Living abroad as an expat brings with it a host of incredible experiences, opportunities, and challenges, especially when raising children in a country different from your own. We’ve had the unique experience of living in multiple countries—starting our journey as a young couple in London and Paris, then moving to Singapore where our kids were born, and finally relocating to Switzerland when they started school. Each move has brought its own set of benefits and challenges, shaping not only our lives as individuals and a couple but also the experiences and outlooks of our children.
In this post, I’d like to share some reflections on the joys and hurdles of expat life, especially when raising children born in a foreign country.
The Benefits of Raising Children Abroad
1. Exposure to Multiple Cultures and Languages
One of the greatest gifts we can give our children by living abroad is the exposure to different cultures and languages. When our children were born in Singapore, they were surrounded by a rich mix of cultures—Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western influences—all blending together. This multicultural environment allowed them to experience diversity from an early age and fostered a natural curiosity about the world.
Now that we’ve moved to Switzerland, they are learning new languages like French and German, which only enhances their ability to adapt and connect with people from different backgrounds. Growing up with multiple languages also has cognitive benefits, boosting their ability to switch between tasks and solve problems creatively.
Learning different customs, traditions, and ways of life in each country helps broaden their worldview, teaching them to appreciate diversity and become global citizens—something that will benefit them throughout their lives.
2. Building Resilience and Adaptability
As expat children, our kids have learned to be flexible and resilient from an early age. Moving between countries, adjusting to new environments, and making new friends are all part of the expat experience. While this can be challenging at times, it has also taught them how to adapt to change and approach new situations with an open mind.
Each move, whether from Singapore to Switzerland or from London to Paris before we had children, required us to adjust our routines and settle into new cultures. Our children have grown accustomed to this rhythm and are now more adaptable in their approach to life. This skill of resilience will serve them well in the future, helping them to thrive in an ever-changing world.
3. Access to a Global Network
Another significant benefit of expat life is the opportunity to build an international network. Our children have friends from various parts of the world, and as they grow, this global network will expand even further. Whether they stay in touch with friends in Singapore, meet new classmates in Switzerland, or remember visits to family in Europe, these international connections create a rich and diverse support system.
This global exposure also helps them understand that the world is vast, full of opportunity, and filled with different perspectives. By growing up in this environment, they’re gaining the tools to communicate and collaborate across cultures—an invaluable asset in the increasingly interconnected world we live in.
The Challenges of Expat Life
1. Frequent Transitions and Adjustments
One of the most difficult aspects of expat life is the constant change, especially when it involves moving to new countries. For our children, each move has meant leaving behind friends and familiar environments. Moving from Singapore to Switzerland, for example, required them to adjust to new schools, a different climate, and a completely new language.
As parents, it’s our job to help ease these transitions by creating routines that offer a sense of stability, no matter where we are. While frequent transitions can be hard, they also provide opportunities for growth. The key is finding ways to maintain a sense of continuity, whether through familiar family traditions, keeping in touch with old friends, or finding local activities that can help the children feel grounded.
2. Distance from Family and Friends
Living far away from extended family and close friends is another challenge that comes with expat life. When we were in Singapore, we were quite far from our family in Europe, and regular visits required long intercontinental flights. While video calls and digital communication helped bridge the gap, nothing quite replaces the joy of in-person visits.
Moving to Switzerland has brought us physically closer to family, but it’s still a challenge to balance time between the different countries. For our children, not being able to see grandparents, cousins, or family friends as often as they might like can be difficult. However, we try to make the most of our visits and create special memories each time we reunite with family.
3. Identity and Belonging
For children growing up in multiple countries, questions about identity and belonging can sometimes arise. Our kids were born in Singapore, but we moved to Switzerland when they were young, and before that, we lived in London and Paris as a couple. They are growing up with different cultural influences, and at times, it can be hard for them to define exactly where “home” is.
To address this, we try to help them embrace the idea of being “third-culture kids,” encouraging them to see their multicultural background as something that enriches their lives rather than complicates it. We also make sure to honor their heritage and roots, sharing stories of our own experiences in Europe, while also celebrating the new traditions and cultures they’re exposed to in Switzerland.
Finding Balance and Moving Forward
As we look back on our expat journey—from young professionals in London and Paris to starting our family in Singapore and now raising school-aged children in Switzerland—we see the many ways that living abroad has shaped who we are as a family. While there are challenges, the benefits of raising children abroad far outweigh the difficulties. Our kids are learning to embrace diversity, adapt to change, and see the world through a global lens.
For families considering life abroad, the experience can be transformative, offering opportunities for both personal growth and unforgettable memories. The key is to stay flexible, support your children through the transitions, and appreciate the unique advantages that come with raising a family in a foreign country.
As we continue on this journey, we know that each new challenge will bring new opportunities to learn, grow, and discover—both for us and for our children. Expat life may not always be easy, but it’s certainly rewarding.
Captain Pillowbelly's Adventures 