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I was speaking with a parent at post last week and they shared they already had their cars rented and their summer appointments set. 😳 That lit a fire under me to get things going for our summer plans! Last weekend and this week I -
Anything else we need to add to our collective list for summer prep? What do you think? COMMENT BELOW YOUR IDEAS! Summer's coming and it's right on time! ☀️ P.S. These photos are from last summer's summer adventure - Looking back, "camp mom" doesn't seem so bad!
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Alix, the creator of US History Abroad, and I met nearly 5 years ago when my family was posted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.  Before meeting Alix, I didn’t even think about my kids missing American history requirements that Stateside public schools have. Needless to say I am grateful to have found Alix and this online history experience for our kids. Our kids have many unique opportunities in this life we live, but they also face unique challenges. American history education is one those challenges and US History Abroad provides the simplest, most comprehensive solution. As Alix moves onto her next chapter, I am thrilled to pick up the baton and serve as the host of the US History Abroad experience for your family. I want to note 3 quick things as we begin the next part of our adventure in American history for your kids: 1) What changes for you and your kids? Not much! Alix and I worked together to make this a smooth a transition. The only real change you'll see is that the company will newly operate under "US History Worldwide." The courses will remain the US History Abroad curriculum you know and love. 2) What changes for the US History Abroad team? The small and mighty team that supported US History Abroad yesterday continues on with me today. While Alix is not an active part of the US History Abroad experience or US History Worldwide team, we have endless gratitude for what she built and created for our kids. 3) Who is Amber, anyway? I am an EFM, mom to 3 incredible girls, entrepreneur, and positive psychology fan. Growing up, I spent four years living in Saudi Arabia - 2nd grade through 6th. I look back on that experience fondly and my husband and I were also excited to share a life abroad with our kids.  Our two youngest daughters, Audrey and Harper, are in school in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire where we live now. Our oldest daughter, Lilly, recently graduated from UCSB and lives in San Diego. She was here visiting for the holiday season and she just left yesterday…Yes, I cried.
Cha-cha-changes! (And a heads up!) In case we haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet, I am Amber McCue the new EFM, owner of US History Worldwide, formerly called US History Abroad.  Yes, it's true! We are currently working through a rebrand from US History Abroad to US History Worldwide.
Please pardon the virtual dust while we do a bit of housekeeping! If there are any questions please reach out. We are in this together in more ways than US History and it's not my intention to cause confusion, rather I want to keep things as smooth sailing as possible for your kids as they navigate US History while living around the world. Transitions and moves can get a little messy sometimes (I know our community knows all about the moves ). We intend to update many things in the coming weeks and there will likely still be things we find as we move through the year.  This month, I've included some great crafts and ideas to help you and your family enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday wherever you are. These aren't just useful for one year, but can turn into treasured traditions! 1. Engage Locally Most Foreign Service families won't be driving to Grandma's for this American holiday, but we will be gathering around the table with some new and old friends to celebrate the time-honored celebration. Here are some ideas to brighten up your holiday and share your meal.
2. Make a Thankful Tree
3. Movies and MORE!
Happy Thanksgiving from U.S. History Worldwide! 
Look, there are a ton of gift guides out there with lists of hundreds of toys, games, and gadgets kids will love, so I figured, instead of creating another one and adding to your (theoretical) decision paralysis, I’m just going to bring all the good guides to you in one place.
I’ve gone through each of these and I sincerely think they’ll help you find the perfect gift for every kid in your life. But, before you jump into those, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you start going through these lists and making your purchases.
Let’s face it, we all do most of our shopping on Amazon these days (especially if you’re overseas at post)! Amazon has compiled its own list of all the toys kids are wanting this year, so you can get them straight from the source. Buzzfeed Buzzfeed is well-known for two things: its quizzes and its gift guides. They have very niche and very specific round-ups, a few notables are: 49 Gifts To Cover Every Child On Your List From Tots To Teens and If You're Looking For A Gift, Here Are 40 That Are Kid-Approved. They also have gift-guides for different ages and for different budgets. Good Housekeeping They’ve compiled a list of 40+ gifts for kids in a slideshow gallery. From budding scientists to the more artistic kids, and little ones too—this gift guide has you covered. Today Today has multiple gift guides for kids of all ages, all newly updated for 2022. Each guide is broken down by age, so you can be assured that the gift you end up getting will be stimulating and age-appropriate. Goop Gwyneth Paltrow’s gift guide has a few notable picks for the super-cool kids in your life. Finally! A beautiful way for your FS kids
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Boxes have been sent out and our U.S. History Abroad students are starting to get their surprises in the mail! Nearly 100 foreign service kids participated from all over the world!
We had 38 different countries represented—from Argentina to Kazakhstan to Vietnam! And it’s been so exciting to hear about all the goodies our families sent and received! Kids in our U.S. History Abroad community were asked to build a box with items that were unique to their post. They also filled out a sheet with clues to where their box was coming from. Our team then coordinated the swap and boxes were sent out! Kids got to receive and open a box that way sent by another FS kid somewhere else in the world! And they got the chance to guess where it came from too. |
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The kiddos got creative and filled their boxes with so many different things, like:
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Someone even included a local newspaper in their box!
A box from Mexico had cookies, marzipan candy, handmade bookmarks, Mexican cocoa, and a lotería game. A box from Thailand had fruit candies, seafood chips, a t-shirt, and elephant collectibles. A box from Botswana included a pin of the country’s flag, a tub of peanut butter, a handmade zebra ornament, tea, and some money! The importance of the Box Swap I’ve always found that the more you learn about the world, the more you want to know about the world—and our kids are the same! With every new post and every new country, they’re learning more and more and their curiosity grows. That’s partially what inspired our U.S. History Abroad Box Swap! |
Building an FS community for kids
One of the most challenging parts of moving every couple years to a brand new country is helping our kids feel a sense of community. Our U.S. History Abroad community is so special in that it brings FS kids together from all over the world! Kids worked hard to put together a special box for someone else and receiving a box in return connects them to another kid who’s living a similar (but just as unique) life.
One of the most challenging parts of moving every couple years to a brand new country is helping our kids feel a sense of community. Our U.S. History Abroad community is so special in that it brings FS kids together from all over the world! Kids worked hard to put together a special box for someone else and receiving a box in return connects them to another kid who’s living a similar (but just as unique) life.
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Teaching our kids about the world
FS kids have such a unique opportunity to see the world! And they tend to see so much more of it than their peers back at home. Living in new countries opens their eyes to the greater world and tends to spark their curiosity. With the Box Swap, our kids are able to see and learn about even more of the world. With the Box Swap, they literally get a taste of what other FS kids are eating (or seeing or playing with) across the globe!
FS kids have such a unique opportunity to see the world! And they tend to see so much more of it than their peers back at home. Living in new countries opens their eyes to the greater world and tends to spark their curiosity. With the Box Swap, our kids are able to see and learn about even more of the world. With the Box Swap, they literally get a taste of what other FS kids are eating (or seeing or playing with) across the globe!
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Keeping FS life exciting!
We’re always looking for ways to keep our FS kids engaged in our community, and keep them excited to learn. U.S. History Abroad is much more than teaching kids about American history, it’s also about helping them build confidence, compassion, community, and connection. Fun activities like the Box Swap are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the creative ways we keep FS life exciting for our kids!
Your family can be a part of our wonderful community too! We strive to help your kids better connect not just to their unique life abroad, but also to their country back at home! If you haven’t yet, join our Toolbox for Foreign Service Families Facebook group and be a part of our next Box Swap—and so many other fun things created just for our FS community!
We’re always looking for ways to keep our FS kids engaged in our community, and keep them excited to learn. U.S. History Abroad is much more than teaching kids about American history, it’s also about helping them build confidence, compassion, community, and connection. Fun activities like the Box Swap are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the creative ways we keep FS life exciting for our kids!
