Page 20 - IFAFA ebook v4
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15.
Christine Fahey
I have found the mobile life as the spouse of a DFAT officer to be a
very positive experience, but it is in Ireland that I feel at home.
There was never any doubt that we would spend our retirement in
Ireland. I have enjoyed the opportunities to experience life in
different countries and to learn about the country, its culture and
something of the language afforded by living in different countries.
The way our postings occurred, two early on when our children
were young and came with us and three after a long period back in
Dublin when only the youngest was still in school meant that it was
not very disruptive for their education. They enjoyed visiting us at
our later postings.
IFAFA has provided a supportive network and has done much to
improve and formalise arrangements for planned postings, school
fees and family reunion visits. It has also encouraged and
facilitated the provision of language training and pre posting
briefings for families.
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