This unique volume describes the impact of overseas living on Americans who spent some of their formative years in other countries and returned to the United States during their high school or early college years. Based on a survey and interviews of more than 300 returnees, The Absentee American describes overseas life, reentry into the United States, and the long-term effects of these experiences on repatriated Americans. The author, a freelance writer who grew up in the Foreign Service, explores the feelings and attitudes of repatriates and emphasizes the need for increased intercultural education and training.
From the Back Cover
"A childhood abroad can provide dazzling experiences, a global perspective, and well-developed intercultural skills. Conversely, it may produce a sense of rootlessness and an ambiguous cultural identity 'carry-on baggage' that can prove weighty until it is both understood and unloaded. Carolyn Smith helps us to do just that by insightfully exploring both the benefits and the challenges of growing up globally."--Norma M. McCaig, Founder, Global Nomads International; President, Global Nomads Resources
"The Absentee American brings to the forefront a forgotten footnote in U.S. history. It highlights the fact that for years some of the best U.S. ambassadors were the sons and daughters of government, business, and military personnel overseas."--Joe Condrill, President, Overseas Brats, Inc.
"As Americans begin to think more globally and realize their dependencies on other peoples of the world, The Absentee American helps us see ourselves as others see us."--William Kornblum, Professor of Sociology, City University of New York Graduate School
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