatments that Vicki has to undergo but also the devastation it has on the whole family. The reader is drawn into the daily battles and struggles of the Greve family. It also shows the great dignity and hope that transcends the clinical medical world of cancer patients and their families. Niamh Ni Bhroin (author of The Singing Warrior)
Collison manages to write a very instructive manual on property buying in Portugal. It’s a very practical guide, well thought out and insightful. Collison takes us on a step-by-step approach which is easy to read and understand. It’s a personal account of all the pitfalls that she herself encountered which makes it even more interesting. The check lists are a must-have and her research is very detailed.
This book is not simply a where to get what guide – it goes through what appears to be virtually every ingredient and helps put it in a culinary perspective, giving local names to some not so local products (aka Indonesian ingredients) and some wonderfully enlightening tips of what the names of cuts of meat are – not always what you would expect them to be. Regrettably it has not remained the “handy pocket sized book one could always have when shopping”, as was the hope in its first edition – but it remains handy none-the-less when planning what to cook and shop for, when you not from the Netherlands For me, finally being able to locate an ingredient I did not think was available for a recipe carried back from a former posting, it has been a delight to discover that there is in fact, more to discover. From tips on ingredients to an index of kitchen terms, supplies as well as some more than basic translations, this is a book to inform and support anyone in the kitchen, while living in the Netherlands of course.
Expats frequently face situations of uncertainty and these situations can cause strong emotions such as loneliness, defensiveness, prejudice, anger, fear and even physical discomfort. When our minds are busy with such strong emotions there is little space or energy left for responding in a rational and constructive manner. The authors B. Schaetti, S. Ramsey and G. Watanabe are experienced expats and specialists in intercultural communications. In this co-authored book they present a methodology for keeping a clear mind and reacting in a constructive way instead of letting emotions and gut-reactions control our responses. The method has three steps: The first one teaches mindfulness and creativity in order to detect when emotional situations arise. The second step shares techniques called “practices of Personal Leadership” teaching readers to be comfortable with their emotions and use them in a positive way. The third step integrates all of the presented practises to allow the readers to become the leader of their own emotional experience. Christina Louise, Juggler's Journey Coaching, www.christinalouise.net
Intriguing and inspiring anthology of writings by Asian immigrants to Massachusetts who joined the editor’s writing circle when they were new in town. The class became more than a writing circle. It became a support group, a safe haven in which the women could discuss their transition issues and where they could learn about intercultural issues from an expert. Anne Copeland is that expert.
Already a highly successful Author/Journalist/Publisher/Writing Mentor, one never knows quite what the talented expat entrepreneur Jo Parfitt is going to do next. The answer? She's taken the extensive knowledge and experience of expat living in four very different countries that she's previously poured into so many of her popular expat help books (Release the Book Within, A Career In Your Suitcase, Find Your Passion), and turned her considerable talents to writing her first novel. The result is a romping good read about a small, diverse group of expat women living, loving and learning about life in Dubai. First-time expat Maya arrives in this desert oasis with little inkling that appearances can be deceiving; behind the seemingly perfect expat world of manicured gardens, sultry starlit nights and country club lunches lurk the passions, insecurities and strengths of real women trying to find their way in a cross-cultural lifestyle. It is to Parfitt's credit that the issues and challenges facing Maya and the others ring true to the expat experience. Parfitt's keen ear for dialogue and talent for fleshing out believable characters ensure that the book zips along at a heady pace; you can't help but keep turning the pages.
It hadn't occurred to me how few resources are available for young expat children facing another international move. The author, Helen Maffini, is well qualified to write this book, being a third culture kid herself. She’s also raised TCK daughters and worked as an education consultant in TCK emotional resilience. Sammy is a young snail facing another move and the story explores his feelings towards moving and how he has handled these feelings in the past. The excitement of a new country is balanced by the loss and sadness at what must be left behind. I'd thoroughly recommend it to anyone contemplating a move with a young child. Sammy’s Next Move is available in print and kindle format, but a huge appeal of the book are the superb illustrations by Mike Swaim so buy the print version.