Your family can be a part of our wonderful community too! We strive to help your kids better connect not just to their unique life abroad, but also to their country back at home! If you haven’t yet, join our Toolbox for Foreign Service Families Facebook group and be a part of our next Box Swap—and so many other fun things created just for our FS community!
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Finally! A beautiful way for your FS kids
to document their unique childhood
memories without cluttering up your house.
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Joining the Foreign Service is an exciting opportunity for new adventures abroad for your family and a unique chance to serve and represent your country. And getting accepted into the A-100 class is your first step towards that exciting adventure as a United States diplomat! (Go ahead and do a happy dance—this is a pretty big step!)
I remember when my husband first passed all his tests and got the call that he’d been accepted into the Foreign Service Institute, or FSI. We were on our way to a life abroad and our family was thrilled!
I remember when my husband first passed all his tests and got the call that he’d been accepted into the Foreign Service Institute, or FSI. We were on our way to a life abroad and our family was thrilled!
But before we packed out—we had a lot of questions about what to expect for the A-100 and SOAR foreign service orientations and how to make sure our family was ready for life abroad.
Tips for getting through the Foreign Service A-100
Obviously, my husband’s focus was on completing the A-100, or SOAR, class. Granted, this is an orientation—the really challenging part, all the tests, is behind you—so there’s less pressure. That doesn’t mean you can just check the box by showing up.
Tips for getting through the Foreign Service A-100
Obviously, my husband’s focus was on completing the A-100, or SOAR, class. Granted, this is an orientation—the really challenging part, all the tests, is behind you—so there’s less pressure. That doesn’t mean you can just check the box by showing up.
How you engage and show up can make a world of difference. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Joining the A-100 class means you’re joining the Foreign Service community. Use this time to meet and get to know your fellow diplomats. These people may just become your (and your family’s) support system and can possibly help you throughout your career.
- Take advantage of the “admin” time. Besides learning the basic history, security regulations, and leadership skills you’ll need to be a successful FSO, there’s also a lot to do to get ready for your first post. Use your downtime to complete assessments and get your affairs in order.
- The A-100 dress code is smart. Men are typically required to wear suits and women are expected to wear jackets with their dresses and slacks. But keep in mind, the weather in DC can get muggy in the summer and really cold in the winter, so pack and plan accordingly. (By the way, the dress code at FSI is a lot more casual.)
Planning beyond the your A-100 class
Getting your family ready to move abroad and adjust to a brand-new life, while discussed during foreign service orientation, generally requires a little more planning. Moving your family around the world can be stressful and it can sometimes be challenging for children and spouses, but in general, the foreign service is very family friendly and comes with a lot of perks for your FS family.
Most of these perks are things that won’t be mentioned during A-100; they’re things you’ll learn after being in the FS for a while--unless, you know where to look or can get some veteran FSO insights.
And having been in the foreign service since 20210, our family can give you some insight into how to maximize your FS experience!
If you’re a family joining the Foreign Service, this will be your go-to resource: 40 Hacks for FS Families
From travel tips to housing hacks, and everything in between, consider this your cheat sheet for life in the foreign service! Implementing even just two or three of these suggestions could make a big impact on your life and adventures in the FS abroad.
Get 40 Hacks for FS Families here ?
From travel tips to housing hacks, and everything in between, consider this your cheat sheet for life in the foreign service! Implementing even just two or three of these suggestions could make a big impact on your life and adventures in the FS abroad.
Get 40 Hacks for FS Families here ?
Now that you’re a part of the FS community, I’d love to connect! Join me and thousands of other FS families in our Toolbox for Foreign Service Families Facebook group! You’ll find even more resources, tools, hacks, and tips to help you and your family adjust to your new FS life.
Think back to the last time you had a pizza party—maybe it was because your grade school class won a reading contest, or maybe your child’s soccer season came to an end and you were able to snag a celebratory slice.
Even though pizza didn’t originate in the United States (it obviously was first made and eaten in Italy), it’s been a part of American culture since the late 19th century—when Italian immigrants came to our nation’s shores. And pizza is pretty synonymous with a good time here in the U.S.; there’s no argument there.
Where arguments can arise though, are when it comes to what pizza to order… or really, which pizza parlor has the best pie. ?
That’s why I’m proposing that your family have a Pizza Taste-Off, to settle things once and for all. It’s a fun little experiment to get your family’s (and friends’) take on which pizza reigns supreme.
My family and I did this a couple weeks ago, and let’s just say—we were all winners. Since we’re currently in Utah, we tried this with the big national chains, like Papa John’s and Pizza Hut. It was a blast, and now we have a go-to pizza place!
I know pizza isn’t always readily available in every single city around the globe, so you can modify this taste-off to fit your post. Instead of pizza, maybe your family orders lo mein. Or maybe instead of take-out, you try different frozen pizzas. Or maybe you all just try different vanilla ice creams! Truly, the sky’s the limit.
If at all possible though, I highly recommend at least starting this taste-off with pizza. Here’s how to do it.
Even though pizza didn’t originate in the United States (it obviously was first made and eaten in Italy), it’s been a part of American culture since the late 19th century—when Italian immigrants came to our nation’s shores. And pizza is pretty synonymous with a good time here in the U.S.; there’s no argument there.
Where arguments can arise though, are when it comes to what pizza to order… or really, which pizza parlor has the best pie. ?
That’s why I’m proposing that your family have a Pizza Taste-Off, to settle things once and for all. It’s a fun little experiment to get your family’s (and friends’) take on which pizza reigns supreme.
My family and I did this a couple weeks ago, and let’s just say—we were all winners. Since we’re currently in Utah, we tried this with the big national chains, like Papa John’s and Pizza Hut. It was a blast, and now we have a go-to pizza place!
I know pizza isn’t always readily available in every single city around the globe, so you can modify this taste-off to fit your post. Instead of pizza, maybe your family orders lo mein. Or maybe instead of take-out, you try different frozen pizzas. Or maybe you all just try different vanilla ice creams! Truly, the sky’s the limit.
If at all possible though, I highly recommend at least starting this taste-off with pizza. Here’s how to do it.
How to have a pizza taste-off
Clear your family’s calendar and invite your friends and neighbors over—it’s pizza taste-off time!
My family had a root beer taste-off too, but it’s quite the challenge to try and find different root beer brands! You can try it with another soda or local beverage.
No matter how you slice it, a pizza taste-off is sure to be a hit with your friends and family!
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Make sure you share your results and photos with me in our Toolbox for Foreign Service Families Facebook group!
I share more super fun things like this in my weekly 3-Things Thursday newsletter. It’s full of products, ideas, and entertainment curated just for FS families! Don’t miss out one a single cool “thing”--sign up here!
- Appoint a ‘pizza master.’ If you’re reading this, it’s likely going to be you! You’ll be the only one who knows which pizza came from where and will make sure everyone casts their vote at the end of the night.
- Create a pizza score sheet. Write “Pizza 1,” “Pizza 2,” etc. as separate rows, with blank spaces next to them where each person will cast their vote.
- Order pizza from 5 different places. (Again, if your post is a little sparse with pizza places, you can get creative here.) Make sure you’re ordering the same type of pizza from each place, like all cheese or all pepperoni, to make comparing them easier.
- Cut the slices to make them smaller. You’ll probably get full trying to eat five whole slices of pizza, and that’s no fun. We cut our slices into thirds, which was enough to really taste the quality of the pizza without feeling icky at the end of the night.
- Lay the slices out and label each row as “Pizza 1,” “Pizza 2,” etc. This will help everyone keep track of which slice is which. Remember to throw away the boxes as you do this, without letting anyone see the boxes.
- Label the rim of paper plates 1-5. That way, when someone grabs a slice from the table, they can put it next to the corresponding number on their plate and not forget which pizza they’re eating.
- Give each person a sticker with their name on it. You can do this as they grab their slices or after they’re done eating.
