About | A HAPPY EXPAT

HI, I'M TANYA

Mindset Coach, Speaker, Author

I have lived in

USA, Belgium, Italy, Singapore, Japan and Sweden.

I help expat spouses become happier by understanding that rebuilding a
life for yourself is HARD.

My aim is to help expat spouses cope with the staggering change, rebuild an identity that works in their new home, and learn to see their host country through a different lens,

so they too can become A Happy Expat.

I left my corporate job in 1998 to temporarily become an expat spouse and have moved 7 times since.

In 2004 I started a coaching business which led me to study expat spouses and the personal challenges we face from a whole new angle.

Since then I have helped countless expat spouses deal with the

Loneliness, Loss of Identity, and Lack of Direction they face each time they move.

I believe that every spouse can be A Happy Expat if they:

Are honest with themselves about who they are and their social needs.

Learn to reframe unmet expectations.

And realise that they are not alone.

Every spouse is rebuilding...

Every spouse is searching...

Every spouse is figuring out how to start over.

I'm a speaker, coach, and author of the book UNPACK - A guide to life as an expat spouse (Springtime Books).

My dad was American and my mom is Belgian so I grew up with a foot in both worlds. My husband is Dutch, which means my kids are confused with 3 passports each.

I am crazy about karaoke and have loved musical theatre as long as I can remember. My favorite way of hanging out with friends is hosting a BBQ in my home, and I'm willing to burst into song at the drop of a hat with my rendition of All That Jazz... just ask!