Ruth van Reken is maybe better known for her internationally acclaimed Third Culture Kids – The Experience of Growing Up Among Worlds. However, Letters Never Sent actually came first, written by her aged 40 after a lifetime overseas. A publisher persuaded her to write her memoir, like this, as a series of letters to her parents, that in reality she never wrote nor sent. It was by going back to her experience at five years old of being sent to boarding school in Africa, away from her missionary parents, that allowed her to make sense of her life and relationships. Beautifully, candidly written, this is a compelling read and to my mind similar to Barbara Kingsolver’s Poisonwood Bible. Jo Parfitt
Two of the world’s gurus on cross cultural children and growing up as expatriates collaborated on this, undoubtedly, the best book there is on what it feels like to be a TCK (Third Culture Kid). Based on experience, research and case study, this is the kind of book that parents buy and then their children read. With stories that will resonate with expat kids the world over, it explains clearly and compellingly not only how it feels to be a TCK, but also what you can do about it. Subjects such as saying goodbye, unresolved grief and identity make this the leading handbook in this field. Jo Parfitt
This may be a small book, but it is incredibly useful for any Francophile, student of French or frequent visitor to France. Compiled like a dictionary, it is alphabetical in French. Written by a Brit with a passion for France the book is divided into six sections – the first deals with the false friends of which so many people fall foul resulting in either blushes of embarrassment or paroxysms of laughter. The next covers French expressions and then you have those words that drive us nuts because they have multiple meanings. After that there is a section on lists such as trees, or fruit, where all the words you need are grouped together. I particularly like the English expression section because here the English expression comes first, such as ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ and is followed by its French equivalent. Jo Parfitt
This is the author’s third book on the country in which he has made his home for almost a decade. Snelling is British and a Spanish real estate expert, who, through his website CultureSpain, has been helping expats to navigate Spanish red tape and handle both selling and buying property. His sense of humour has led him to be a published columnist and his anthology of writings, Taking the Heat, and his book How to Sell Your Spanish Property in a Crisis, stand as testament to the fact that Snelling knows his stuff. This is both a road map and essential reading and based on real experiences. Jo Parfitt
The Happy Migrant – your relocation survival guide I read this super book in one sitting. Written clearly and accessibly, reading Kama’s words is like sitting down over a cup of tea with a friend. With a lifetime of international moves behind her, a divorce, the experience of an empty nest (and her children in another country), few authors could be more suited to writing such a book. The book’s content and voice is consistent with the cheery, upbeat tone of its words. Divided into chapters, covering before the move, leaving family and friends, embracing the new location and relationships, Kama has shared every scrap of her experience and knowledge, it’s evident from her ideas and solutions that she knows a lot about spirituality, mindfulness, Neuro Linguistic Programming and counselling techniques. Each chapter has checklists and tasks and that makes the book practical as well as comforting. Jo Parfitt
This is a collaborative book, compiled mostly by people living overseas, three of whom live in the Netherlands. Editor, Kate Cobb, is a Brit living in France and it is from there that she runs a global business conducted mainly from home via Skype, webinar and other technologies. Kate works from home because she is increasingly disabled but, as sole breadwinner, she has to earn a good living. Her idea was to collate stories from other women, like her, who had turned their lives and careers around despite a ‘darkest hour’. Those turning points range from bankruptcy, to unjust incarceration, to divorce, terminal illness, depression and addition. Yet each woman has learned from her experience and literally turned her life around. The 25 stories in this collection will inspire many, proved by the fact that on its launch day (1st November), it reached number one on Amazon in the women in business section.
