In this insightful episode of Maternity Abroad, Jessica sits down with Tânia to explore her experiences living and raising children abroad. From her initial move to Finland for her doctoral studies to spending time in the Netherlands, Tânia shares the challenges and joys of raising a family in a multicultural environment. Her story sheds light on the intricacies of adapting to new countries, navigating different education systems, and balancing family life far from home.

Key Highlights:

• First Time Living Abroad: Tânia reflects on her move to Finland for her PhD and how what was meant to be a one-year stay turned into a long-term relocation.

• Life in Finland vs. the Netherlands: Discover the differences Tânia observed between these two countries, from the education system for her children to the cultural and social norms that shaped their family life.

• Parenting Multicultural Children: Tânia discusses the unique experience of raising her daughters in a bilingual and bicultural household, ensuring they stay connected to their Brazilian roots while integrating into Finnish society.

• Adapting to Local Schools: The episode dives into Tânia’s decision to enroll her daughters in Finnish schools, sharing insights on how they adapted to the language and culture.

• Maintaining Connections to Brazil: Despite the physical distance from Brazil, Tânia emphasizes the importance of keeping her children connected to their Brazilian heritage, from language preservation to family traditions.

Episode Takeaways:

• Cultural Integration: Tânia’s journey highlights the importance of immersing oneself in the local culture while maintaining ties to your home country.

• Educational Transitions: Adapting to a new country’s education system can be challenging, but Tânia shares practical advice on how to support children through these transitions.

• Building a Support Network Abroad: Whether through friends, local communities, or family visits, having a support system in place makes life abroad much smoother for expat families.

Tune in to hear more about Tânia’s life abroad and share your own experiences of living in foreign countries. What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them? Leave a comment and join the conversation!

This episode is a must-listen for expat families looking for inspiration on navigating life abroad while keeping cultural connections alive.