Belonging is not a nice-to-have.

Belonging is a felt sense of being accepted, seen, and included, and trusting you will be protected by the group.

For families living internationally, belonging can be tested by transition, new schools, and the question of what “home” really means. This webinar is designed to help parents support their children in feeling rooted and connected, wherever in the world they are.

Key details

Date: 10 February
Time: 12:30 – 13:30 (CET)
Location: Online (Microsoft Teams). If you plan to view the session live on your mobile phone, we encourage you to download the Microsoft Teams app before the session. 
Audience: Parents and guardians
Cost: Free
Register:  register for the session here

Who this session is for

This webinar is designed for English-speaking parents and carers worldwide, especially families who:

  • have recently moved or are planning an international move
  • are raising a Third Culture Kid
  • are choosing a school and want to understand what strong belonging support looks like

What is a Third Culture Kid?

A Third Culture Kid is a child who is raised in a culture different from their parents’ culture or passport culture, often across multiple countries. They may feel at home in more than one place, and sometimes also feel “in between”.

Why this matters

Moves can be exciting, but they can also bring uncertainty and disconnection. When children feel disconnected, it can show up in their behaviour, emotions, and relationships. A strong sense of belonging supports connection, wellbeing, and readiness to engage in learning and community life.

What we will cover

In this session, we will explore:

  • What belonging is and why it matters
  • Belonging, safety, and stress responses during transition (fight, flight, freeze)
  • Third Culture Kids and “Uneven Maturity” across key developmental areas
  • The Belonging Lens: five practical areas where parents and schools can strengthen belonging
    • Relationships
    • Onboarding
    • Representation
    • Values
    • Development
  • Practical actions you can take at home, and what to look for in a school

What you will take away

You will leave with:

  • practical strategies you can use in everyday moments at home
  • clear language to help children feel seen and understood
  • a simple “Belonging Lens” you can use to evaluate any school community
  • a short toolkit shared after the webinar

Meet the speaker

Meet the speaker: Vicky van Assendelft is an experienced international educator and school leader, currently serving as Deputy Headteacher and leader of Learning and Teaching across The British School in the Netherlands. With a career spanning over two decades in education, Victoria is known for her commitment to inclusive practices, safeguarding, Professional Development, and her passion for nurturing collaborative school cultures.

Vicky is an accredited and experienced facilitator who empowers staff and students to drive school improvement, building sustainable systems that support both academic excellence and emotional well-being. Through her passion for collaborative school cultures, agency, and sense of belonging, she uses research and context to make sure all stakeholders feel seen, heard, and valued.

Join Us!

If your family is navigating transition, planning a move, or choosing a school, we would love to welcome you to this session.

Register Now

FAQ  

Can I ask a question? Yes. There is a live Q&A during the session. If your question doesn't get answered, we invite you to email us afterwards. You will receive contact email addresses in the resources that follow the webinar. 
Will there be a recording? Yes, all registered participants will receive access to the session recording.