Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsAn indispensable resource for expats
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2016
The Expat Partner's Survival Guide by Clara Wiggins is nothing short of volume full of incredible resources, personal accounts, and tips from an expert expat and 70 contributors. Clara is a fourth generation expat and has lived in twelve countries on five continents. Her worldliness shows in her approach to this guide and anyone who is considering a life overseas should read this book first before making the leap.
As I was reading it, I wish I had this guide before we moved to Sweden. It was one of those, "Man, why couldn't I have read this before we moved instead of after?" thoughts. It remains at the top of my recommended resources for anyone considering a move abroad or relocation.
Clara's narrative style is like that of a good friend guiding you through one of the most difficult life-decisions you've ever made over a nice cup of coffee (or tea since she is British). She is calm, humorous, and keeps things in perspective. The world "trailing spouse" is one that should be abolished as Clara makes it clear that accompanying partners are anything but "trailing." Clara walks you through many of the decisions that you'll need to make when moving abroad.
This book covers almost every topic and the kitchen sink. I would recommend purchasing both paperback and ebook. Why? Because it is so helpful to have a physical book in your hands for easy reference and the ebook is hyperlinked to a gazillion websites that are much easier to click than type in by hand.
While there is no way to prevent culture shock, at least you can expect the unexpected with this book. Clara's extensive personal experience combined with her contributor interviews of over 70 expats will leave you feeling like you just consulted with some of the world's top experts on living abroad.
The tips, stories, and anecdotes within this book are beyond helpful in reassuring you that while there will be bumps along the road, you are on the right path for a successful relocation and can handle whatever life throws at you.