This compelling Scottish-American genealogy mystery novel was born out of a dream that Hague-based Ingrid had a couple of years ago and shared with her business mentor, Scottish, Tom McKerley. Tom could not resist putting together a synopsis and before long the two were hooked. Together they co-authored a novel that has received masses of interest on both sides of the Atlantic, even before it was published on 11th November. The story tells of American homicide detective, Cathy Stewart, who attends a clan gathering at Ballindalloch Castle in Scotland and finds herself intrigued by a murder that had occurred there in Victorian times and had implications on her own life. In addition, Ingrid and Tom soon found that many of the events they had invented had happened in real life. A page-turner. Jo Parfitt
Meghan Peterson Fenn is a Korean-American, married to an Englishman and living in England. Together they have three children, all of whom were born in Britain. In Bringing Up Brits, she shares the range of emotions and social experiences she went through and, to a certain extent, is still going through today. This is real life and contains stories from many other non-British parents, who, like Meghan, found themselves in British shoes, or should that be ‘wellington boots’? Covering cultural differences, customs, traditions and identity, language barriers and hidden ‘systems’, she shares insights into what can often be a lonely, challenging and confusing time. Written in a clear, compelling and accessible style, this book will be a friend to others in the same situation while inspiring any parent bringing up their children in another country. Jo Parfitt
Finding your feet in a foreign country will no longer be a nightmare once you have read Kathleen Mcanear Smith’s Parents on the Move. Kathleen helps expats to understand, embrace and appreciate change. Roy Lie A Tjam
This book claims, on its back page, to be 'a story of love and colliding cultures'. I was sceptical. The cover is rather plain and immediately brands this book as 'not mainstream'. However, within pages I was hooked and last night I finished it. This was beautifully written, by Jean Grant, who grew up in Canada, was an expat in the Middle East, Lebanon and Saudi for over 20 years and has now repatriated a bit to Kansas and a bit to France. That she has worked as a news reporter and university lecturer is no surprise because this book is beautifully written, deeply researched, moving, compelling and fascinating. To see how American Sarah fares when she meets, falls in love and eventually marries, Saudi Ibrahim is intriguing, but when she marries him and is set the task of integrating, really integrating into his traditional family, complete with illiterate, battleaxe mother, this becomes a page-turner. Highly recommended. Jo Parfitt
Homesexual couple, Jack and Liam, leave London for a new life in Turkey. This hilarious memoir zips along at a pace, as Jack and Liam meet the neighbours, those they call the Emigreys, the Semigreys and the Bodrum Belles and slowly settle in. Dealing with issues such as homophobia, adoption, rape and murder, alongside day to day stories of going to parties and staying in touch with family back home, this is a fabulous read. Already receiving rave reviews on Amazon, Perking the Pansies reached number one for gay and lesbian travelogue and is destined for great things as readers, gay and straight, male and female, prove their love of a book that began as a blog and attracted 5,000 readers in its first month. This is a book that will make you laugh and cry in equal amounts. It is a book you will want to tell your friends about. Jo Parfitt
I was a little reluctant to read @home in Dubai at first as, initially, it seemed like a book full of condensed information and therefore would be a boring read. I was wrong. I enjoyed reading this book immensely. True, it is packed with useful information but the way it is written and presented makes it such a joy to read. Anne writes about every single aspect of living and settling-in in Dubai. From information about work permits and residence visas to choosing a bank service, getting a driving licence, help around the house, setting up your business, working from home, health and education, the information is as diverse as the inhabitants of Dubai. There is something for everyone in this book. I particularly liked how each chapter ended with: The Practicalities, The Five-Step Recap, a Tip, two case studies and a Wrap up. If you are planning a move to Dubai then, this book is a must read to ensure a smooth transition and an enjoyable stay.
