Expat Family Connection

How can you help your children solve the world's complex problems? One way to start is to bring sustainability education to educators throughout the world. This is the mission of Compass Education.

"We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." Albert Einstein

In this episode we answer questions like, what IS sustainability? What is systems thinking? Does it matter what we as individuals do, or is it really up to big corporations and governments to make lasting change for good?

Nicole says,

"When we really begin to think about sustainability in this big way, when people finally get it, it's kind of like a weight comes off their shoulders. Because it gives us permission to look at everything we value and care about, and not in siloed ways. I think that's the powerful outcome that a really broad approach to sustainability can have for transformational change in our lives, our communities, our schools, our world."

We talk about

• The power and agency we ALL have
• Common mistakes when trying to make change
• Why reflection is so important

and more.

RESOURCES mentioned in the episode:

Compass Education's course "Teaching and Learning for a Sustainable World: A Systems Thinking Approach to Global Citizenship" begins September 21. Note: Nicole has offered to any non-educators who wish to take the course that she will step in as your 1-1 mentor to reframe the material to your own context.

Article: You Stream, I Stream - How a data diet can make for a greener world

The Nature Conservancy - one organization helping consumers evaluate business sustainability practices

Ellen MacArthur Foundation - a good resource on circular economy

TedTalk by Per Espen Stoknes: How to Transform Apocalypse Fatigue into Action on Global Warming

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ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST:

Nicole Swedlow, Executive Director Compass Education, Compass Trainer

Nicole has spent most of her professional career working at the nexus of community, education and sustainability in her role as Founder/Director of the nonprofit organization Entreamigos, located in San Francisco, Mexico. This international non profit has been widely recognized for its innovative approach to addressing globalization/tourism and community development in a systemic and equitable way that empowers community members as agents for positive change. In 2016-2019, Nicole joined the team at the American School of Puerto Vallarta to support their interest in developing their sustainability and service outreach initiatives. The American School of Puerto Vallarta was awarded the Tie-Care, Tri-Association Award for Global Leadership in recognition of this work. Currently working as an independent consultant, she is passionate about helping schools and businesses integrate sustainable principles with a strategic, inclusive and conscious approach.

Nicole's work in nonprofit leadership and sustainability has been recognized by the United Nations, as a finalist for the Global Equator Initiative, as a breakout speaker for the World Economic Forum, and by the Dalai Lama, as a 2014 Unsung Hero of Compassion.

CONNECT with Nicole Swedlow and Compass Education:

Nicole says, "We're actively looking for volunteers or interns interested in contributing to our organization in graphic design and wordpress design as we begin to transition all of our work to an online platform."

Email Nicole

Compass Education website

Hashtag #compassonline

Compass Education course "Thinking and Learning for a Sustainable World: A Systems Thinking Approach to Global Citizenship" runs September 21 - November 7, 2020.

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.

To set up a conversation with Kim to learn how she can support you, go to ResilientExpats.com/Adapt and hit "Apply Now."

CONNECT WITH KIM:

Email

Resilient Expats LLC website

Facebook page

Free Parents Community on Facebook

Apply Now for 1:1 Support to smooth your transitions & maximize your expat experience

Have you ever bumped into a teacher outside of school and brought up a classroom question? If it's anything other than a compliment, tread carefully! As Wendy says,

"There's no such thing as a small question when you're talking about your child."

Have you ever noticed a divide between local and foreign populations at your child's international school and wondered how to cross it, or asked which curriculum is the best fit for your child (spoiler alert: that's the wrong question)? Then you're sure to learn a few things from today's guest.

Wendy also shares

• Why it's so important to let your kids "fail," that is, struggle or make mistakes
• Why sleep is way more important than finishing homework
• The #1 way parents can help their children succeed with English as an additional language

and more.

RESOURCES mentioned in the episode:

Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth - get your copy on Amazon US

Compass Education - "Thinking and Learning for a Sustainable World" - a systems thinking approach to global citizenship - course begins September 21.

RATHER READ? I've got you covered. Transcript is on the episode webpage.

