Families in Cultural Transition
Relocation Coaching, Training and Support
Together for strong TCKs and Expat Families
Parents
Safe and strong through change – together with the whole family
Whether it's an overseas assignment, living as an expat family, returning to the country of origin or changing schools: We support parents and their Third Culture Kids (TCKs) with coaching and practical courses through the transition phase – so that the whole family emerges stronger from the change.
Organizations
& Institutions
Professional advice and training on expat family issues
We support global mobility and HR teams, international schools, organizations and embassies in competently guiding employees and children through international transitions – with training, employer programs and long-term partnerships.
Professionals & Caregivers
Expert knowledge for all those who accompany children through cultural transitions
For everyone who supports children through cultural transitions in their daily lives – whether as a German as a Second Language teacher, daycare or childcare worker, au pair, neighbor, scout leader, or grandparent. Practical knowledge and tips for caregivers on interacting with children experiencing cultural change.
Our motivation.
Let's be honest – moving is usually intense, even incredibly stressful. Moving with children increases the stress many times over, and moving to a different country and a new culture even more. During this time, everyone quickly switches to "survival mode." Everyone's emotions are on a rollercoaster ride.
As a team of four professionals – ourselves frequent travelers with children and at home in many places – we at family-relocate know this special time and its challenges.
As parents, we naturally want to make this special move the best and most wonderful experience for the whole family . But what if your child suddenly changes before or after leaving, withdraws, becomes more emotional, or refuses to cooperate? Or what if they seem cheerful but somehow different than before? We offer the most effective support to families even before they leave – so that such reactions don't become a burden in the first place. And if they do occur, we provide educational support so you can easily and creatively support your child during this period of change.
Because healthy expat families know where they come from and who they are. Challenges become strengths, and roots are formed even in times of uncertainty. Mentally healthy Third Culture Kids (TCKs) have a lot to offer the world – they are flexible, team-oriented, and adaptable in a time of change.
Supporting parents, caregivers, companies and organizations, training and empowering them to effectively guide children through times of transition – this inspires us and continually motivates us to develop creative ideas and tools that support and equip families in their new home and between cultures.
Who we are.
Christine Schuppener
Interkultureller Coach / Psychologische Beraterin / Ausbildnerin Schuppener-Global-Transitions
Rahel Brügger
Co-Founder family-relocate / Art Therapist ED / Psychotherapist MPF / Lecturer / Author
Sara Pfister
Co-Founder family-relocate / Intercultural Coach / Specialist Therapist for Trauma Therapy
Jana Schuppener-Dakat
Creative Therapist / Social Worker / Coach / Illustrator
How to relocate a family?
Relocation is more than just administration.
We support the human side of international relocations. With expertise in family support, transitions, interculturality, and creative methods, we help parents, companies, organizations, and accompanying persons successfully navigate changes in the lives of TCKs (Third Culture Kids). Well-supported families experience transitions with greater resilience, children develop important long-term skills, and companies benefit from sustainably successful international assignments.
As a team of four professionals with our own international family experience, we understand the opportunities and challenges of living between cultures from both a professional and personal perspective.
We are convinced that successful cultural transitions promote mentally healthy Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and enable strong expat families, and fostering the intercultural competence of children is the greatest gift that parents can give them.
Holistic. Preventive. Family-Oriented. International.
Do you recognize yourself?
Do you notice a change in a child in your environment – as a teacher, grandparent or neighbor – but don't know exactly how best to react or support them?
Does your child change before or after leaving the country – withdraw, become more emotional, or suddenly show behavioral problems such as sleep problems or anxiety?
Do you observe that seconded employees or their children are having difficulty settling in – with noticeable consequences for well-being, performance, or the duration of the overseas assignment?
"What helped me most when moving to my current country was quickly making new friends." SH, 12 years old
"Playing football at my new school was the first time I felt like I was being heard in this new country." NB, 15 years old
"In family meetings, I could always talk about how I was feeling. No matter what. That helped me!" JS, 11 years old
"I used the little tips to make it easier for my new neighbor's daughter to get started – after just a few weeks she was coming over regularly to play."
"As part of my role as People Care Specialist (NGO DE), part of my job is to prepare our staff families for their assignments abroad. I am thrilled with what you have accomplished. I could easily recall many situations from my own experience where I would have benefited from your information and this kind of preparation. You are a fantastic team!" HB
Coming soon: the creative workbook for children experiencing a cultural transition – pre-order now!
Yes, I'm leaving soon with my family and would like to receive information and tips about emigrating.
Do you have any further questions? We would be happy to work with you to find a customized solution.
