on TAIPEI Kil'n time in Taipei - Community Services Center

their new home. Taking time to say
goodbye to the people and places
that have been important to you
while in Taiwan will assist with your
transition.
If your next destination is a return
to your home country, remember
that repatriation requires special
planning and consideration. It is
important to remember that going
home after a long time away is
often a very stressful experience.
Encourage each family member to
share feelings and thoughts about
going home. Remember that friends
and family who were left behind
when you went overseas may have
been through many changes, just as
experience a sense of loss for not
only the friendships you developed,
but also the unique opportunities
available to you in your daily life.
Just as you eventually adjusted to
life in Taiwan, you will find that
adjusting to your new location or
“home” will happen in time.
While much is said and written
about preparing to “leave well” it is
critical not to overlook those who
are left behind. As expatriates we
all experience the inevitable, often
painful, transition of watching
friends leave. We may have the
tendency to rationalize this process
as simply being “part of the ex-pat
life” and minimize the emotional
importance of these relationships
will assist with your ability to
create new relationships in the
future. Thankfully, technology has
made keeping in touch with friends
easier. Email and instant messaging
can assist kids and adults alike in
maintaining meaningful contact with
close friends around the globe.
Is leaving (both leaving and being
left behind) a reality of expatriate
life? Yes. Is dealing with it through
avoidance and minimizing necessary?
No. Change is inevitable, yet if
we increase our awareness of our
feelings we can become better
equipped with the ability to navigate
these transitions successfully.
you may have changed significantly toll that it can take. Just as we
This article was first published in a
during your expatriate experience. encourage those who are departing
2007 issue of Centered on Taipei.
Once you have returned home it will to work on leaving well we can
14 june 2010
be a kindness to give yourself time to
adjust - refrain from the initial urge
to dive in. Remember the myriad
feelings you had when you initially
arrived in Taiwan and recognize
that just as you grieved for your
“home” when you came to Taiwan
you may be grieving again. You may
also pay attention to our own
emotions and feelings as we watch
our friends go. Take the time to
acknowledge the feelings you have
about your friends’ departure
and consider telling them what
kind of impact they have had on
your life. Acknowledging the
Cynthia Teeters has a M.S in Social
Work and works with individuals,
couples and families at The Center.
Originally from the U.S, she has
lived in Asia for the past eight
years and during that time has said
farewell to many friends and places.