Calling herself by her nickname, Bobo, throughout, this enthralling memoir tells the story of the author and her sister, Vanessa, as they grow up in various places all over Africa. Her father is a farmer, her mother gets depressed and turns to alcoholism after losing several children tragically. Yet, this is a family that knows how to stick together, knows how it is to operate in an 'us' and 'them' culture, while managing to cope despite financial difficulty. This is a story of war, of loss, of a battle against nature and unfairness. Yet this was an extraordinary family and a fascinating time, beautifully written by a skilled writer. Jo Parfitt The Globalisation of Love Wendy Williams is Canadian, married to an Austrian and living in Vienna with their young daughter. Fascinated by her own experiences of finding love and then learning to weave one culture with her own and reach compromise in many areas, she decided to research what she calls 'the globalisation of love'. To do this, she invented the term GloLo that is used to refer to anyone in an intercultural relationship. Along with the GloLo couple, you will be introduced to the GloLo wedding, GloLo children and, importantly, the GloLoTini, shaken, not stirred. While crammed with practical advice and fascinating facts, this book is based on many face to face interviews, conducted by Wendy, with couple of every possible intercultural permutation. During these interviews she discussed issues such as pets, children and mothers-in-law, food, wedding cake and table manners, all with a healthy dose of humour. Williams is very funny. A funny writer with a knack for the witty turn of phrase, this book will have you laughing as you recognise yourself or your friends. However, though tears may stream down your face, this book will also teach you something, even if you have never married a foreigner, nor do you intend to. Jo Parfitt
A fascinating book in which former Evening Standard journalist Langley takes a sabbatical in the USA and his random meeting with Reuben the hitchhiker leads him on an astonishing journey. What follows shares Langley's somewhat cynical baptism, literally, but fire, as he is not only welcomed into the Navajo 'family' but is declared to be a medicine man himself. He sees visions he dare not believe, is determined to prove that his mentor, Blue Horse, keeps curses up his sleeve and that this is all rather a con. Only, the deeper he gets into his new life, the shakier his beliefs become as he realises this is for real. From sweat lodges, to prayers to the Great Spirit, to reading the embers of a mobile fire, Langley, gets to the heart of this amazing people until three years on and at the story's crescendo he experiences something so mindblowing that he leaves the reader as baffled as he is. Since his time with Blue Horse, Langley went onto study anthropology in New Mexico. Jo Parfitt
The Internet is all around the world and anyone can easily be connected. So why not start an online business from anywhere? Sonia Nding
Based on responses to an in-depth questionnaire, expat teens candidly share the problems they face as a result of leading lives outside their home/birth/passport countries, with fellow TCKs offering recommendations and advice on how they might handle those issues. Parents and professionals working with expatriate teens add further perspectives and possible courses of action to these peer-to-peer discussions resulting in a comprehensive, well-rounded approach. Pittman and Smit take great care in tackling a wide array of teen issues ranging from having mixed feelings about expat life, leaving behind one country/culture and trying to fit into another, handling unrealistic expectations, stressing about identity and 'fitting in,' the ups and downs of family and peer relationships, bullying, dealing with premarital sex, alcohol and other risky behavior, what to expect as these teens reach adulthood and more. The tone is conversational and constructive, with contributions that are at turns youthfully exuberant, upbeat, practical, sobering, heart-wrenching and wise beyond their years. Linda A. Janssen
Local journalist, Hirtes, has written a guidebook from the perspective of someone who lives on the island with his Canarian wife and three children. He has a witty turn of phrase as he provides the lowdown on how it really is to live or holiday there. Written for those who might live there one day and need to know about property, business and the law, it will also appeal to anyone who wants to visit the island and explore off the beaten track and see the real Gran Canaria, warts, festivals, food and all. Hirtes is a vegeterian so it is great to know that he lists great places to eat for non-carnivores too. Jo Parfitt
False friends - Faux Amis book two is a continuity of the author’s first book. It is a guide to French words that sound similar to English but actually mean something totally different. For instance ‘une journée’ refers to a day and not ‘a journey’. This second book is divided in six sections. One section covers 'false friends' words, another one has French expressions, another French words with multiple meanings, a list of words with organised by themes such as insects, football, miscellaneous words, and English expressions translated into French (i.e. ‘to take French leave’ is ‘filer à l’anglaise’) This book two, as well as book one, may not be for real beginner in the French language. It is a handy book with a taste of humour for people who would like to improve their French, as well as travel successfully in France; also ‘une bonne lecture’ for French people – like myself – who would like to improve their English without using a dictionnary. Sonia Nding
The perfect combination. As a foodie and a francophile with a passion for books by and for people living overseas, this book leapt off the shelf when I spotted it in the English Bookshop in Amsterdam. A memoir by an American fine art specialist and journalist, it tells the story of how Elizabeth met a tap dancing Breton with the unusual name of Gwendal, and how he introduced her to the food of France one dish at a time. As she and Gwendal fall in love with each other she is soon able to speak French and shop for food and cook it too. The reader's passion is enflamed along with the author's as we join her as she drown her sorrows in a chocolate fondant that she cooks and eats standing up in the kitchen. It is a Nigella Lawson scene by an author who is as much a writer as a cook and whose recipes are divine. Her cod with frilly leeks and homemade mayonnaise was sublime.
