Maria Foley
Former expat spouse Maria Foley understands how overwhelming living abroad can be, having spent seven years outside her home country of Canada. As a teenager, she was an au pair in France; she later worked at a university in Australia. During her years as an expat spouse in Singapore, she worked in the communications department of an international school, and provided guidance to expats as a Daily Living Expert for a global relocation firm. When her family moved to Bordeaux, France, she spent many happy hours learning French and sampling the local wines — usually at the same time. In 2007, she began the final (and oft-forgotten) phase of the expatriation cycle: repatriation.
Maria is a writer with a background in corporate communications. She has an MA in Professional Communication, with a specialization in International and Intercultural Communication. She spends two hours a week chatting and drinking coffee with new immigrants, and is raising a couple of pretty cool third-culture kids. You can read her musings on expat life at www.iwasanexpatwife.com.
Latest Articles
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Expatriate Advice for Male Accompanying Spouses Moving Overseas
Useful tips for the male accompanying spouse as he adjusts to his new role and his new environment after an international move.
Aug 11, 2010
- Maria Foley
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The Male Trailing Spouse: An Emerging Expatriate Phenomenon
As more female expat managers move overseas, the old rules no longer apply. Male trailing spouses challenge existing views of masculinity at home and abroad
Aug 2, 2010
- Maria Foley
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The Expat Look-See Visit: A Rehearsal for Expatriate Life Abroad
The decision to accept a foreign assignment should not be taken lightly. A look-see visit allows families to decide if the host country will be a good fit.
Jul 17, 2010
- Maria Foley
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TCKs Require Care and Support During the Repatriation Process
TCKs often feel grief and anger when repatriating. Parents can help by accepting their feelings, providing closure, and being patient and understanding.
Jul 2, 2010
- Maria Foley
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The Negative Side of Growing Up Abroad as a Third Culture Kid
TCKs are blessed with innumerable opportunities for fun and enrichment, but the trade-offs include identity crises, cultural confusion, and unresolved grief
Jun 26, 2010
- Maria Foley
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What are Third Culture Kids and How Does Expat Life Affect Them?
Growing up overseas affects TCKs both positively and negatively. The good news is that they mature early. The bad news? They struggle in adolescence.
Jun 24, 2010
- Maria Foley
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When Expatriate Assignments End, Families Still Need HR Support
Moving home isn't always easy, and repat families can feel abandoned by HR. A well-thought-out repatriation strategy makes the experience less stressful.
Jun 1, 2010
- Maria Foley
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Expat Spouses Need Overseas Relocation Planning Help From HR
Once the contract is signed, the accompanying spouse and HR can work together to ensure a smooth move overseas and help the family adjust to expat life.
May 24, 2010
- Maria Foley
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Before Signing an Expatriate Contract, Ask What the Spouse Needs
The spouse is often not consulted regarding international assignments, even though her input could affect the ultimate outcome of the overseas posting.
May 23, 2010
- Maria Foley
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Moving Back Home After Living Overseas
Repatriation is a time of chaos and emotional upheaval. These practical tips help reduce stress and keep the focus on enjoying the new life back home.
May 11, 2010
- Maria Foley
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