The Global Phoenix - Issue 4 The Global Phoenix - Issue 4 | Page 45

the school your children will be going to does not offer this facility or if you have yet to choose the
school, ask your relocation provider if there is a way to arrange this. They could set this up for your
family on a one-off basis to accommodate your request.
Once the move is over and settling in starts, be sure to get them enrolled in the extracurricular
activities that interest them as soon as possible. Speak with other parents to learn what’s available
locally in addition to what the school offers. Facilitate the formation of new friendships and be
available to ferry them across town for social events; your availability in the early days can make an
enormous difference to their social readjustment and can go a long way to helping them overcome
the inevitable culture-shock that is experienced when anyone moves from one country to another.
6. Stay positive
If the move is presented as an exciting family challenge, something to be faced together and an
opportunity to learn, either a new language or an entirely new culture, the child will be aided to see
the positive side of the relocation and will most certainly be enriched by the international experience.
Author: Sarah Langmead; Founder and Owner, COSMOS Consult.
Sarah’s experience in global mobility dates back almost 20 years. In 1998 she co-found-
ed a DSP and Immigration Firm, and spearheaded its expansion into what was then
eastern Europe and Africa for total EMEA coverage. The lack of available accurate data
led to the formation of Cosmos Consult, a data supply firm that produces reports and
surveys used by global data supply companies. Cosmos Consult specialises in hardship
destinations. www.cosmos-consult.com
www.theglobalphoenix.org
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