“The Expert Expatriate: Your guide to Successful Relocation Abroad: Moving, Living, Thriving” by Melissa Brayer Hess and Patricia Linderman

Clear, easy to read and practical-minded, this book should be on every expat’s shelf. Not only do the authors provide a step-by step approach to relocating, they also strike an excellent balance between practical advice and psychological insight.
In other words, this book does not leave you with yet another to-do list to stress over, all the while asking you to check your emotions at the door. I believe that this dual approach is the key to a successful international experience.
I appreciated the concrete suggestions on such topics as learning the local language, making the move less stressful for children and what to do if, in spite of your best efforts, you are still not adjusting to your new environment.

The Expert Expatriate is primarily aimed at employees sent on an international assignment by their organisation. However, anyone moving abroad with children and/or pets will find much of interest here, as entire chapters are devoted to these subjects.

Readers looking for country-specific information or emigrating without the support of an organisation may want to supplement this book with other resources written with their situation in mind. They will still greatly benefit from what The Expert Expatriate has to offer, such as strategies to cope with disenchantment once the honeymoon with the new location is over.
Highly recommended!

Please note that the edition I read and reviewed has since been revised and expanded, under the new title “The Expert Expat: Your Guide to Successful Relocation Abroad”. The new edition includes a chapter on safety as well as updated information on relocating solo.

Emmanuelle