- Have everyone place their sticker on the score sheet next to the pizza number they like the best.
- After everyone’s voted, reveal the restaurant of each number! You can announce the pizza places (and even have people guess them) and/or write the names of each pizza shop next to its number on the score sheet.
My family had a root beer taste-off too, but it’s quite the challenge to try and find different root beer brands! You can try it with another soda or local beverage.
No matter how you slice it, a pizza taste-off is sure to be a hit with your friends and family!
________________________________________________________________________
Make sure you share your results and photos with me in our Toolbox for Foreign Service Families Facebook group!
I share more super fun things like this in my weekly 3-Things Thursday newsletter. It’s full of products, ideas, and entertainment curated just for FS families! Don’t miss out one a single cool “thing”--sign up here!
Finally! A beautiful way for your FS kids
to document their unique childhood
memories without cluttering up your house.
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Our world is evolving faster than ever, and preparing a child for that world that doesn’t yet exist is an exceptional challenge.
As part of the Foreign Service, our kids are already lightyears ahead of so many of their peers, but teaching them a few extra skills will give them an even bigger head start and make them better prepared for what’s to come in the New Year and beyond.
Here’s a breakdown of some important life skills to teach your kids in 2022, along with a few suggestions for how you can tie many of them to their academic life.
Don’t forget to join the Toolbox for Foreign Service Families Facebook group for more tips and resources for FS kids!
As part of the Foreign Service, our kids are already lightyears ahead of so many of their peers, but teaching them a few extra skills will give them an even bigger head start and make them better prepared for what’s to come in the New Year and beyond.
Here’s a breakdown of some important life skills to teach your kids in 2022, along with a few suggestions for how you can tie many of them to their academic life.
Don’t forget to join the Toolbox for Foreign Service Families Facebook group for more tips and resources for FS kids!
Good news!: U.S. History Abroad helps Foreign Service kids develop many of these skills! Enroll and get more info at www.ushistoryabroad.com!
1. Adaptability
Adaptability is a great skill for kids to learn at a young age. Research shows that kids who are adaptable tend to feel more confident, be happier and more driven in life, and have higher self-esteem and a deeper sense of purpose. You can teach kids adaptability by mirroring flexibility and introducing new routines and ideas to them regularly so they keep practicing this skill.
2. Problem Solving
Problem solving is a skill that helps kids develop discernment, creativity, resilience, confidence, and leadership. Almost every job application they’ll ever have to complete will require this skill. Playing games, giving kids room to make mistakes, and asking questions instead of answering them are all great ways to get kids to practice problem solving.
3. Communication
Kids of the digital age are social by nature. They’re constantly communicating in several different media formats—texts, posts, chats, emails, you name it. Make sure they’re getting some face-to-face interactions in too, and always model respectful language and communication in your household.
4. Collaboration
The world of the future (and even present day) is globalizing due to the internet. The ability to collaborate in these situations is essential. The simplest way to encourage collaboration is tackling projects as a family; getting your child involved in team and group activities helps them learn to collaborate with their peers as well!
5. Accountability
Teaching accountability means teaching honesty, responsibility, and integrity. Online, independent learning (which our kids are now pretty familiar with) is an excellent way to teach kids accountability; they learn the importance of intrinsic motivation and take responsibility for their own work and success.
Adaptability is a great skill for kids to learn at a young age. Research shows that kids who are adaptable tend to feel more confident, be happier and more driven in life, and have higher self-esteem and a deeper sense of purpose. You can teach kids adaptability by mirroring flexibility and introducing new routines and ideas to them regularly so they keep practicing this skill.
2. Problem Solving
Problem solving is a skill that helps kids develop discernment, creativity, resilience, confidence, and leadership. Almost every job application they’ll ever have to complete will require this skill. Playing games, giving kids room to make mistakes, and asking questions instead of answering them are all great ways to get kids to practice problem solving.
3. Communication
Kids of the digital age are social by nature. They’re constantly communicating in several different media formats—texts, posts, chats, emails, you name it. Make sure they’re getting some face-to-face interactions in too, and always model respectful language and communication in your household.
4. Collaboration
The world of the future (and even present day) is globalizing due to the internet. The ability to collaborate in these situations is essential. The simplest way to encourage collaboration is tackling projects as a family; getting your child involved in team and group activities helps them learn to collaborate with their peers as well!
5. Accountability
Teaching accountability means teaching honesty, responsibility, and integrity. Online, independent learning (which our kids are now pretty familiar with) is an excellent way to teach kids accountability; they learn the importance of intrinsic motivation and take responsibility for their own work and success.
When you’re thousands of miles away from home, keeping up with the latest trends and news can be challenging—to say the least. Sure, you can catch the major headlines on your post’s news stations, but there will always be a few things that
slip through the cracks. If you want to stay informed with what’s going on back home—trends included,
not just the news—here are a few ways to do it.
Download an app
If there’s a news outlet you regularly go to, downloading that publication’s app is the easiest way to get some news. But when it comes to tracking news, I highly recommend making sure you’ve got multiple sources from all ends of the political spectrum… and there are apps for that too. Flipboard and Feedly are news aggregators that help you organize publications based on topics you’re interested in. All the news you need to see comes to you in one place!
slip through the cracks. If you want to stay informed with what’s going on back home—trends included,
not just the news—here are a few ways to do it.
Download an app
If there’s a news outlet you regularly go to, downloading that publication’s app is the easiest way to get some news. But when it comes to tracking news, I highly recommend making sure you’ve got multiple sources from all ends of the political spectrum… and there are apps for that too. Flipboard and Feedly are news aggregators that help you organize publications based on topics you’re interested in. All the news you need to see comes to you in one place!
Sign up for a newsletter
Speaking of getting the news to come straight to you, a newsletter is a great way to keep up with more niche stories. I’d recommend Morning Brew, which is a daily email that covers the top business stories. Robinhood also has a great (fun and kinda snarky) newsletter that focuses on financial news. And, of course, you can subscribe to 3-Things Thursday, where I keep my ear to the ground and bring you some of the coolest products, shows, movies, and books so you stay up-to-date on the latest trends.
Listen to podcasts
Podcasts are perfect if you’d rather listen to the news than read it. And most news podcasts are created to be entertaining, so you’ll be able to hear a few jokes or opinions on the topic too. There are plenty of podcasts available; you just have to find the one that fits your interests.
Get savvy with social media
I’m willing to bet that you use social media to some degree, whether it be Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn. I know it’s a great way to stay in touch with friends back home, but you can also use it to stay informed on current events by following the pages of news outlets. (Again, I’d recommend following several outlets with different stances so that you get a more well-rounded account of our nation’s happenings.)
Talk to your friends and family back home
The easiest way to keep up with news back home? Talk to the people who live there! Whenever you talk to your friends and family back home, ask them what’s been going on, what’s on their social media feeds, what are stores selling out of… They’ll be able to give you the 4-1-1 on the events and trends that will be most relevant to you.
Speaking of getting the news to come straight to you, a newsletter is a great way to keep up with more niche stories. I’d recommend Morning Brew, which is a daily email that covers the top business stories. Robinhood also has a great (fun and kinda snarky) newsletter that focuses on financial news. And, of course, you can subscribe to 3-Things Thursday, where I keep my ear to the ground and bring you some of the coolest products, shows, movies, and books so you stay up-to-date on the latest trends.
Listen to podcasts
Podcasts are perfect if you’d rather listen to the news than read it. And most news podcasts are created to be entertaining, so you’ll be able to hear a few jokes or opinions on the topic too. There are plenty of podcasts available; you just have to find the one that fits your interests.
Get savvy with social media
I’m willing to bet that you use social media to some degree, whether it be Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn. I know it’s a great way to stay in touch with friends back home, but you can also use it to stay informed on current events by following the pages of news outlets. (Again, I’d recommend following several outlets with different stances so that you get a more well-rounded account of our nation’s happenings.)
