Expat Family Life Archives - Family Move Abroad

Considering an overseas move with children? Grab a copy of Expat Education: An Expat’s Guide to Choosing a School Overseas by Carole Hallett Mobbs. Wherever you're at on your expat journey, this book will help you understand the many education related concerns of moving your child to a foreign country. Expat Education -- The Kinds… Continue reading Expat Education: An Expat’s Guide to Choosing a School Overseas

Expat Family Life, Expat Tips

Our 10 Biggest Mistakes Moving to Spain – And What We’d Do Differently Next Time

April 29, 2019August 24, 2020 familymoveabroad

Our biggest mistakes moving to Spain from the US as a family. I’d never moved kids to Spain before. In fact, I'd never moved to or lived in any foreign country before. Truly, I thought I’d researched everything. Far more went wrong than right. These are our 10 biggest mistakes moving our family to Spain… Continue reading Our 10 Biggest Mistakes Moving to Spain – And What We’d Do Differently Next Time

Culture Shock, Expat Family Life, Expat Tips

Your Child’s Move Abroad: 5 Factors Affecting How They Cope

April 25, 2019January 14, 2020 familymoveabroad

Just as with adults, children moving abroad experience a sense of loss and period of adjustment. Loosely termed culture shock, each child or teen’s adaptation process will be unique to them. Understanding the variables that play a role in your child's transition after moving abroad can help you set your family up for success.

Expat Education, Expat Family Life

First Day of School in Spain – A Family Expat Story

March 26, 2019February 3, 2020 familymoveabroad

I thought dropping off my kids for their first day of kindergarten was scary. It was nothing compared to parenting them through their first day as American expats going to school in Spain. The curriculum at the Colegio San Francisco de Paula in Seville is completely bilingual. Half the core classes are taught in English,… Continue reading First Day of School in Spain – A Family Expat Story

Expat Family Life

Why Move Abroad — Our Family Expat Story

March 4, 2019March 11, 2019 familymoveabroad

Hi, I’m Jackie Baxa. Welcome to Family Move Abroad -- Inspiration and Information to Move Your Family to a Foreign Country. My husband, Dave, and I had always dreamed of living in a foreign country with our children while they were still children. In August 2016, our sons then ages 9 and 13, we stepped… Continue reading Why Move Abroad — Our Family Expat Story

We would have been lost without Jackie’s guidance.

There are so many aspects to moving one's family abroad that it can be overwhelming just to think about. The various steps, forms, copies, notaries, etc. as one works through two countries' bureaucracies is a road besot by potholes, u-turns & dead-ends. Jackie was able to organize everything into concise buckets for us so that we were able to visualize the tasks we had to do, make it have logical sense, and gave us the confidence that we could do it. The end result was that we were totally prepared without feeling like it was a ton of work. We didn't have one hang-up. Jackie pays strict attention to detail so that there is nothing that one could encounter during the process that would trip up or delay it and she is very energetic and driven which keeps one on task and gives confidence that they can and will make this adventure happen. The Wells Family, North Carolina

Family Move Abroad

2019-12-20T16:10:26+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/we-would-have-been-lost-without-jackies-guidance-and-following-her-step-by-step-plan/

I was grateful to have been connected with Jackie.

My daughter is studying abroad and is attending the same school as Jackie's son. I corresponded with Jackie and she provided me with valuable insights about the school. When my daughter and I arrived in Spain, Jackie and I agreed to meet at the Open House at my daughter's new school, and Jackie introduced me to a number of expat parents and their children, many of whom are now my daughter's closest friends at school. Jackie helped me make connections that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to find, and having those made it easier for me to help my daughter navigate her cultural transition. Meriwynn, North Carolina

Family Move Abroad

2019-12-20T16:11:39+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/i-was-grateful-to-have-been-connected-with-jackie/

Dig into the details and you’ll soon see why someone like Jackie is invaluable.