ENJOYED THIS EPISODE?

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• You might also like: Episode 6 - Schools Need Team Players, with Kate O'Connell

ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST:

Wendy Zuverink Perry has been involved in education in one way or another for the last 36 years. From chauffeuring an autistic boy all over town on her bike, to coordinating and leading summer camps, to developing rural preschool and health programs as a Peace Corps volunteer in Paraguay, to teaching on the Navajo and Zuni Indian reservations in the United States, with a stint as an elementary school principal, to 10 years teaching overseas, she has experienced a lot in education. Wendy strives to make learning fun, interesting and interactive. When she's not teaching second graders or coordinating ESL programs, Wendy likes to hang out with her science teacher husband, her 15 year old daughter, hike, practice yoga, and play the piano with Simply Music (it makes her feel like a rock star!).

CONNECT with Wendy Zuverink Perry:

Wendy says, "I'm working to create a collaborative school wide model to strengthen the language skills of all students. This is an area I feel passionate about, and if anyone out there has ideas I would welcome them."

Email Wendy

Twitter @oh_chestnut

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.

To set up a conversation with Kim to learn how she can support you, go to ResilientExpats.com/Adapt and hit "Apply Now."

CONNECT WITH KIM:

Email

Resilient Expats LLC website

Facebook page

Free Parents Community on Facebook

1:1 Support to smooth your transitions & maximize your expat experience

Have you ever grumbled over a school decision or policy? It's easy to slip into an us-versus-them dynamic. But behind every individual and every decision there's more than meets the eye. Open minded communication is key.

"Come early and come often. Don't wait till you're completely disheartened and frustrated."

This goes for the relationships between teachers and administrators as well.

"What I'm inquiring into is: How can we create an environment of relational trust and psychological safety? So that we all trust that everyone is working equally hard and doing their job. Being judgmental? There really isn't space for that kind of critique."

Kate shares

• How parents often skip a crucial step and jump right to "gathering" around an issue
• Your perceived solution may or may not actually solve the problem
• Why teachers might not be excellent at handling confrontations with parents
• The importance of knowing your child's teachers and administrators as people

and more.

RESOURCES mentioned in this episode:

The Culture Map

Compass Education

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ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST:

Kate O'Connell has 25 years of experience in education, including 22 years of classroom teaching and 20 years in leadership roles. Kate leverages strategic vision and systems thinking to deliver leadership for effective school growth and student development. Through incorporating innovative initiatives Kate has promoted community engagement amongst diverse populations. Her student-centered and mission-focused leadership is recognized by her community. She is both knowledgeable and approachable, as Kate leads the advancement of challenging and rigorous school goals. Kate has keen communication and interpersonal skills that facilitate strong relationships with students, parents and colleagues, and engender an educational environment that is conducive to motivation, equity and continuous improvement.

CONNECT with Kate O'Connell:

Twitter: Innovate Create Relate @innovatecreater

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.

To set up a conversation with Kim to learn how she can support you, go to ResilientExpats.com/Adapt and hit "Apply Now."

CONNECT WITH KIM:

Email

Resilient Expats LLC website

Facebook page

Free Parents Community on Facebook

1:1 Support to smooth your transitions & maximize your expat experience

Do you know your own life story? That seems like a strange question. But for TCKs it can be an important undertaking and it helps develop a sense of continuity within yourself.

"The brain automatically will make memories of hard times. But we need to be more intentional about making memories of good times."

When we tell our stories to someone who's ready to listen, the good parts start to glimmer.

Ulrika shares

• How to create margins in our lives - timewise, emotionally and economically
• The importance of having regular "checkups" during your life abroad
• Red flags or signs that families might need counseling help

and more.