This is a first novel from a British expat writer based in Vietnam and was snapped up by Marshall Cavendish for their Asian Chic imprint. It zips along at a cracking pace with a compelling plot and fun characters, such as Sigrid, who rides a scooter and knows all the best places to have a party. Jane and Sigrid soon get embroiled in all manner of derringdoo as the book becomes a light-hearted crime-come-chick-lit-come-farce. It's fun, it's peppy and a good holiday read. Set in Vietnam, it tells the story of an American journalist who finds her fiancé in bed with a local troublemaker. With the wedding planned, Jane's larger than life parents come and stay anyway, because they had booked their tickets, while Jane finds herself intent on discovering the truth behind the three-timing Lindy who has ruined her life – or did she actually do her a big favour? Jo Parfitt
I'm not normally a lover of crime or thrillers, but I do love books about expats. So, when I heard that an American who had lived in Luxembourg as Mr Mom for a few years had written a novel called The Expats, I was first in the queue. Okay, author Chris Pavone, is a professional book editor anyway and has had an agent for years, so I should have expected it to be pretty good, but it was better than good. I was gripped. Hats off to Pavone for making his protagonist a woman, Kate Moore. That she used to be a spy was unexpected, mainly because I have not met any expat wives who used to be spies in my 25 years abroad. But maybe that's normal? How many folk of either gender admit to being ex-CIA? Anyway, this was a terrific, unputdownable book, with twists and turns in the plot that kept me reading about cybertheft, stalking and the underbelly of an underworld that is way off my map. It's been translated into 12 languages already. It's only just been released. Trust me, it's good. Jo Parfitt
When a group of expat experts and academics decide to create an anthology of the finest writings and research by and about kids who grow up overseas, you can expect it to be worth reading. This tome will become a Bible to any who truly want to look inside the mind of the Third Culture Kid (TCK), the Military Brat, the Missionary Kid or the children of parents who move abroad to work outside their passport countries for a while. With pieces from the TCK 'grandmother' herself, Ruth van Reken, and gurus like the late Norma McCaig and Ann Baker Cottrell alongside researcher film makers Alice Wu and Donna Musil, this is a comprehensive read that belongs in every school and college where culture and anthropology are taught. Anyone writing about TCK issues needs this book as an invaluable reference. Jo Parfitt
While many recognise the name Gouda for its cheese, few people visit this lesser known city. Expat writer Persephone and expat photographer Vinita set about putting this right, compiling an unusual guide to the city. More than a guidebook, the book is thoroughly researched and includes both historical detail and local knowledge, making this a useful publication for any visitor. Vinita's photographs are outstanding and will make any reader keen to take on the book's challenge and embark on the three to four hour walk that is beautifully illustrated in the charming naive style of Kathy Nida. No landmark is omitted and many you may not have thought of, such as the very important quirky chocolate shop, Puur, make this a comprehensive must have. Jo Parfitt
As someone who comes from a mixed background and having lived and worked in different countries, I thought I knew a fair bit about cross-cultural communication. Reading Subtle Differences, Big Faux Pas made me realise that there is always more to be learned about this topic. Rawia Liverpool
The great raconteur, Apple Gidley, takes you on her fascinating expat journey to Nigeria, Malaysia, Holland and even Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. Book launch Expat Life Slice By Slice by Apple Gidley By Roy Lie A Tjam
A unique piece of fiction, albeit with a wholly unattractive title, by an expat with Middle East experience, this collection of short stories tells the story of Leo and Diana Hunter and their young family, who move to Abu Dhabi from Britain in 2001. The stories are told chronologically, from a range of viewpoints – Leo, Diana, love interests and even a young local camel jockey. As someone who has also lived in the United Arab Emirates, I empathise. The stories of car accidents, death, sadness, broken marriages, virtual slavery juxtapose with a five star lifestyle is familiar. As the international employee chases Mammon and finds solace at the bottom of a whisky glass the reality of a life in pursuit of what may only be a mirage hits home. Weir's writing is commendable, the stories linger in the mind long after reading and anyone who has 'enjoyed' a similar lifestyle will welcome this novel. Jo Parfitt