If you’re on Jackie’s site, chances are you're feeling like I did during the process of applying for a Spanish visa and foreigner ID card: confused and looking for answers related to the mountain of required paperwork. On the surface, this process seems easy. Dig into the details and you’ll soon see why someone like Jackie is invaluable. Jackie can help you sort out the various pieces of this puzzle and avoid the many rabbit holes that result in a lot of wasted time. These days, I’m living in Spain. This new lifestyle is due in part to Jackie and friends who shared their knowledge along the way. Kim, Jackson WY

Family Move Abroad

2019-12-20T16:16:03+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/dig-into-the-details-and-youll-soon-see-why-someone-like-jackie-is-invaluable/

Jackie Baxa’s services are invaluable…

Moving to Spain for more than three months is complicated and time consuming, especially if you don't have extra time, patience or connections. Jackie Baxa's services are invaluable and I dare say a must if moving to Sevilla. Although I did not find her until we had already finished most of the visa process, she was indispensable as a resource on boys soccer in Sevilla. Had I not contacted her, we would have gone down a very expensive and unnecessary path to finding a team for our teenage boy. Even if she doesn't personally have experience with a particular interest, she probably knows someone you might contact for help. Moving to Spain in difficult in many ways but using Jackie's services will certainly ease some the headache and confusion. L. French, San Anselmo, California

Family Move Abroad

2019-12-20T16:19:14+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/jackie-baxas-services-are-invaluable/

Had to drop a note of thanks

Just beginning our journey to retire to Valencia in the next 12-18 months and had to drop a note of thanks. Your website is so helpful and loved your blog post about your own family's process--laughed out loud! Thank you again for the wonderful info and for the good laugh. Ivy L, Chicago, IL

Family Move Abroad

2019-12-20T16:22:32+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/had-to-drop-a-note-of-thanks/

Jackie Baxa has been amazingly helpful over the past couple of months.

My family are weighing our options for moving to Spain and she has be truly spot on in providing great information to assist us with our decision. Her responses to my e-mails/inquiries are timely and very honest. I would recommend her to anyone seeking valuable information and guidance when thinking about moving to or planning for a move to beautiful España!! Josh, US Military

Family Move Abroad

2019-12-20T17:10:34+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/jackie-baxa-has-been-amazingly-helpful-over-the-past-couple-of-months/

Thank you, thank you for giving me hope that I can do this.

I don't think I have ever contacted a stranger on the internet to let them know how much I appreciate their website. I've been drowning in what feels like an overwhelming amount of visa information (and at the same time, not enough information? At least, not enough that is clear). And I stumbled across your page and received almost the best news I could have imagined. Seriously, I can't thank you enough. Thanks again for all of your hard work in putting this information together. It's invaluable! J.S., Washington DC

Family Move Abroad

2019-12-20T17:11:27+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/thank-you-thank-you-for-giving-me-hope-that-i-can-do-this/

I still refer to her emails almost daily!

I found Jackie through a friend of a friend as my husband and I tried to get organized for his one year sabbatical in Sevilla. Jackie was indispensable in helping us decide on where to live, pick a school for our kids, navigate school registration, find an apartment, etc. She knows firsthand how particularly tough this process can be on kids and really helped prepare us for what to expect and how to support our kids. She visited several flats for us and helped us find the one we eventually rented. It is perfect for our family and she helped make the process truly painless. We corresponded mostly by email and she was incredibly prompt and very detailed with her responses. Beyond the essentials, she made lots of recommendations of cafes, day trips, things to do with visiting family, etc. I am so thankful for all her help and we are off to a wonderful start to our year in Sevilla. Jennifer and Paul, Idaho

Family Move Abroad

2019-12-20T17:13:09+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/i-still-refer-to-her-emails-almost-daily/

She’s professional, knowledgeable, direct, and easy to work with!

Trying to understand the non-lucrative process at the Boston consulate was a bit of a nightmare at times. I’m someone who is “good with paperwork”, but having Jackie on my side to help guide me through the process was absolutely worth it, and I would hire her again if needed. She has all the right contacts and helped answer all my questions and concerns. I was under a tight deadline (I had to turn my paperwork around in 3 weeks), and we did it with time to spare - and without breaking my bank account. Amazing! I highly recommend Jackie for any part of the visa process. Sarah, Vermont

Family Move Abroad

2019-12-20T17:14:04+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/shes-professional-knowledgeable-direct-and-easy-to-work-with/

I’m so thankful to have connected with Jackie!

Jackie helped me with my Non Lucrative Visa process. Without her guidance and assistance I would have been completely lost! Jackie was thorough and explained every step along the way. I highly recommend Jackie and her services! Emma, California

Family Move Abroad

2019-12-20T17:14:37+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/im-so-thankful-to-have-connected-with-jackie/

Jackie is very friendly and quick to respond to my emails.

