Entries by Melinda Roberts

Trials and tribulations of finding a rental

In the span of our first few years in Silicon Valley, my husband and I ended up living in five different rentals. They were all in the same city and most of them in the same general neighborhood. Our problem clearly was not in finding the right spot. For us it was a matter of […]

Home is where the heart is

Home is where the heart is – it’s a tried and true saying, a bit worn perhaps, but it still sounds about right to me. I have been thinking about it a lot this past week while running last minute errands with my son before he heads off to college. He’ll be in a foreign […]

US health insurance – oh, the headache!

If there is one thing that unites foreign residents in the US in bafflement and frustration it is the US health insurance system. I have yet to meet anyone who has an uncomplicated relationship to their health insurance policy or who is completely happy with the effects it has on decisions regarding wellness and health […]

Getting Ready For the New School Year

The new school year is approaching fast and for many it’s a time of mixed feelings: sadness that lazy summer days are coming to an end, relief that the days will once again resume normal structure, frenzy over back-to-school shopping, stress over paperwork and perhaps disbelief that your child is already going to kindergarten/middle school/high […]

Global world, global communication

I am back home for the summer and the town where I am staying is host to the world’s largest youth soccer tournament. This week, some 1700 teams representing 80 countries have gathered to play soccer, but also to get an experience of a different kind. Ask most any kid participating in the tournament and […]

Learning how to communicate – it’s a serious thing!

Fyodor Dostoyevsky put his finger on it when he said: “Much unhappiness has come into the world because of bewilderment and things left unsaid.” Most of us are aware of the importance of open and honest communication – with our partners for sure, as well as with our parents, children, friends and co-workers. A move […]

Relocation separation? Make communication a priority!

Being in the middle of an international relocation, whether in the preparatory stages or the ‘newly arrived’ stage, is stressful. There is emotional and practical upheaval along with tons of decisions to make and actions to take. Among all these thoughts and decisions and practical matters it is easy to forget that your relationships still […]

Camilla Degerth – citizen of the world

An interview by Felicia Shermis When Camilla Degerth and I talk at the beginning of June she is just about to move – again! This time it’s not a big international relocation, which has been the norm, but rather a smaller cross-town affair. Nevertheless, it’s a busy time for Camilla and her family and I […]

Fourth of July – celebrations and expectations

Independence Day, or Fourth of July as it is also known, is a day that comes with traditions and expectations. It is definitely a day for fun and celebrations, for friends and family to get together (and hopefully get along) and good food and drink. Specific customs vary from family to family and place to […]

Being a multicultural family

Raising a family in a multicultural setting can be really hard. There are so many potential pitfalls and opportunities for misunderstandings. Getting to a point of comfort and agreement with your partner, your children and your larger community, takes work and compromise. You are likely to have to take a serious look at what you […]