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About to go home?
Moving home after an overseas assignment creates a mixture of emotions, which
range from grief, to anxiety, to perhaps relief. No matter what you may be
feeling, there are steps you can take now to make the move go more smoothly, for
you and your family. As a member of NAWC, you are eligible for associate
membership to FAWCO Alumnae USA, [Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas]
a group of women who are living in the U.S., having returned from
overseas. FAWCO is a U.N.accredited Non Governmental Organization of
15,000 women belonging to 74 clubs worldwide.) For Mexican and Canadian
nationals, we are looking for similar clubs at this time.
Before you leave:
 Join
the FAWCO Alumnae USA and
subscribe to its newsletter.
If
you are going to an unfamiliar community, write to the Chamber of Commerce in
the nearest town and inquire about such matters as requirements for a driver's
license, credit cards, real estate agencies, schools, medical resources, clubs
and organizations, and the address of the consulate of the country where you
have been living. You might also be interested in seeing a local newspaper
and map.
To
assure continuing contact with global issues, subscribe to a paper like the International
Herald Tribune.
Allow
enough time for farewells with your overseas friends, particularly if you have
teenaged children.
When you've returned to your home country:
Join
and become active in FAWCO Alumnae USA, no matter how busy you are settling down
in your new location.
Inquire
if there are nearby universities with international clubs and join them if
possible, or offer to invite foreign students to your home for occasional meals
or outings.
Find
- or organize - a group of newcomers to your community.
If
you cannot work in your original profession, this is a good time to explore
other fields of interest.
Become
as active as possible in community affairs.
Keep
up with international organizations you joined overseas.
Contact
the nearest consulate from the country where you lived to get on their mailing
list for cultural activities in your area.
Remember
that culture shock is perfectly normal. However, if it lasts more than a
few months or it is particularly severe, you should seek professional help.
http://www.expataccess.com has great
information about returning to your home country.
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