This is interesting actually and I/we will think about it some more before answering.

Hi Paola, I've been an expat for so long, I'm not sure my thoughts will be 'original' enough. I'm trying to remember how I felt when I first arrived in South Africa, but we're talking almost 30 years ago, so it's not that easy.

I can remember feeling bewildered by how different EVERYTHING was, from the weather to the type of houses everyone took for granted. I think I wanted reassurance that I would be able to fit in, but I was so young at that time, that it is possible I might have felt that way even if I'd only moved town instead of continent.

From a purely female pov, we went to SA because my husband had a good job opportunity, but I had nothing to fill my days. It depends on the breakdown of the group, but it might be worth looking at how spouses can occupy themselves - I recall long, lonely and boring hours not knowing where to go or what to do.

Homesickness and culture shock kick in after about six months in most cases, so how to deal with that would be useful. Also how to recognise that people are suffering from either of those and not from depression - the symptoms are so similar.

I expect you've already thought of all the above, but I'll try to think up some other suggestions.

Thanks, Lorraine, you've hit the feelings spot on. I wonder whether it's the same for people who actually choose to relocate, rather than are 'trailing spouses'...