Where in the world are you going?

So, you are moving...

There are so many things to think about...

What’s on your mind?

Moving means lots of changes.  Sometimes we worry about things that will be new or different. 

How do you feel about leaving -- sad, happy, mixed?  Do you have some worries?  Take time to sort out some of those feelings with someone you trust and who listens well.  Do you think your family members have worries too?  Why don’t you ask them?  Chances are that they will share a lot of your feelings.  They’ve shared your experience abroad and this can be a natural time to draw closer together.  Listen as well as talk.

When we think about moving, we have to think about leaving people, places and things.

What will you take with you?  You will be meeting new people who will ask you what it was like where you last live.  Collect some pictures of that country or town, take some of your house and favorite places, and of your friends.  If your school has a newspaper, put that picture or a class picture, put that in.

Sometimes you have one or two things you just want to keep.  They are special to you and make you feel at home.  Be sure to tell your family how important they are to you.

· How do you feel about leaving your school?  Have you talked to your teachers about leaving?  That is a good thing to do.  You probably have some things you’ll miss about your school and others you are happy to leave.

· How can you say goodbye to friends?  Say goodbye to those you are close to and exchange addresses, emails and phone numbers.  A friend you knew here will be glad to hear from you.  Write or call when you’re feeling low.  Saying goodbye also helps you disconnect on this end and may, therefore, make it easier to connect again in your new place.  Saying farewell is important!

· Take care of unfinished business before you leave.  Make a list of things you need to do.  Such list may include returning a borrowed book, or recording a CD that was promised to a friend.  On another level, a Things to Do Plan might include resolving a problem with a teacher or classmate, apologizing for hurting someone’s feelings, or saying thank you to someone who has helpful in the past.  Tying up these loose ends in your life is sort like cleaning out a locker or desk before moving to a new grade.

Where are you going?

Learning about your new country can be fun.  Is there a new language?  New culture?  What have you learned in past moves to make this move easier?  Is it a place that has been familiar in the past?  Are you going home?  If you’re going home thinking that you can “pickup where you left off” with friends, neighborhood and school, you’re probably in for a BIG SHOCK!  You have changed, grown.  Your best friend may not be person that you identified so closely with several years ago because the experiences that are shaping you both have been different.  Give yourself time to adjust.  It will come.

At your new school

· Go over to the school before classes begin and get a feel for what it’s like.  Talk with the guidance counselor or an administrator.

· Decide what extracurricular activities you enjoy and get involved in one or two.

· It’s a great way to make friends who have the same interests.  Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that you will find a friend to invite you to get involved – SO TAKE A RISK and go to the first meeting o your own.

· Look quietly for a person you would like to know, and then take the initiative with that person.  Use the fact that you don’t know things to make contact with people.  Ask questions – a natural way to talk to people!

· If it gets hard, find a teacher or go talk to your counselor – that’s what they’re there for – for you.  Take advantage of it.

· f you feel out of touch, remember that it takes a little time to adjust.  Don’t demand or expect too much from yourself right away – you only add to the stress.  Be confident that your present sense of being “out of it” is a NORMAL passing phase.  It’s a natural feeling in your situation – but it will not last.

Have a safe trip and exciting adventures in your new home…

and best wishes for an easy transition

from Colegio Maya

Resources which may be helpful:

Third Culture Kids:  www.tckworld.com.TCK world is dedicated to the support and understanding of Third Culture Kids (TCKs)

Global nomads:  www.gng.org. Global nomads is a non-profit organization dedicated to heightening children’s understanding and appreciation for the world and its people.

Prepared by Aida Zea, Counselor.

Adapted from:
Blohm, J. Where in the world are you going? Overseas Briefing Center. U.S. Department of State.
Lesaca, N. and Jerome, G. So you are moving… International School of Manila.