How to Cope with Hurdles and Hooray Moments on Your Integration Journey

Moving to a different country with your family is not easy - yes, it is a fascinating experience, and no, it is not a long vacation. Every single family member - my wife, my four millennial children and I - have had their ups and downs.

In “American Yet?” I recount how family, friends and colleagues think I behave more and more American, while I don’t really feel like an American. At the same time I find myself less and less Belgian. And that while my children think and live like real Americans.

“What nine years of living in the USA with four millennials do.”

A year ago I wrote a book in Dutch about our experiences living in the US. Many of my American and expat friends, and many more noble unknowns asked whether an English version was available. So a year later I am proud to announce that an adapted and updated version of the successful original version is available.

In 2008, the six of us and our dog departed for the USA, close to New York City. What originally was intended for a few years now is long term. I recount the hurdles and the hooray moments, how I got to know Americans through my kids, the office, at parties, or simply when shopping. But also through the many trips across the USA that immersed me in the America of yesterday, of today and of tomorrow to better understand the norms and values of Americans.

“A guide on the road to integration.”

“American Yet?” is the story why I stay charmed by the country where everybody seems to be friendly, where customer service is a world of difference, where food portions are super sized and where everybody is an optimist. It is also the story why my children became more independent and social, where graduating from school is a huge celebration, and where everybody from young to old is encouraged because everything is possible.

Read book excerpts, follow my blog and discover the summary on www.americanyet.com