Strangers At Home: Essays on the Effects of Living Overseas and Coming "Home" to a Strange Land

by Carolyn D. Smith (Editor)

Military brats, global nomads, missionary kids, and others who have spent some years overseas--whether in childhood or as adults--will be interested in this collection of essays by authors who have lived overseas, raised children in other cultures, or conducted social-scientific studies of internationally mobile children and families. This anthology presents varied perspectives on the effects of living overseas and coming "home" to a country that seems just as foreign as the one left behind. Includes useful advice for parents seeking to help their children--especially teenagers--cope with the experience of reentry and fitting in.

240 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1996

Reviews

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever moved overseas as a result of one or both of your parents' work? Have you grappled with the oddly disconcerting feeling that your life experience upon returning to the States is somehow different from that of American mainstream culture - not better but different? That somehow you aren't "fitting in" upon returning to the States? If you've answered "yes!" to any of these questions, you'll find these essays illuminating and comforting. You'll realize you're not alone. If you're the parent or teacher of a child who's having a bumpy reentry to the States, you'll recognize your child/student here. These essays explore the experiences many global nomads/TCKs have upon returning to the States from overseas. They also lay out strategies for dealing with common reentry concerns before they become overwhelming. This is a helpful guide to a smoother transition to stateside life.

The book also talks to a lesser degree about strategies for leaving friends behind to begin life overseas. With today's access to instant global communication, this has become less of an issue than it used to be. It's still worth addressing.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 “Where will I build my nest?”