Talk to your friends and family back home
The easiest way to keep up with news back home? Talk to the people who live there! Whenever you talk to your friends and family back home, ask them what’s been going on, what’s on their social media feeds, what are stores selling out of… They’ll be able to give you the 4-1-1 on the events and trends that will be most relevant to you.
You may not find your child’s favorite after school activity already organized and available at post, but there are still an endless amount of options to keep your foreign service kids stimulated, active, and entertained once school is done for the day. Here are some ideas and programs to keep your kid busy (and still learning) after school.
Sign Up for Recreational Sports
Many international schools include after school sports. For example, my kids participate in "rec" volleyball, track, soccer, etc.—all through their school. Of course, the options vary from post to post. When you enroll your child in a new school, make sure to ask about the different sports they offer.
Try an Online Extracurricular Activity
Most traditional (in-person) after-school activities are now taught online! If you can’t find art, music, or language lessons, or other skill-based activities at post, head to the internet. There’s definitely been an uptick in the types of online courses available. You can start here with a FREE online Karate class just for FS kids: www.ushistoryabroad.com/karate
Help Your Child Find a New Hobby
A “lack” of structured extracurricular activities gives your child the chance to explore new interests and hobbies. Maybe they’ve decided to start an herb garden or are determined to become the next star baker—either way, give them time to explore a little bit. By the way, the Kennett Kitchen has some great online baking classes (like Cupcake Wars) that can get them started on the right track. More here: www.thekennettkitchen.com
Look for Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteerwork is a great after-school activity for kids of all ages, since it can help them build life and social skills, learn more about responsibility, give them a greater awareness about the world (and your post), and teach them appreciation. If your child wants to volunteer after school, check with your CLO and/or community service organizations to see where help is needed.
Start a New After-School Program
If your child’s school doesn’t offer an activity they’re interested in, you may be able to start your own! Just make sure to ask their school what requirements or rules they have for these kinds of programs first. (Your CLO may be able to help share the activity with the community too!)
Stock Up on Downloadable Activities
Not every after-school activity needs to be social. Keep your kids learning after school with workbooks and activity books. It’s a chance for them to explore a school subject they enjoy or need more help in or even document their life. U.S. History Abroad a free “Life as a Foreign Service Kid” workbook you can download here: https://www.ushistoryabroad.com/activitybookforfskids.html
U.S. History Abroad 🇺🇸 is also a GREAT after-school activity for kids! It provides an online American history education that your kids can get from the comfort of wherever you happen to be posted. And it’s FUN! They learn through puzzles, games, and awesome videos. Get on the waitlist to be the first to know when registration opens up: http://www.ushistoryworldwide.com/
Look, there are a ton of gift guides out there with lists of hundreds of toys, games, and gadgets kids will love, so I figured, instead of creating another one and adding to your (theoretical) decision paralysis, I’m just going to bring all the good guides to you in one place.
I’ve gone through each of these and I sincerely think they’ll help you find the perfect gift for every kid in your life. But, before you jump into those, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you start going through these lists and making your purchases.
I’ve gone through each of these and I sincerely think they’ll help you find the perfect gift for every kid in your life. But, before you jump into those, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you start going through these lists and making your purchases.
- Remember online orders take a lot longer to get to a post than it would if you were back home in the States. That means you’ve got to start placing your orders now if you want them to get to you in time for the holidays.
- Set a budget and stick to it as best as you can. You might end up finding an amazing gift that puts you a bit over, but the more you can stay within budget, the better your wallet will feel after the holidays.
- When and if possible, use credit cards to your advantage when doing online shopping. If you’re using them responsibly, it’s a great way to rack up points that you can then use on trips!
- Ask your kids what they want or have them write a letter to ‘Santa’ (if you celebrate Christmas). It’s a fool-proof way of getting them exactly what they want.
- Make sure you have a couple extra little gifts lying around in case a surprise guest comes to visit. (This tip doesn’t just apply to kids, by the way.) A child in your kid’s class may give them a little gift before school lets out, and it’s nice to have something to give to them in return.
Amazon
Let’s face it, we all do most of our shopping on Amazon these days (especially if you’re overseas at post)! Amazon has compiled its own list of all the toys kids are wanting this year, so you can get them straight from the source.
Buzzfeed
Buzzfeed is well-known for two things: its quizzes and its gift guides. They have very niche and very specific round-ups, a few notables are: 24 Screen-Free Gifts For Kids That Are Actually Fun *And* Educational and 29 Gift Ideas For Kids If You Have No Clue What To Get Them. They also have gift-guides for different ages and for different budgets.
Good Housekeeping
They’ve compiled a list of 40+ gifts for kids in a slideshow gallery. From budding scientists to the more artistic kids, and little ones too—this gift guide has you covered.
Today
Today has multiple gift guides for kids of all ages. Each guide is broken down by age, so you can be assured that the gift you end up getting will be stimulating and age-appropriate.
Goop
Gwyneth Paltrow’s gift guide has a few notable picks for the super-cool kids in your life.
Let’s face it, we all do most of our shopping on Amazon these days (especially if you’re overseas at post)! Amazon has compiled its own list of all the toys kids are wanting this year, so you can get them straight from the source.
Buzzfeed
Buzzfeed is well-known for two things: its quizzes and its gift guides. They have very niche and very specific round-ups, a few notables are: 24 Screen-Free Gifts For Kids That Are Actually Fun *And* Educational and 29 Gift Ideas For Kids If You Have No Clue What To Get Them. They also have gift-guides for different ages and for different budgets.
Good Housekeeping
They’ve compiled a list of 40+ gifts for kids in a slideshow gallery. From budding scientists to the more artistic kids, and little ones too—this gift guide has you covered.
Today
Today has multiple gift guides for kids of all ages. Each guide is broken down by age, so you can be assured that the gift you end up getting will be stimulating and age-appropriate.
Goop
Gwyneth Paltrow’s gift guide has a few notable picks for the super-cool kids in your life.
Also, don't forget to download our fun activity for kids to complete while you are shopping!
(Click the image below for a printable PDF file)
This month, I've included some great crafts and ideas to help you and your family enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday wherever you are. These aren't just useful for one year, but can turn into treasured traditions!
1. Engage Locally
Most Foreign Service families won't be driving to Grandma's for this American holiday, but we will be gathering around the table with some new and old friends to celebrate the time-honored celebration. Here are some ideas to brighten up your holiday and share your meal.
- Invite a Marine to join your family.
- Invite a single person at post, a couple, or a single parent and kids to join you.
- Invite a favorite locally employed staff member to your Thanksgiving table. Along the way, you can show them some American tradition and culture.
- Celebrate it on a different day or multiple times to include those American expats who don't get the holiday off from school or work.
2. Make a Thankful Tree
This tradition is simple and easily replicated anywhere you live.
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3. Movies and MORE!
Here are some other fun ideas to enjoy the holiday!
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Happy Thanksgiving from U.S. History Worldwide!
Students in Course C explore the formation of the thirteen colonies, the thrill of the American Revolution, and the construction of the Constitution with the Founding Fathers.
These students take on additional lessons outside of their regular school day because they (and their parents) know how important it is to keep up with American history studies while living abroad.
I'm so proud of these kiddos and wanted to share their hard work with you!
These students take on additional lessons outside of their regular school day because they (and their parents) know how important it is to keep up with American history studies while living abroad.
I'm so proud of these kiddos and wanted to share their hard work with you!
Summer is just around the corner and there are a few special activities that always seem to bring me back to the U.S. (at least in spirit) no matter where I am in the world—a few little slices of Americana, if you will. I’m sure you have your own summer must-dos, but here are a few of my favorites, that I know your kids will love too! Hopefully they make you feel right back at home.
