Jul
Does anyone know of self-help books available for children moving to a foreign country? I have 3 kids ages 6-10 who have recently moved from the U.S. to France. My husband was transferred here and we were not given a lot of time to prepare ourselves for the large changes. He works for the American Embassy. The children are attending a French school, learning French (they only spoke American English before), and trying to adapt to the new culture, and although they are doing fairly well, it's still a difficult situation for them. They are teased at school for being different, they have left behind all their old friends and their extended family, and the environment (which is beautiful and interesting) is very different. I think we're all going through a period of culture shock, and would appreciate any recommendations on how to get us through this transition. We’ll probably be living here for a long time, maybe permanently. Thanks!
Answer:
I can't help you with kid books but there's a book I found interesting to explain French to Americans and which I used for my American colleagues, it is called French or foe by Polly Platt. She did (maybe still does) those adaptation courses in France for American expats. Here’s an article on books which could help you.
http://www.liveabroad.com/articles/franc…
You can also find help with plenty of associations. Google Americans in France and you’ll find plenty of them like this one.
http://www.americansinfrance.net/DailyLi…
From experience, the first six months are hard but bearable and the next three are the dump, when the culture shock really sets in. But if you can get through that time you discover that you have learned to navigate that new country, you understand the mindset, if you don't know you can guess instead of standing there with that unbearable urge to cry or scream or break something (been there, done that).
Good luck and welcome in France
Answer:
We're in a similar situation living in Okinawa. The base we're attached to here has a great family advocacy center with counselors that specialize in exactly what you're talking about. My children didn't have to go to a Japanese school though since they’ve schools on the American bases. I'm not sure this helps because I'm not sure what kind of family support there’s for spouses of people working for the American Embassy.
Answer:
Here's a link that might help. You can probably search any on the web bookstore. I put in “moving to a foreign country - kids”
http://www.borders.com/online/store/Sear…
Answer:
Schaums out line is pretty good. You can order them on line.
If you have itunes look for french language pod casts. Coffee break French is good.
Look for an Alliance Francaise chapter near you. They’re an organization dedicated to promoting French culture that has chapters all over the globe. They do classes and social activities. Since your children are already taking classes I think they would benefit from experience the social aspect. In addition they would meet locals that are more open to foreigners than most other people.
I would state try to go about learning French in a fun way. It doesn't have to be tedious. Tie the learning in with trips, fun activities and food.
Good luck!
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