RESOURCES mentioned in this episode:

Ulrika's book Third Culture Kids: A Gift to Care For

Ulrika's websites Familje Gladje and Safety Stories

Article Three Ways To Process Stressful Events

Family workshop online

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ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST:

Ulrika Ernvik is a social worker and licensed psychotherapist who has focused her work as a family therapist on TCKs. She is a TCK herself and has parented five TCKs. She has met with hundreds of TCKs and their families in therapy, in workshops, at camps, conferences and reunions around Asia and Europe. Over the years she has developed unique knowledge about how the TCK experience affects children, based on neuroscience and attachment theory. She uses interactive exercises that help families and groups process the TCK experience. Her base has been The Well International as well as her own practice, Familjegladje (Family Joy).

CONNECT with Ulrika Ernvik:

Website Familje Gladje

Website Safety Stories

Email Ulrika

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.

To set up a conversation with Kim to learn how she can support you, go to ResilientExpats.com/Adapt and hit "Apply Now."

CONNECT WITH KIM:

Email

Resilient Expats LLC website

Facebook page

Free Parents Community on Facebook

1:1 Support to smooth your transitions & maximize your expat experience

Natalie lays out a no-nonsense, practical, realistic approach to university in the UK, starting from grade 8 or 9. In her straight-talking style, she corrects misconceptions and encourages balance and joy in all of life's pursuits.

"It doesn't matter what degree you do. What does matter is that they have a spark. And it's that spark that you can nurture. Not by going to orchestra every day and being on the team, but by reading a book or by reading a magazine."

"You do make friends on the football team, in a drama rehearsal, one hundred percent. I'm not saying don't do it. I'm just saying enjoy it for what it is, rather than a means for an end. You're not doing it for any brownie points because it's going to get you into Uni. It won't, in the UK. But is it going to get you friends and make you happy and stuff? Yes, it will. So do it for that reason."

Natalie shares

• It takes about 4 hours of one-to-one guidance to get a student on track for UK university application (not including mock interviews)
• Key differences between university in the UK and the US
• The problem with parents guiding their own children through university application
• Subjects and activities students need for successful university entrance (it might not be what you think)
• Skills students need to thrive at uni versus skills they need to thrive at a job
• The importance of work experience for high school students
• Advice for the "winners" and "losers" during the pandemic

and more.

RESOURCES mentioned in this episode:

Book Getting Into Oxford and Cambridge

Workbook From Work Experience To Dream Job (Email Natalie for details)

Article Five Reasons Why You Should Hire Third Culture Kids

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ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST:

Natalie Lancer, MA (Oxon), PGCE, MA (Lond), Dip Psych (Open)

Natalie is an accredited coach and a member of the Association for Coaching. She is the Secretary of the British Psychological Society's Special Group in Coaching Psychology. In her coaching practice and consultancy, The Educational Guidance Guru, she specialises in career coaching and university guidance for young adults drawing on her 13 years in various roles within schools, such as Assistant Head and Director of Higher Education. She is the author of Getting into Oxford and Cambridge (2008) (Trotman Publishing) and co-author of Techniques for Coaching and Mentoring, 2nd edn, (2016) (Routledge). Natalie is finishing her doctorate in Psychology at Birkbeck College, University of London, in which she researches how coaching impacts students' personal growth at university.

CONNECT with Natalie Lancer:

Website Educational Guidance Guru

Facebook group Natalie Lancer - Helping you find your way through GCSEs, A-Levels & Uni

Facebook Page Natalie Lancer - The Educational Guidance Guru

Email

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.

To set up a conversation with Kim to learn how she can support you, go to ResilientExpats.com/Adapt and hit "Apply Now."

CONNECT WITH KIM:

Email

Resilient Expats LLC website

Facebook page

Free Parents Community on Facebook

1:1 Support to smooth your transitions & maximize your expat experience

When you move internationally, often you make difficult decisions about which items earn a space in your suitcase. Art supplies might seem frivolous or impractical, especially if you're "up close and personal" with poverty. But taking your creativity seriously may have long term impacts to your health and to your adjustment.

"If only somebody had helped me to see how tied my creativity was to who I was as a person, how I was wired; and how I could have nurtured myself and strengthened the very skills I needed to thrive in a cross-cultural situation."

