This chat group is for women moving or living overseas, or repatriating, in support of their husband's careers, to share their experiences about how the overseas move affects their identity. As a woman in this situation, you may wonder "Who am I in this move?", as you are suddenly faced with so much change all at once. By participating in a community of support with other women, you will have the opportunity to figure out what you need to do to maintain your own sense of self within the move.

To post messages or access the message archive, you must register as a member of the A Portable Identity Chat Group. The moderators of the chat group will make every attempt to approve memberships within two days. If you want to retain anonymity, please remember to choose an ID when you register that will give you the level of anonymity that you desire.

The moderators of the chat group are Debra R. Bryson and Charise M. Hoge, the authors of A Portable Identity: A Woman's Guide to Maintaining a Sense of Self While Moving Overseas. Our role is to approve memberships and participate in the chat group to support the discussion, but not provide therapeutic advice.

(Note: From December 2004 through September 2007 A Portable Identity Chat Group was an open group. At the request of the group, in October 2007, the group was changed so that messages and the message archive are only viewable by members. This was done so members have more privacy to discuss the issues, challenges, and triumphs that accompanying spouses experience on a daily basis. )