Sign Up for a Summer Reading Program
As a FS mom myself, I’m always looking for ways to keep our kids connected to U.S. culture and a summer reading program is the perfect way to give our kids an American experience—while they even learn a little more about American history. I’m kicking off my own Summer Reading Program this month, and if your kid completes it, they can win a free book! Get all the info: www.USHistoryAbroad.com/Summer-Reading
Make Some Patriotic Crafts
Get ready for Independence Day with a few patriotic crafts! From paper-plate star wreaths to red, white, and blue slime, a quick search will lead you to hundreds of ideas that’ll keep your kids entertained over the summer.
Cheer on Team U.S.A. in the Olympics
There’s nothing like the patriotism we feel when cheering on the U.S. Olympics team! (This is where some of those crafts may come in handy too!) The games begin on July 23!
Create Your Own Salt Water Taffy
Depending on what part of the U.S. you’re from, you may equate summer to a trip to the boardwalk and a pile of salt water taffy! It’s actually not that difficult to make! Check out this recipe: tasty.co/recipe/saltwater-taffy
Whip Up Some All-American Eats
What’s your fave summer dish? Apple pie? A juicy cheeseburger? A big bowl of strawberries? Plan a potluck for your friends at post and have everyone bring their favorite summer dish from back home. (There are a ton of crowd-pleasing recipes available online!)
Sign Up for a Summer Reading Program
As a FS mom myself, I’m always looking for ways to keep our kids connected to U.S. culture and a summer reading program is the perfect way to give our kids an American experience—while they even learn a little more about American history. I’m kicking off my own Summer Reading Program this month, and if your kid completes it, they can win a free book! Get all the info: www.USHistoryAbroad.com/Summer-Reading
Make Some Patriotic Crafts
Get ready for Independence Day with a few patriotic crafts! From paper-plate star wreaths to red, white, and blue slime, a quick search will lead you to hundreds of ideas that’ll keep your kids entertained over the summer.
Cheer on Team U.S.A. in the Olympics
There’s nothing like the patriotism we feel when cheering on the U.S. Olympics team! (This is where some of those crafts may come in handy too!) The games begin on July 23!
Create Your Own Salt Water Taffy
Depending on what part of the U.S. you’re from, you may equate summer to a trip to the boardwalk and a pile of salt water taffy! It’s actually not that difficult to make! Check out this recipe: tasty.co/recipe/saltwater-taffy
Whip Up Some All-American Eats
What’s your fave summer dish? Apple pie? A juicy cheeseburger? A big bowl of strawberries? Plan a potluck for your friends at post and have everyone bring their favorite summer dish from back home. (There are a ton of crowd-pleasing recipes available online!)
| It only takes a few years in the Foreign Service to realize that each move, each time you leave a post, marks a significant part of your life. So it’s only right that you commemorate and celebrate your time there. Usually, once we get the information for a new assignment, that’s what we start focusing on, because it is important to make sure our kids and families are able to quickly adjust to somewhere completely new. But it’s also important to spend some time remembering the people you’ve met, friends you’ve made, food you’ve eaten, and home that’s sheltered you for however many months (or years) you’ve been living there. Here are five creative ideas I’ve seen FS families do to say ‘good-bye’ to their friends, home, and post before leaving: 1. Memorialize your home. The more you travel, the more you recognize how special your physical home is; after all, not only did it provide you shelter in an unfamiliar place, but it was also the backdrop for many great memories. And let’s face it, all the homes we’ve lived in can become a blur after a while, so make an effort to remember each one before you leave. Take photographs, get a painting or sketch done of it, you can even turn your key into an ornament. A keepsake like these will help moving on to somewhere new a little easier, since you’ll be able to take a bit of the old with you. 2. Give your kids a way to reflect and an opportunity to look forward. The "Life as a Foreign Service Kid" activity book is a fun way to preserve your child's unique experiences and memories. It’s full of colorful pages for your child to fill in with memories (about the places they’ve lived, the souvenirs they’ve collected, etc.) and hopes for the future (like writing a letter to their future selves). You can get it here, free for a limited time: www.ushistoryabroad.com/activity-book/ | 3. Get everyone’s contact info. This one’s pretty obvious, but make sure you check in with your kids too. It’s better to be thorough here than wish you were still in contact with so-and-so years from now. Did they get all their friends’ emails, messenger app information, or phone numbers? You can get your kids an old-school phone book to keep their friends’ contact info or even help them create a ‘yearbook’ (on Shutterstock, or another photo program; or with polaroids photos, tape and a notebook), so their friends can write their contact info as well as a note saying good-bye. 4. Start a group chat or set up a kid-safe social app for your kids and their friends. If your child doesn’t have a phone yet, create a special group chat in your phone along with the parents of their friends so everyone can stay in communication. Facebook has a kid-safe messenger app you can set up for them as well. 5. Throw a ‘House Cooling’ party! You’ve heard of a housewarming party, but what about a house cooling party? You throw it right before you move as a way to say goodbye to your old home and enjoy a final meal together with the people you’ve met while at post. Remember to invite neighbors, your CLO, and other local friends, and encourage everyone to share their favorite memories they’ve made in the house. After this, you could make a toast to your old house and wish its new owners all the happiness you’ve enjoyed there. It may be rough to say goodbye, but remember, your next post will hold just as many amazing experiences and cherished memories! Want more tips and tricks for making your life in the Foreign Service a bit easier? For an ongoing list of ideas like these, delivered straight to your inbox each week, subscribe to the 3-Things newsletter: www.ushistoryabroad.com/3things |
| Sign Up for Recreational Sports Many international schools include after school sports. For example, my kids participate in "rec" volleyball, track, soccer, etc.—all through their school. Of course, the options vary from post to post. When you enroll your child in a new school, make sure to ask about the different sports they offer. Try an Online Extracurricular Activity Most traditional (in-person) after-school activities are now taught online! If you can’t find art, music, or language lessons, or other skill-based activities at post, head to the internet. There’s definitely been an uptick in the types of online courses available. You can start here with a FREE online Karate class just for FS kids: www.ushistoryabroad.com/karate Help Your Child Find a New Hobby A “lack” of structured extracurricular activities gives your child the chance to explore new interests and hobbies. Maybe they’ve decided to start an herb garden or are determined to become the next star baker—either way, give them time to explore a little bit. By the way, the Kennett Kitchen has some great online baking classes (like Cupcake Wars) that can get them started on the right track. More here: www.thekennettkitchen.com | Look for Volunteer Opportunities Volunteer work is a great after-school activity for kids of all ages, since it can help them build life and social skills, learn more about responsibility, give them a greater awareness about the world (and your post), and teach them appreciation. If your child wants to volunteer after school, check with your CLO and/or community service organizations to see where help is needed. Start a New After-School Program If your child’s school doesn’t offer an activity they’re interested in, you may be able to start your own! Just make sure to ask their school what requirements or rules they have for these kinds of programs first. (Your CLO may be able to help share the activity with the community too!) Stock Up on Downloadable Activities Not every after-school activity needs to be social. Keep your kids learning after school with workbooks and activity books. It’s a chance for then to explore a school subject they enjoy or need more help in or even document their life. U.S. History Abroad a free “Life as a Foreign Service Kid” workbook you can download here: www.ushistoryabroad.com/activity-book |
U.S. History Abroad is also a GREAT after-school activity for kids! It provides an online American history education that your kids can get from the comfort of wherever you happen to be posted. And it’s FUN! They learn through puzzles, games, and awesome videos. Get on the waitlist to be the first to know when registration opens up: www.ushistoryabroad.com/get-notified
Looking for a list of fun, family friendly podcasts that your kids will enjoy??
You've come to the right place...
Brains On!
An award-winning science podcast for kids and curious adults from American Public Media.
But Why: A Podcast for Curious kids (NPR), But Why is a show led by kids! Kids ask the questions and they find, the answers. It's a big interesting world out there. They tackle topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world.