Fiona shares from her personal experience as an expat as an art coach

• Which art supplies will give you the most mileage
• Making setup and cleanup quick & easy, for adults and kids
• Working with your inner critic
• Finding time for your creative pursuits
• How our struggles with creativity reflect how we view ourselves and the world

and more.

RESOURCES mentioned in the episode:

Free and affordable drawing tutorials at Art Projects For Kids

Reputable brands include Faber-Castell pan watercolors, Winsor & Newton in England or Daniel Smith in the U.S.

ENJOYED THIS EPISODE?

• Take a screenshot and share it with your friends … tag @ResilientExpats.
• You might also like: Episode 2 - Therapeutic Art, with Kit Ripley

ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST:

Fiona Valentine is an artist and art coach in Melbourne, Australia. She hosts luxury art retreats and online coaching for women who want to build a creative habit and make beautiful art. Fiona and her husband met in Africa and had six international moves in their first 10 years together.

Come join me in my Facebook community for inspiration and connection with other creatives. I do a LIVE video each week with art tips and you'll be first to hear about what's new with my online art classes and courses.

CONNECT with Fiona Valentine:

Website

Facebook group The Confident Artist

Email

Coaching & Courses & Retreats

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.

To set up a conversation with Kim to learn how she can support you, go to ResilientExpats.com/Adapt and hit "Apply Now."

CONNECT WITH KIM:

Email

Resilient Expats LLC website

Facebook page

Free Parents Community on Facebook

1:1 Support to smooth your transitions & maximize your expat experience

Did you know creativity helps address emotional, social and spiritual needs? Did you know visual art supports cognitive development and problem-solving skills? Tune in to learn how the process of creating art can contribute to health and well-being for everyone.

Kit asserts that the artwork itself matters as much as the process:

"To say that the art product doesn't matter is to say, 'I don't take you seriously. You're not a REAL artist.'"

We also talk about

• Choosing the right medium for your current emotional state
• Working through fears around creating art
• How the act of creating builds a sense of agency
• Benefits of doing art in a group setting
• Finding an art therapist to work with

and more.

ENJOYED THIS EPISODE?

• Take a screenshot and share it with your friends … tag @ResilientExpats.
• You might also like: Episode 2 - Staying Rooted By Tuning Into Your Artistic Expression, with Fiona Valentine

ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST:

Kit Ripley is an active artist, therapeutic art facilitator, cross-cultural worker, and ordained pastor. As an American who has lived a third of her life in Asia, she has a particular compassion for those who struggle with cross-cultural stress, transitions, and loss. She specializes in helping people process trauma, depression, or anxiety by reinforcing their own inner resilience. Kit is currently working toward an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Art Therapy at Lesley University.

CONNECT with Kit Ripley:

Email

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.

To set up a conversation with Kim to learn how she can support you, go to ResilientExpats.com/Adapt and hit "Apply Now."

CONNECT WITH KIM:

Email

Resilient Expats LLC website

Facebook page

Free Parents Community on Facebook

1:1 Support to smooth your transitions & maximize your expat experience

Most of us working overseas do NOT have a robust support program in place for the entire family, to ensure we've got the skills needed to cope well with being inserted into a different culture plus being highly mobile. This is something I want to change. Together, we'll raise a healthier generation of TCKs.

RESOURCES mentioned in this episode:

The 7 Ss of successful expat family transition, in article: Move Your Family Overseas Successfully When You Remember These Points

ENJOYED THIS EPISODE?

• Take a screenshot and share it with your friends … tag @ResilientExpats.

ABOUT YOUR HOST:

Kim Adams is an American raising three daughters along with her math-teaching husband of 20 years. She loves photography, reading, thunderstorms, walking on the beach, camping where there are no bugs, and has a weakness for mint chocolate chip ice cream.

To set up a conversation with Kim to learn how she can support you, go to ResilientExpats.com/Adapt and hit "Apply Now."

CONNECT WITH KIM:

Email

Resilient Expats LLC website

Facebook page

Free Parents Community on Facebook

1:1 Support to smooth your transitions & maximize your expat experience