Ep.31: Moving Precious Goods: International Relocations with Children with Karlijn Jacobs & Mira Pathak

Show notes

Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Karlijn Jacobs, a family relocation expert from Expat Valley, to unpack the often-overlooked challenges families face when relocating internationally. Drawing from her personal journey of moving to Shanghai, Karlijn opens up about the struggles her family encountered, and the gaps in support that made an already difficult transition even harder.

We explore why it's crucial for organisations to prioritise the well-being of not just the relocating employees, but also their families. Karlijn shares practical advice for fostering open communication between employers and families, while addressing common misconceptions about family relocations—particularly the impact on children.

As a leader in the field, Expat Valley offers tailored resources to help families navigate this complex process, ensuring a smoother transition and a more positive experience for everyone involved.

Key Takeaways: Family well-being matters: The success of international assignments hinges on how well families are supported throughout the relocation process. Communication is essential: Open and clear communication between companies and relocating families can make a huge difference in ensuring a smooth transition. Misconceptions exist: There's a lack of understanding around family relocations, particularly regarding the emotional toll on children. Expat Valley is here to help: They provide resources to ease the burden on families, helping them adapt to new environments.

Authors: Karlijn Jacobs is the Ombudsperson for International Children and founder of Expat Valley. She advocates for equal support for international families, raising awareness and offering solutions to improve the Family Relocation Experience for global employees.

Mira Pathak is a co-founder of the People Mobility Alliance. She is an experienced global mobility and international HR professional with more than 15 years of experience.