Repatriation is often assumed to be the easy part. But for serial expat Anne-Catherine Vaes, returning home to Belgium has brought its own unique adjustments.
Back on familiar ground
A seasoned expat who has lived all over the world, expat partner Anne-Catherine was based in Singapore before returning to Brussels in July 2025. The move back happened quickly. “In some ways, repatriation feels like any other relocation,” says Anne-Catherine, an educator and mother of three. “My husband went straight back to work, the kids started school in September – and once again, I was starting from scratch.” The key difference was expectation. “Because I was ‘home’, I assumed I would automatically know what to do. Instead, it felt surprisingly unsettling.”
Feeling out of sync
A long to-do list kept Anne-Catherine busy, and she even found work soon after returning. “I quickly realised I had taken on too much, too soon, so I decided to step back until I was ready,” she says. “I would say it takes at least six months to feel settled.” Reconnecting with friends and family also felt more difficult than expected. “In conversations, I often felt like I was tuned to a different frequency. People have their own lives, and they don’t necessarily relate to your expat stories.” She also found herself feeling homesick for Singapore. “I really missed it – especially the food. I could happily eat at hawker centres in Singapore every day.”
Reaching out
Feeling isolated and uncertain, Anne-Catherine was grateful when her consultant, Josien, reached out and suggested a video call. “I hadn’t really made use of the partner support package, and I wished I’d done so earlier,” she admits. “Josien has been through repatriation herself and related to my experiences. She was empathetic and shared insights that immediately resonated.” Josien also connected her with a coach. “Speaking to her was instantly reassuring. I love her coaching style – it gives me clarity, and every conversation leaves me feeling more motivated and positive. It’s made a real difference.”
Rebuilding connections
Looking back, Anne-Catherine believes connection – or reconnection – is essential when coming home. “Even if you don’t feel like it, you need to rebuild a network again, both professionally and personally,” she says. She’s also grateful for old friends who have reached out. “Those messages and invitations really mattered.” In the end, repatriation marks a new beginning, she reflects. “It’s another transition – and having the right support helps you move forward.”
Photo: Anne-Catherine and her family, back in Belgium
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