She gave me some additional tips on the NLV and the name of a good abogado! Much appreciated. Connie, Arizona

Family Move Abroad

2019-12-20T17:15:16+00:00

She gave me some additional tips on the NLV and the name of a good abogado! Much appreciated. Connie, Arizona

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/jackie-is-very-friendly-and-quick-to-respond-to-my-emails/

Jackie is So Knowledgeable About All Things Relocation

Jackie is so knowledgeable about all things relocation and was so kind and generous with her time. She steered my family in the perfect direction. Not to mention, I loved having her visa checklist! B. Walker, Florida

Family Move Abroad

2020-08-21T14:37:26+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/jackie-is-so-knowledgeable-about-all-things-relocation/

Jackie is a wealth of knowledge….

Jackie is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to the dizzying, nuanced requirements from the Spain consulates. She’s super responsive and very well connected to qualified translators and support teams to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. Most of all, having a visa guru like Jackie simply provides peace of mind that you’re on track and nothing is falling through the cracks. She’ll save you time and money in the end! A. Smith, Utah

Family Move Abroad

2020-08-23T19:17:20+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/jackie-is-a-wealth-of-knowledge/

I Am Glad to Write a Recommendation for Jackie Baxa

It was my desire to apply for a non lucrative visa to move to Spain. I decided early on in the process to seek help. I was fortunate to find Jackie. At my request, she held my hand through the whole process. All throughout, I found Jackie to be very knowledgeable, resourceful, and much to my delight, very responsive. And, she's a really nice person. Larry, South Dakota

Family Move Abroad

2020-10-20T18:25:54+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/i-am-glad-to-write-a-recommendation-for-jackie-baxa/

Jackie’s down-to-earth approach demystified the visa renewal process for us

We were the lucky beneficiaries of her first-hand experience, which, combined with her attention to detail and sense of humor about the sometimes exasperating experience, made her the perfect guide. We recommend Jackie’s services without hesitation! The Newland Family, New York

Family Move Abroad

2019-10-18T16:12:01+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/the-newland-family-new-york/

Contacting Jackie about applying for our Spanish visas was the best decision

We have had an unpredictable and frustrating experience on every level while trying to legally move to Sevilla. Jackie was incredibly professional and helpful. She gave us clear directions, helpful introductions and guidance throughout the VISA application process. Additionally, each year when I renew my VISA, I renew my gratitude for Jackie and her organizational skills; she has helped us realize and maintain our dream of living in Spain. The Kramm Family, Florida

Family Move Abroad

2019-10-18T16:12:53+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/emily-kramm/

Trust me, if you are thinking about moving to Spain, get in touch with Jackie

When we made a plan to move our family to Spain for a year, we initially floundered trying to figure it all out. There was so much to think about and do!! And it was so complicated!! And there was no "one stop shop" to try to figure everything out. I spent months researching/reading everything I could get my hands on. In that process, I saw a posting from Jackie on a Facebook page and everything became so much simpler! I emailed her and got a quick response the same day. She was able to help guide me and my family through any/all questions we had and was very easy -- and pleasant -- to work with. If she didn't have an answer to some obscure my-family-specific question, she knew where to go/who to ask to find it. We went through 90% of the process to move before COVID hit, so we're still in the States but will definitely reach out to Jackie again when we are ready to make the move. Trust me, if you are thinking about moving to Spain, get in touch with Jackie. You will not regret it!! I highly recommend her and her services. Alison & David, California

Family Move Abroad

2020-11-04T16:28:32+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/trust-me-if-you-are-thinking-about-moving-to-spain-get-in-touch-with-jackie/

What a blessing it was to be referred to Jackie!

Jackie walked me through each step of a VERY complicated NL Residence Visa application process. Thanks to her guidance and recommendations, I felt at ease and confident throughout the entire process. Upon arrival for my appointment at the Chicago consulate, I was fully prepared and my paperwork was well organized and accepted. I am happy to report that I received approval for the Visa and am currently in Spain! I could not have done it without her expertise and will be forever grateful to her! Desiree, Ohio

Family Move Abroad

2020-11-04T16:29:51+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/what-a-blessing-it-was-to-be-referred-to-jackie/

I was overwhelmed with what seemed like an endless amount of mixed information…

I was overwhelmed with what seemed like an endless amount of mixed information online on the NLV requirements for Spain. I was glad when I came across Jackie’s blog because not only were her articles extremely detailed, she also offered 1-1 calls for more specific questions. After our call, I had a clear understanding of exactly everything I had to do to submit to the NY Spanish consulate. Thanks to some had work and her help, I was approved in two weeks and will be heading to Spain to live my Spanish dream. Thanks so much! Matahari, NY

Family Move Abroad

2020-12-07T19:40:03+00:00

https://familymoveabroad.com/testimonials/i-was-overwhelmed-with-what-seemed-like-and-endless-amount-of-mixed-information/

Family Move Abroad