Category Archives: Assimilation

The end of an era

Posted on January 5, 2017 by

We are leaving Singapore. In less than a month. This wasn’t planned. A company head-hunted Ravi, one thing lead to another, and it ended in a job offer that he accepted. We’d hoped the girls and I would follow later–giving … Continue reading →

Posted in Assimilation, Culture Shock

Superstitions–the number 13

Posted on August 20, 2016 by

Something struck me when I was riding the elevator in my new building—there is a 13th floor. In the US, there is a superstition about the number 13. I actually had to google “why,” as I just knew it as … Continue reading →

Posted in Assimilation, Culture Shock, Housing, Singapore | Tagged , ,

“How do you and your kids enjoy life in Singapore?”

Posted on July 7, 2016 by

I’ve recently been emailing with a potential expat. I had a number of Singaporean expats respond to my emails, answer questions, and generally be a great resource for our move. Some of them are now irl friends (or were and … Continue reading →

Posted in Assimilation, Attractions, Before the Move, Culture Shock, Expat to Expat Advice, Helpers, Shopping, Singapore, Theater/Shows/Events, Third Culture Kids, Uniquely Singapore, With Kids | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

US vs Singapore Public Schools—Grading

Posted on June 30, 2016 by

One of the things I struggle with as a foreign parent is understanding the grading system in Singapore. On one hand, I find the grading system incredibly forgiving. Everything over a 85 is an A? 70-85 is a B? 50-70 … Continue reading →

Posted in Assimilation, Culture Shock, Education, Expat to Expat Advice, Singapore | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments

Her mother tongue isn’t Tamil

Posted on October 19, 2014 by

***A quick note of explanation before I get into the post.  English is the language of instruction in Singapore.  However, all students must take a second language–called a Mother Tongue  (henceforce I’ll refer to it as MT) language.*** I recently … Continue reading →

Posted in Assimilation, Culture Shock, customs, Education, headdesk moments, Identity, Primary 1 registration, Singapore, Third Culture Kids, Uniquely Singapore, With Kids | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Elanor’s identity

Posted on August 15, 2014 by

Two years ago, Elanor often identified purely as Singaporean or Indian, so we began to explain that she is American.  Not in a “here is our flag, learn the pledge, sing patriotic songs, learn the composition of congress” way, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Assimilation, Holidays, Identity, Singapore | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

P1 Registration—It’s over. Someone get me a drink.

Posted on August 1, 2014 by

It’s over. She got in. Alcohol.  Now.  Please. At the advice of my friends K and P, I waited until the final day to register Elanor.  This means I’ve spent the last few days monitoring numbers and feeling nervous, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Assimilation, Culture Shock, Education, Primary 1 registration, Singapore | Tagged , , , ,