Author, publisher, consultant and writing instructor Jo Parfitt always knew she wanted to write, and has gone on to build an entrepreneurial career helping others do the same. Originally targeted to expat writers, Parfitt's Release the Book Within has proven very popular with mainstream aspiring writers with its perfect mix of information, inspiration and motivation. The reason? She follows the golden writing maxim of 'show, don't tell', weaving examples taken from her own and other writers' life experiences to illustrate each step along the way to bringing forth the book within you. Parfitt ingeniously starts with 'Why You Should Read This Book' and ends with a fifty step list to achieve self-publishing success. Read the former and you'll be inspired to quell your inner writing demons and give it a try; read the latter and you'll understand that this is a complicated process, and Parfitt the perfect guide to coax you along your writing journey. In between you'll find eight lessons brimming with insights, considerations, in-depth details and strategic yet thoughtfully posed questions. Follow along, pay attention and answer candidly, and the end result may well be the book you're destined to write. Linda A. Janssen
The British author Deborah Fletcher describes the ups and downs of building a house in the Murcian countryside of southern Spain. She is living alone in a static caravan with her pets, while dealing with the builders, the Council, the never-ending paperwork, and the wild environment. She has to start from nothing: an empty land, with no water, electricity, no phone to build her dream house, while her husband – with no Spanish background – is still working in the UK and joining her at weekends. Despite its challenges, she loves living her new life. This book is easy reading, written with humour and passion. It is for anyone interested in living, building in Spain, or in the mood for a delightful and hilarious read. Sonia Nding
I didn’t buy Apple Gidley’s book. I was lucky to get it from a friend as a birthday gift. I was drawn into her book right from the first sentence, which was in pidgin English, “Dat piccaninny, she dun be bad Madum!” Rawia Liverpool
Maggie Myklebust was born in New Jersey to a Norwegian father and American mother and has spent her life ricocheting between cultures. Questions concerning who she is, where she belongs and what matters to her have led her to eventually divorce her American husband and move to a tiny island off the west coast of Norway. Maggie never set out to write a book, but after taking a writing class when she moved to the Netherlands, she developed a passion and skill for sharing stories that she recalled with amazing detail. This story will resonate with anyone with a family of blended cultures, moving continually between worlds. Jo Parfitt
Two charming early learning books in both English and Vietnamese come from the author of Asian Chic lit novel, Hanoi Jane. Beautifully illustrated and written by German expat, married to a Vietnamese and living in Hanoi, all proceeds go to help pay for genital reconstructive surgery for disadvantaged children.
By the time Kathleen was 18 she had lived on five continents and so it is no surprise to us, maybe, but blindsided her when she started college in California. A fish out of water, she experienced severe 'reverse' culture shock. Her experiences are both gripping and exceptional as she travels the world, survives a plane crash and a coup d'etat and feels, always, the alien. Even in her marriage and the years she spend in Russia, things are not right and her husband is unfaithful. Hers, despite the outward excitement and exoticness, this is not the story of a happy woman. It is not until she meets the global nomad expert, Dr Norma McCaig that the jigsaw puzzle finds its final piece. She also has a happy ending. Kathleen's story will resonate with many another Adult Third Culture Kid. She feels her life is akin to, "like an alien landed in their dorm room talking about visiting the rings of Saturn."
