The Family Sabbatical Handbook: The Budget Guide To Living Abroad With Your Family

by Elisa Bernick

What's it like living in another country? People have been fascinated by the topic for millennia, accounting for best sellers from Herodotus to Mayle and Mayes. While many readers are satisfied with a vicarious experience, a growing number want to live it for themselves. Elisa Bernick offers readers the book she wished she'd had when she and her husband and children were planning their 18-month family sabbatical.

Genres: Travel, Parenting, Nonfiction

314 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2007

Reviews

[Sara Nowak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very dated but considering there are so few books on the subject, a helpful resource especially for families of school aged children. Useful planning checklists.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a useful book, but it is VERY reflective of the author's particular circumstances. It would be very useful for planning your sabbatical to Mexico. Useful sections include information on planning the trip (financial considerations, logistics, choosing a destination, etc.); staying connected to friends and family at home; establishing a routine; some of the advice on what to bring (for example, each family member gets to bring one "comfort item" - a favorite game, or something to remind them of home); and finding a school. The chapter on finding friends is pretty useless; I can sum it up with the sentence "make friends through your children's friends and school", which is not helpful for, say, the parents of babies. There is NO information on babies; this is entirely geared towards having elementary-aged children.

[Marci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I skimmed this book for pertinent information since living abroad is a family dream. It is a good reference book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book that started our dreaming and ending in our adventure. If you read this book, who knows where you'll end up! A recommended read for anyone contemplating a year-long adventure abroad.

[Jeff Wadler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe we can take 3-6 months off and see some of the world...?

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to return this...ok could have renewed, but I realized now is just not the time for me to read it. Interesting subject for sure! Maybe I'll try again, later.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

It feels kind of dated (especially technical advice) because the world has changed so quickly. But, talking about emotions, adjusting to new cultures, and how people would respond to your adventure were valuable.

I wish there were more family books on long-term travel.