Circle Round (NPR)
Created and produced by parents of young children, WBUR's Circle Round adapts carefully-selected folktales from around the world into sound- and music-rich radio plays for kids ages 4 to 10. Each 10-to 20 minute episode explores important issues like kindness, persistence and generosity. And each episode ends with an activity that inspires a deeper conversation between children and grown-ups.
For Scores
In For Scores, host Jon Burlingame takes listeners on a magical journey into the world of film and television composers, revealing never-before heard special moments behind many of today's most beloved scores.
Mystery Recipe (America's Test Kitchen)
Uncover the fun, fantastical, and fascinating sides of food
Planet Money (NPR)
The economy explained. Imagine you could call up a friend and say, "Let's meet up so I can hear what's going on with the economy." Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.
Proof (America's Test Kitchen)
Weird, surprising and funny backstories around food
RadioLab for Kids (WNYC Studios)
Kid-friendly stories curated by Radiolab.
Six Minutes
Eleven-year-old Holiday is pulled from the icy waters of Alaska with no memory of who she is or where she came from. Are her mom and dad, really who they say they are? And when she begins to develop incredible abilities, she'll soon discover she's not alone in the world. From the Peabody award-winning creators of The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel and the Peabody award-nominated Treasure Island 2020, comes Six Minutes, a mystery adventure for the whole family. Six minute episodes, twice a week, all year long...and beyond. Produced by Gen-Z Media in partnership with PRX.
Smash Boom Best
Smash Boom Best is a debate show for kids and families from the makers of the award-winning podcast, Brains On! Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best.
Story Pirates
Story Pirates is a group of world-class actors, comedians, improvisers and musicians who adapt stories written by kids into sketch comedy and musical theater.
The Way the World Works: A Tuttle Twins podcast tackles current events, hot topics, and fun ideas to help your family find clarity in a world full of confusion. This would be a solid choice for parents that want to teach their kids about Libertarian political principles.
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel
Listen along as eleven-year-old Mars Patel and his pals JP, Toothpick and Caddie set out on a daring adventure in search of two missing friends. But the mysterious tech billionaire Oliver Pruitt might just have a thing or two to say about their quest... Winner of the Peabody Award, Webby Award and Parents' Choice Gold Award.
What If World
Each week, Mr. Eric takes a "What if?" question from a kid and spins it, into a story for all of you!
Wow in the World (NPR)
Hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz guide curious kids and their grown ups on a journey into the wonders of the world around them. We'll go inside our brains, out into space and deep into the coolest new stories in science and technology.
What others would you add to this list?
You've come to the right place...
Brains On!
An award-winning science podcast for kids and curious adults from American Public Media.
But Why: A Podcast for Curious kids (NPR), But Why is a show led by kids! Kids ask the questions and they find, the answers. It's a big interesting world out there. They tackle topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world.
Circle Round (NPR)
Created and produced by parents of young children, WBUR's Circle Round adapts carefully-selected folktales from around the world into sound- and music-rich radio plays for kids ages 4 to 10. Each 10-to 20 minute episode explores important issues like kindness, persistence and generosity. And each episode ends with an activity that inspires a deeper conversation between children and grown-ups.
For Scores
In For Scores, host Jon Burlingame takes listeners on a magical journey into the world of film and television composers, revealing never-before heard special moments behind many of today's most beloved scores.
Mystery Recipe (America's Test Kitchen)
Uncover the fun, fantastical, and fascinating sides of food
Planet Money (NPR)
The economy explained. Imagine you could call up a friend and say, "Let's meet up so I can hear what's going on with the economy." Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.
Proof (America's Test Kitchen)
Weird, surprising and funny backstories around food
RadioLab for Kids (WNYC Studios)
Kid-friendly stories curated by Radiolab.
Six Minutes
Eleven-year-old Holiday is pulled from the icy waters of Alaska with no memory of who she is or where she came from. Are her mom and dad, really who they say they are? And when she begins to develop incredible abilities, she'll soon discover she's not alone in the world. From the Peabody award-winning creators of The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel and the Peabody award-nominated Treasure Island 2020, comes Six Minutes, a mystery adventure for the whole family. Six minute episodes, twice a week, all year long...and beyond. Produced by Gen-Z Media in partnership with PRX.
Smash Boom Best
Smash Boom Best is a debate show for kids and families from the makers of the award-winning podcast, Brains On! Every episode takes two cool things, smashes them together and lets you decide which is best.
Story Pirates
Story Pirates is a group of world-class actors, comedians, improvisers and musicians who adapt stories written by kids into sketch comedy and musical theater.
The Way the World Works: A Tuttle Twins podcast tackles current events, hot topics, and fun ideas to help your family find clarity in a world full of confusion. This would be a solid choice for parents that want to teach their kids about Libertarian political principles.
The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel
Listen along as eleven-year-old Mars Patel and his pals JP, Toothpick and Caddie set out on a daring adventure in search of two missing friends. But the mysterious tech billionaire Oliver Pruitt might just have a thing or two to say about their quest... Winner of the Peabody Award, Webby Award and Parents' Choice Gold Award.
What If World
Each week, Mr. Eric takes a "What if?" question from a kid and spins it, into a story for all of you!
Wow in the World (NPR)
Hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz guide curious kids and their grown ups on a journey into the wonders of the world around them. We'll go inside our brains, out into space and deep into the coolest new stories in science and technology.
What others would you add to this list?
Foreign Service kids are so blessed with a fantastic life of adventure and culture—and some really thrive in this kind of dynamic environment. But as a parent, you know that the Foreign Service also comes with certain challenges for our children too.
Transitions can be stressful and some kids might struggle with the constant changes brought on by each new post. Being uprooted every couple of years can also deprive children of a sense of belonging; they may struggle to maintain friendships and could even find it difficult to find their identity as a third-culture kid.
Our kids’ lives are so unique, the challenges they face are some their peers back at home could even fathom. That requires some specific and strategic problem solving—and thankfully, there are so many resources available to us as FS parents, including parenting coaches.
Parenting coaches provide tools, ideas, and support to help us help our children through any problems they may face. On top of that, they can help you be the best parent—especially during transitions. And what’s great is that there are several parenting coaches who specialize in helping foreign service families.
This is actually something I’ve been personally looking into for a while, even more so since my own family has moved across the world to a new post in the last year. Here’s a round-up of a few foreign service parenting coaches who I think would be incredibly helpful to our FS community families!
Transitions can be stressful and some kids might struggle with the constant changes brought on by each new post. Being uprooted every couple of years can also deprive children of a sense of belonging; they may struggle to maintain friendships and could even find it difficult to find their identity as a third-culture kid.
Our kids’ lives are so unique, the challenges they face are some their peers back at home could even fathom. That requires some specific and strategic problem solving—and thankfully, there are so many resources available to us as FS parents, including parenting coaches.
Parenting coaches provide tools, ideas, and support to help us help our children through any problems they may face. On top of that, they can help you be the best parent—especially during transitions. And what’s great is that there are several parenting coaches who specialize in helping foreign service families.
This is actually something I’ve been personally looking into for a while, even more so since my own family has moved across the world to a new post in the last year. Here’s a round-up of a few foreign service parenting coaches who I think would be incredibly helpful to our FS community families!
