This document discusses support for international spouses of postdocs at UC Berkeley. It notes that spouses who have difficulty adjusting can negatively impact scholars' academic achievement. International spouses face challenges adjusting to life in a new country, including making friends, learning English, finding meaningful activities, and childcare issues. They need support, community, resources, and help building confidence. The document proposes a program called "Creating a Fulfilling Life in America" to address these needs through friendship, information sharing, encouragement, and empowering spouses.

1. Supporting
International
Spouses of
Postdocs at
UC Berkeley
Yvonne Lefort, MA
CareerCoach and
InterculturalTrainer
Copyright © 2012Yvonne Lefort

2. University of Montana Survey
“Spouses who remain lonely and do not
adjust well often cause a hardship for the
scholars, sometimes even to the point of
affecting the latters’ academic
achievement.”
Copyright © 2012Yvonne Lefort

3. Postdoc Family Status
The fraction of male and
female postdocs who are
partnered or married and
those who have children.
SOURCE: Sigma Xi National
Postdoc Survey 2005
postdoc.sigmaxi.org
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
70
37
65
29
Men
Women
Are partnered or married Have children Copyright © 2012Yvonne Lefort

4. 0
100
200
300
400
500
600
Spouses of
Scholars
Spouses of
Students
522
302
International Spouses at UCB
SOURCE: Berkeley InternationalOffice Copyright © 2012Yvonne Lefort

5. Profile of International Spouses
 Young: 25-35 years old
 women and men
 Diverse
 countries, marital &
family status, education,
English proficiency,
length of stay
 Starting their careers
 No relocation or
destination services
 Financial concerns
 Spend a lot of time alone
Copyright © 2012Yvonne Lefort

6. Why do spouses come?
Copyright © 2012Yvonne Lefort

7. Major Challenges
 Adjusting to life in a foreign country
 Making friends
 Learning English
 Learning about the culture
 Creating a fulfilling personal and professional life
 Finding meaningful work (job or volunteer),
educational opportunities and outside activities
Copyright © 2012Yvonne Lefort

8. Additional Challenges for Parents
 Finding affordable babysitting or daycare
 Understanding American school system
 Meeting other families with children
 Parenting in a foreign country
 Dealing with effect of moving and culture shock
on children
Copyright © 2012Yvonne Lefort

9. Major Needs
 Support
 Share experience with other spouses
 Sense of belonging to a community
 Knowledge about self and community resources
 Feel less dependent
 Create a new identity
 Regain self-confidence and self-esteem
Copyright © 2012Yvonne Lefort

10. Creating a Fulfilling Life
in America®
 Goals
 Marketing/Registr
ation
 Format
 Content
 Facebook group
Copyright © 2012Yvonne Lefort

11. Goals
 Foster friendship and build community
 Create a support system
 Provide information and resources
 Encouragement and motivation
 Empower spouses
 Have Fun!
Copyright © 2012Yvonne Lefort

12. Marketing and Registration
 VSPA announces class to postdocs, visiting
scholars, student researchers, graduate students
 Questionnaire
 Selection of participants
 English level
 Balance of countries
 Childcare for children
 Commitment to entire class session
 Maximum class size: 25
Copyright © 2012Yvonne Lefort