For Laura and her family, a move to Houston appeared as an American dream. With a previous posting, followed by a stint in her home country where she trained as a psychotherapist, she believed another move would be straightforward. She couldn’t have been more wrong. She slowly fell into a depression and tried to discover the causes to find a way back to herself. This book, written with honesty, hope and humour, is for anyone lost in depression, struggling with loss – of identity, home or family and friends, and also for anyone facing a move, a posting, giving good advice for any expat. The book contains a second-part of a comprehensive self-help section with tips on building emotional resilience while on the move, recognising depression and the ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ of a depressive episode – written by the therapist who has been there. There is also an interesting section on recommended resources.
This tale covers the spiritual journey of a globally raised woman from ages six to thirty nine. Ruth Van Reken unveils the romantic notions of international life, and walks the reader through the "other side" of global life. Her memoir presented to the reader as a series of letters, is a testimony of a woman, who despite of rich experiences of a global life , had to endure loss and separation, fragmented relationships much too often. These experiences made Ruth's identity quest complex and at times full of inner struggle. This book is a good complement to those that glorify and romanticize living internationally. For all those who have, are and will be leading a life of a global nomad, this book gives lots to think about. Santina Hovanessian Santina Hovanessian is a psychologist and a lecturer of Personal Development.
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Jo Parfitt is the author of several books for global nomads, including Career in Your Suitcase and Write Your Life Stories. She currently lives in The Hague. With the help of her students she has been invited to provide the reviews you find on these pages.
Keeko the Gecko
A Career in Your Suitcase
The Mission of Detective Mike: Moving Abroad
The Global Nomad’s Guide to University Transition.jpg)
Diplomatic Incidents
Home Keeps Moving
Sol Searching
Raising Global Nomads
Je T’aime a La Folie 
Tales from the Expat Harem – Foreign Women in Modern Turkey
Black and Abroad
Didgeridoos and Didgeridon'ts
A Moving Landscape 
The Singing Warrior: Finding happiness after a past filled with pain and abuse
My ‘Dam Life: Three years in Holland
The Undutchables
The Holland Handbook 2011 - 2012
Get Ahead by Going Abroad: A Woman’s Guide to Fast-track Career Success
Find Your Passion
Big in China
Xenophobe’s Guide to the Dutch
How to Be a Global Grandparent
Still Life with Sierra: the true story of a family’s quest to find home
A Year in the Merde
Homeward Bound
The Moon Come to Earth
Bill Larkworthy
To The Manor Drawn
A Moveable Marriage
Expat and Partner Guide
Living Your Best Life Abroad
Emotional Resilience and the Expat Child: practical tips and storytelling techniques that will strengthen the global family
Expat Women: Confessions
The Resilience Doughnut: The Secret of Strong Kids
Buying Property in Romania
Families on the Move
Bride Flight
Confessions of a Dutch Reading Club
Driving Over Lemons
Love you so Much, A shared memoir
Buying Property in Portugal
Food Shopper's Guide to Holland 
Making a World of Difference - Personal Leadership: a methodology of two principles and six practices
Jump Down Under
In Their Own Voice
Sunshine Soup – Nourishing the Global Soul
Sammy’s Next Move, 
Letters Never Sent
Third Culture Kids – The Experience of Growing Up Among Worlds
False Friends/Faux Amis
How to Buy Spanish Property and Move to Spain – Safely
Parents on the Move
The Burning Veil
Perking the Pansies
@home in Dubai getting connected online and on the ground
Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight - An African Childhood
Meeting the Medicine Men - an Englishman's travels among the Navajo
Laptop Entrepreneur – how to make a living anywhere in the world
Expat Teens Talk: Peers, Parents and Professionals Offer Support, Advice and Solutions In Response to Expat Life Challenges As Shared By Expat Teens
Going Local in Gran Canaria
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Hanoi Jane
The Expats
Writing Out of Limbo
The Bee's Tour of Gouda – buzzing through Vinita's Lens
Subtle Differences, Big Faux Pas
Expat Life Slice By Slice
Bloody Flies
Release the Book Within
Bitten by Spain – The Murcian countryside – a baptism by fire
Expat Life Slice by Slice
Fly Away Home
1-2-3 Vietnam and ABC Vietnam
Expat Alien
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LETTERS NEVER SENT