 Jennie Linton TheExpatMom.com Certified life coach and expat herself, helping other expat moms get unstuck and feel happy. |  Sharoya Ham EmbraceBehaviorChange.com Behavior change specialist and parenting coach helping parents raising teens. |  Sundae Bean SundaeBean.com Expat and intercultural strategist helping other expats love their life abroad. |  Katie Fowle LearningToFlourish.org CEFAR and US Dept. of Overseas Schools consultant helping parents of elementary age kids. |  Coach Angie ParentCoachAngie.com PCI Certified Parent Coach who works with mothers to help them empower their daughters. |
I’ll be welcoming a few of these parenting coaches to share their insights in our Toolbox for American Abroad Facebook Group! Join us now so you don’t miss a thing! www.facebook.com/groups/ToolboxForAmericansAbroad
| Our world is evolving faster than ever, and preparing a child for that world that doesn’t yet exist is an exceptional challenge. As part of the Foreign Service, our kids are already lightyears ahead of so many of their peers, but teaching them a few extra skills will give them an even bigger head start and make them better prepared for what’s to come in the New Year and beyond. Here’s a breakdown of some important life skills to teach your kids in 2021, along with a few suggestions for how you can tie many of them to their academic life. Don’t forget to join the Toolbox for Americans Abroad Facebook group for more tips and resources for FS kids!  | 1. Adaptability Last year showed us just how adaptable kids can be! It’s great for them to learn this skill at a young age. Research shows that kids who are highly adaptable tend to be happier in life, have higher self-esteem, have a deeper sense of purpose, be more driven, and feel more confident. You can teach kids adaptability by mirroring flexibility and introducing new routines and/or ideas to them regularly so they keep having to practice this skill. 2. Problem Solving Problem solving is a skill that helps kids develop discernment, creativity, resilience, confidence, and leadership. Almost every job application they’ll ever have to complete will require this skill. Playing games, giving kids room to make mistakes, and asking questions instead of answering them are all great ways to get kids to practice problem solving. 3. Communication Kids of the digital age are social by nature. They’re constantly communicating in several different media formats—texts, posts, chats, emails, you name it. Make sure they’re getting some face-to-face interactions in too, and always model respectful language and communication in your household. 4. Collaboration The world of the future (and even present day) is globalizing due to the internet. The ability to collaborate in these situations is essential. The simplest way to encourage collaboration is tackling projects as a family; getting your child involved in team and group activities helps them learn to collaborate with their peers as well! 5. Accountability Teaching accountability means teaching responsibility, honesty, and integrity. Online, independent learning (which most of our kids are currently very familiar with) is an excellent way to teach kids accountability; they learn the importance of intrinsic motivation and take responsibility for their own work and success.  |
Former U.S. Ambassador William Stoltzfus Jr. served many years in the Middle East, but it took him two attempts to be able to pass the Foreign Service Officer test. He was quoted in Princeton’s weekly community newsletter, Town Topics, saying, “I was turned down because they felt I didn't know enough about the U.S.!”
That statement makes sense when you consider that Ambassador Stolzfus, a child to Presbyterian missionaries, William and Ethel Stolfzfus, spent his childhood in Syria and Lebanon until he was 15 years old.
“I had fallen really short when asked to name 11 ports on the Mississippi River and other
mysterious questions to someone who grew up in the Middle East,” he told writer Jean
Stratton. “So I studied some American history, and the second time around, I was accepted.”
Families within the Foreign Service are expected to work and live overseas, and their children
get to experience some pretty amazing things throughout their overseas childhood, but there
can be a tradeoff.
American history is often not a course that is available in the host country,
even though it's an important subject that should be taught to American kids—no matter
where they live.
Online supplemental American history courses, such as the ones offered at U.S. History Abroad,
make it easy for parents to provide the American history education that kids are receiving in
American schools.
These types of program mean foreign service kids can continue to benefit from the unique experiences of living abroad, while still keeping pace with their peers back in the States. So as a FS parent, you truly can support your child’s education and give them the best of both worlds!
For more information, visit www.ushistoryabroad.com.
That statement makes sense when you consider that Ambassador Stolzfus, a child to Presbyterian missionaries, William and Ethel Stolfzfus, spent his childhood in Syria and Lebanon until he was 15 years old.
“I had fallen really short when asked to name 11 ports on the Mississippi River and other
mysterious questions to someone who grew up in the Middle East,” he told writer Jean
Stratton. “So I studied some American history, and the second time around, I was accepted.”
Families within the Foreign Service are expected to work and live overseas, and their children
get to experience some pretty amazing things throughout their overseas childhood, but there
can be a tradeoff.
American history is often not a course that is available in the host country,
even though it's an important subject that should be taught to American kids—no matter
where they live.
Online supplemental American history courses, such as the ones offered at U.S. History Abroad,
make it easy for parents to provide the American history education that kids are receiving in
American schools.
These types of program mean foreign service kids can continue to benefit from the unique experiences of living abroad, while still keeping pace with their peers back in the States. So as a FS parent, you truly can support your child’s education and give them the best of both worlds!
For more information, visit www.ushistoryabroad.com.
In August, I held a very special EFM Careers Summit inside the Toolbox for Americans Abroad Facebook Group. I live-chatted with nine speakers to get their advice and stories about how they’ve created and managed careers for themselves while at different posts all over the world! There were so many great takeaways, it’s much too difficult to share it all on one page, so here are a few quick-hit words of wisdom from each of the guest speakers.
Now you can watch or rewatch all of these video interviews, just click HERE!
Now you can watch or rewatch all of these video interviews, just click HERE!
Moving from one country to another can be stressful and sometimes feel isolating, especially if you’re doing it frequently. It’s important to have a strong community around you to give support, offer a helping hand, and simply provide friendship.
No matter where in the world you are, our Foreign Service community can be a great resource to help you get through life at a new post, but plugging in somewhere new is often easier said than done. And once you do get plugged in, life can get in the way of staying connected. So how do you go about getting and staying involved in your community? Here are five tips I’ve used as I’ve moved with my family from one post to the next:
1. Put yourself out there! I totally understand that if you’re shy, actually taking the step to connect to strangers can seem terrifying; but the truth is, so many other people are looking for a friend and sense of community too--they’re just too afraid to make the first move themselves. Start by connecting where you feel comfortable. It can be as simple as complimenting someone in line while picking up your packages, making small talk with someone at your favorite coffee shop, or planning a play date for your kids. Putting yourself out there may be the most challenging step, but it’s also the most rewarding!
2. Make friends with your Community Liaison Officer (CLO). Ask your CLO for the inside scoop on your post’s community. How have people come together in the past? Are there certain activities that really bring the community together? Is there a community chat on WhatsApp or do people prefer communicating on Facebook? You can even try asking what’s missing in the community. Are people craving a book club but no one’s organized one yet? Be willing to step up and fill a void. Your CLO is a tremendous support system; let them you know what to be involved in the community and/or meet new friends, and they’ll probably get the word out and point you in the right direction.
No matter where in the world you are, our Foreign Service community can be a great resource to help you get through life at a new post, but plugging in somewhere new is often easier said than done. And once you do get plugged in, life can get in the way of staying connected. So how do you go about getting and staying involved in your community? Here are five tips I’ve used as I’ve moved with my family from one post to the next:
1. Put yourself out there! I totally understand that if you’re shy, actually taking the step to connect to strangers can seem terrifying; but the truth is, so many other people are looking for a friend and sense of community too--they’re just too afraid to make the first move themselves. Start by connecting where you feel comfortable. It can be as simple as complimenting someone in line while picking up your packages, making small talk with someone at your favorite coffee shop, or planning a play date for your kids. Putting yourself out there may be the most challenging step, but it’s also the most rewarding!
2. Make friends with your Community Liaison Officer (CLO). Ask your CLO for the inside scoop on your post’s community. How have people come together in the past? Are there certain activities that really bring the community together? Is there a community chat on WhatsApp or do people prefer communicating on Facebook? You can even try asking what’s missing in the community. Are people craving a book club but no one’s organized one yet? Be willing to step up and fill a void. Your CLO is a tremendous support system; let them you know what to be involved in the community and/or meet new friends, and they’ll probably get the word out and point you in the right direction.
3. Join the community Facebook group. If there isn’t a group set up for your local post then create one! Use it as a forum to talk about what your family is doing. If you’re taking your kids swimming, ask if other parents want to come along. If you just tried a new restaurant, share your thoughts and ask for additional recommendations.
4. Just say YES! Start saying yes to all the invitations that come your way! This isn’t forever, but when you first arrive at a new post, do your best to attend every get-together, party, play date, CLO Coffee, or other invitation extended to you. You’ll meet new people and showing up for stuff will help you keep tabs on all the community goings-on.
