Customized classes and scheduling can be arranged. Please contact us for more information.

Creating a Fulfilling Life in America^®

Although moving to another country can be an exciting time in your life, it can also be stressful, frustrating and often lonely. Learning English, adjusting to a new culture, finding meaningful activities, making new friends and having a sense of your own identity are some of the challenges that you are probably facing.

“Creating a Fulfilling Life in America” is a series of classes for international spouses which will help you adjust to your new life in America and rebuild your own sense of identity. Each week, a different topic will be explored. Some topics are more suitable for those who can work in the U.S. and others are suitable for anyone new to this country. They can include:

• Why Do Americans Act Like That? – Understanding American cultural values
• Clarifying your skills
• How to find meaningful volunteer work
• Networking the American way
• Tooting Your Own Horn: The Art of Selling Yourself
• How to write an American-style resume and cover letter
• Interviewing for a job the American way
• Practice your interviewing skills
• Transitions and culture shock
• Strategies for meeting Americans and creating a social life
• Coping with stress and finding more balance in your life
• Nurturing your relationship with your partner
• Setting goals and creating an action plan

These classes are fun and highly interactive, and you will receive lots of support and information.

Note: This class was taught at University of California – Berkeley and can be offered at other universities and corporations. The course length can be altered to suit your needs. Each topic can also be offered as an individual workshop. Please contact us for more information.

Rediscovering Yourself in the Midst of Motherhood^®

Although being a mother is one of life’s most wonderful and joyous experiences, it is probably the most demanding job you’ve ever had. It can be stressful, frustrating and sometimes boring. It is easy to lose a sense of who you are as a person, apart from being a mother. In this 9-week group, we will explore and discuss the balance between motherhood and other aspects of your life. We will do exercises to help you reconnect with your own personal interests, values and skills. You will set goals for bringing more of what you need back into your life so you can feel like a whole person. And when you’re feeling personally fulfilled, your children will benefit too.

“This class restored—somehow—a sense of calm into my life. I feel so validated—that I’m not a mean mommy just because I get bored or frustrated, that there are important reasons why I feel that way.” –L.K.

Personality Type and Mothering Styles

Although we may have our ideals of the “perfect mother,” she really does not exist. Each of us brings our own unique strengths to the job of mothering, and good mothers come in many styles. In this 2-week class, you will take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator to gain a better understanding of your personality type. We will then apply this information to your job as a mother so that you gain a more objective and realistic picture of your strengths, struggles, and needs as a mother.

“This class helped me understand, accept and appreciate my unique style of mothering and begin to truly let go of the idea of a ‘perfect mother.’ Every mother is perfect in her own way.” –A.R.

Nurturing the Couple Relationship While Raising Children

Parenthood is a life-changing experience in so many ways. Couples often feel the strain as we adapt our lives and routines to accommodate the little people we are raising. In this interactive session, we will discuss the changes that occur in a relationship when “husband and wife” become “mom and dad.” We will also discuss ways to nurture our relationship and sustain the friendship and intimacy in the midst of being parents.

Crayons to Careers^®

You’ve gone from “careers to crayons” and being a stay-at-home mom, and now you’re thinking about going back to work again. You’re not sure what you want to do; you’ve been out of the work force awhile and your self-confidence is a little shaky; you need to update your resume and account for your “time off” as a mom; and your interviewing skills are rusty and you’re scared they’ll ask a question like, “What have been your greatest accomplishments in the past few years?” If this sounds like you, then this group is for you!

Our Introductory Session will give you an overview of the issues surrounding re-entering the workforce. You will gain valuable career advice to help you prepare and position yourself for a smoother re-entry. In Session 1, we will take inventory of your skills, values, interests, and personality type, and brainstorm job possibilities. In Session 2, we will discuss job search strategies, and work on updating your resume and interviewing skills. In a supportive environment with other mothers, you will regain the confidence you need to “get back out there.”

“Excellent class! I gained so much insight about myself and feel I have a solid foundation to move on to the next step of career planning!”  –K.V.

 

Treasure Mapping Party!

The beginning or middle of the year is the perfect time to think about your goals and what you want for yourself in the coming months. A treasure map is a collage that visually represents your goals and desires. Join other women for a fun-filled morning making your collage for 2012. Then you’ll share your collage with the group to verbalize and solidify your intentions. You will be surprised how this powerful process will help you focus on your goals and make them a reality.