The New Global Student: Skip the SAT, Save Thousands on Tuition, and Get a Truly International Education by Maya Frost. Maya Frost has written a rather astonishing (to me, at least) how-to book. While her focus is ostensibly on how living and studying overseas is a powerful alternative to the standard US educational path, it is also much more. The Frost family, Maya, Tom and four daughters, were living in Portland, OR when they decided -- with three daughters in high school -- to move to …
Expat Films: Chocolat
Chocolat, 2000, starring Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench and Johnny Depp, is a heartwarming movie dealing with expat issues on several levels. Vianne Rocher is the daughter of a French pharmacist and a South American woman whose people are missionaries. Not religious missionaries, but, following the north wind, Chitza and her people spread the good news about chocolate and bring cacao-based remedies to people in need. Following in her mother's footsteps, Vianne becomes a missionary expat who uses …
Expat Books: Martin Chuzzlewit
Martin Chuzzlewit is not one of Charles Dickens' best-known novels, but it's always been one of my favorites because of the wonderful expat section. Martin Chuzzlewit was published in 1842, following by a few years the author's first visit to the United States. Dickens' description of the US is witty, satiric, and scathing in its depiction of national follies. …
First Impressions – China
Desi Downey is the author of the book NiHowdy, her recently published account of her six years in China as a trailing spouse. We appreciate Desi sharing her first impression of her adopted country. Scroll down for a link to purchase the book. Neon. Lots and lots of neon. That is one of the first things I remember about China. When I was presented with the opportunity to live and work in China I jumped at the chance, even though I was both terrified and thrilled. And maybe just a little …
Expat Films: Anna and the King
Released in 1999, starring Jodie Foster, Chow Yun-Fat and Tom Felton. Based on the diaries of Anna Leonowens, an English widow who spent six years in the court of Siam as teacher to King Mongkut’s children, the film pays homage to Anna, portrays some of the historical events of the time, and adds more than a soupcon of Hollywood-style romance. Mrs. Leonowens arrived in Bangkok in 1862, to teach the King’s oldest son, Prince Chulalongkorn. She immediately sets the tone for her relationship with …
Expat Films: Mosquito Coast
Mosquito Coast, starring Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren and River Phoenix, based on a book by Paul Theroux, chronicles the adventures of the Fox family. Brilliant inventor/philosopher/father Allie Fox (Harrison Ford) gets disgusted with the United States and moves his family to the jungles of Central America. "Nobody ever thinks of leaving this country" says Allie. "I do, I think about it every day." …