4. Just say YES! Start saying yes to all the invitations that come your way! This isn’t forever, but when you first arrive at a new post, do your best to attend every get-together, party, play date, CLO Coffee, or other invitation extended to you. You’ll meet new people and showing up for stuff will help you keep tabs on all the community goings-on.
5. Throw a party! Better yet, don’t wait for others to invite you to a party—throw your own! Most people are looking for a sense of community too, they’re just too afraid to make the first move. It doesn’t have to be elaborate either. Love wine? Create a wine club. Into board games? Host a family game night! Or simply bring people together for a barbecue or a potluck.
I like the idea of, what I call, Treats in the Streets. It’s a fun twist on trick or treat! Ask few neighbors to serve a treat (like cookies, lemonade, etc.) and the take turns visiting the different treat stations. The “party” possibilities are endless; do whatever makes you feel most comfortable!
Above all else, remember everyone is new to a post at one point. So don’t stress! It might take a little time to find your community, but I’ll happen. If you put yourself out there and share a friendly smile, you’ll ultimately find the circle that’s right for you!
Want more tips and tricks for making your life in the Foreign Service a bit easer? For an ongoing list of ideas like these, straight to your inbox each week, subscribe to 3-Things.
Want more tips and tricks for making your life in the Foreign Service a bit easer? For an ongoing list of ideas like these, straight to your inbox each week, subscribe to 3-Things.
Once your family makes the decision to join the foreign service and move abroad, it—very obviously—completely changes your life. With every new post comes new opportunities, new challenges, new excitement.
No matter how long you’ve been in the foreign service and living abroad for, you’ll learn there are a few essentials you need to make your life easier.
My family has been a part of the foreign service for more than 9 years (and are currently bidding)! I've found that as new technology, gadgets, entertainment, and life hacks become available, life abroad gets a little easier and easier. Make sure you have these seven essentials with you no matter where you are in the world.
No matter how long you’ve been in the foreign service and living abroad for, you’ll learn there are a few essentials you need to make your life easier.
My family has been a part of the foreign service for more than 9 years (and are currently bidding)! I've found that as new technology, gadgets, entertainment, and life hacks become available, life abroad gets a little easier and easier. Make sure you have these seven essentials with you no matter where you are in the world.
1. Pack a Go Bag At this point, we all know how important it is to have an emergency kit for when disaster strikes. Living abroad in often unstable, unfamiliar, or at the very least, interesting places, it’s even more essential. A natural disaster or even a power outage can leave your family in the lurch if you’re not prepared. Actually putting a Go Bag together can be overwhelming—there are so many “must-have” items. Which do you really need? Which are the best? Let’s Go! Bags takes the hassle out of making your own. You can order a complete kit—with everything from light to food to water to chargers—or make your own from their curated list of supplies. Let’s Go! Bag makes it so easy, so no more excuses for not having one.
2. Learn CPR Here’s another living-abroad essential many of us have neglected or put off. Maybe you think you don’t have the time or won’t be able to handle the stress of having someone’s life on your hands, but a basic knowledge of CPR is truly the difference between life and death. This video from the British Heart Foundation proves it’s not as hard as it looks (and trust me, after watching, you won’t soon forget the technique).
3. Keep Your Kids Safe The Gift of Fear and Protecting the Gift are two MUST reads for any parent. The Gift of Fear teaches you how to trust your gut to protect yourself in potentially dangerous situations, and Protecting the Gift takes it a step further by sharing practical steps to ensure your children are protected and giving you the tools to keep them safe, no matter their age.
2. Learn CPR Here’s another living-abroad essential many of us have neglected or put off. Maybe you think you don’t have the time or won’t be able to handle the stress of having someone’s life on your hands, but a basic knowledge of CPR is truly the difference between life and death. This video from the British Heart Foundation proves it’s not as hard as it looks (and trust me, after watching, you won’t soon forget the technique).
3. Keep Your Kids Safe The Gift of Fear and Protecting the Gift are two MUST reads for any parent. The Gift of Fear teaches you how to trust your gut to protect yourself in potentially dangerous situations, and Protecting the Gift takes it a step further by sharing practical steps to ensure your children are protected and giving you the tools to keep them safe, no matter their age.
4. Listen to the Expat Happy Hour This awesome podcast—hosted by Sundae Bean, an “intercultural specialist” and expat coach—is dedicated to helping expats adapt and succeed when living abroad. Expat Happy Hour is created to help you solve some of the stickiest challenges related to international life. It’s funny, heartfelt, and helpful, and will get your through tough transitions and help you feel more connected.
5. Stock Up on The Right Gadgets Having the right tech in your pocket will make life abroad so much easier. This solar-powered phone charger ensures you have power, as long as there’s sun. If you don’t already have an Amazon Kindle, then get one! The newest version holds thousands of titles so you’ll never be without something to read. Finally, this non-tech multi-tool is really 10 tools in one; from a driver to tweezers to a bottle opener, you’ll be set for whatever life throws at you.
6. Get Some Helpful Travel Tech Whether you’re into researching your next trip or hate the idea of looking up places, there’s a travel app for you. TripIt helps you organize and access all your travel bookings in one place (offline too!). On the other hand, Inspirock does all the planning for you, building an itinerary with tons of carefully curated attractions to match her personal preferences. Of course, you’ll want to capture all your amazing travel moments, and for that, there’s Flytographer, which sets you up with a local photographer at more than 300 destinations across the world. Need a method to pay for the next trip? Make sure the foreign transaction fees on your travel credit card are minimal (or even better, zero!). You'll likely be able to score some rewards when you use your card too!
7. Hack Your Foreign Service Life There are a ton of benefits to living abroad, but if you don’t know the hacks that’ll make your life easier, you’re missing out! Download 40 Hacks for Life in the Foreign Service and see what a huge impact it makes! I know it’ll save you so much time, money, and stress! www.ushistoryabroad.com/hacks
6. Get Some Helpful Travel Tech Whether you’re into researching your next trip or hate the idea of looking up places, there’s a travel app for you. TripIt helps you organize and access all your travel bookings in one place (offline too!). On the other hand, Inspirock does all the planning for you, building an itinerary with tons of carefully curated attractions to match her personal preferences. Of course, you’ll want to capture all your amazing travel moments, and for that, there’s Flytographer, which sets you up with a local photographer at more than 300 destinations across the world. Need a method to pay for the next trip? Make sure the foreign transaction fees on your travel credit card are minimal (or even better, zero!). You'll likely be able to score some rewards when you use your card too!
7. Hack Your Foreign Service Life There are a ton of benefits to living abroad, but if you don’t know the hacks that’ll make your life easier, you’re missing out! Download 40 Hacks for Life in the Foreign Service and see what a huge impact it makes! I know it’ll save you so much time, money, and stress! www.ushistoryabroad.com/hacks
We'd been out of the country for four years and wanted our kids to review and learn American history before returning. I was anxious about their re-entry experience, but U.S. History Abroad's courses brought surprising excitement from my kids about moving back.
When we arrived, [to D.C.] a museum volunteer commented at how knowledgable my kids were about the American Revolution! That was a proud mama moment for sure.
If I had know how short & sweet these history lessons were, I wouldn't have put off enrolling in them. Don't wait until the year before you move back to the States if you can help it. It turned out to be fine-- the kids just took two courses this year to get caught up, but they enjoyed it so much, I wish they could've taken their time."
When we arrived, [to D.C.] a museum volunteer commented at how knowledgable my kids were about the American Revolution! That was a proud mama moment for sure.
If I had know how short & sweet these history lessons were, I wouldn't have put off enrolling in them. Don't wait until the year before you move back to the States if you can help it. It turned out to be fine-- the kids just took two courses this year to get caught up, but they enjoyed it so much, I wish they could've taken their time."
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Click >>HERE<< to read more testimonials from parents and students.
