Repatriating Children with Elizabeth Sawyer of Bennett International

Having spent the first twelve years of her life overseas, and with an education spanning five different systems from Ireland to New York, Elizabeth Sawyer is no stranger to international schooling. Following the completion of her MA at Villanova University, Elizabeth spent the first 15 years of her career teaching English, French and Spanish at private high schools in the US, a path that would later inform her role as an Education Consultant for Bennett Educational Resources. In 2009, after Bennett acquired School Choice International, Elizabeth became the CEO of what is now Bennet International Education Consultancy, a firm providing advice and support to relocating families across the globe. Today, in addition to leading a network of over 70 trusted consultants who provide expert counsel on best fit schools for relocating children, Elizabeth is a frequent speaker on education and relocation and has presented at numerous venues worldwide. 

Today, Elizabeth discusses the importance not only of assisting in the schools’ search for relocating families, but also in the repatriation of children back to their home countries following the end of an assignment. She provides insightful tips and advice for families relocating abroad, including the preparation that should be taken before repatriation, and reveals the difficulties children may face when returning ‘home’. She and Adam also discuss the richness of experience that comes with being a TCK (third culture kid) and how even the most disrupting uprooting experience provide a unique perspective that can be beneficial in later life.