I dream of freedom to explore, create, investigate, learn, challenge, relax, and recharge. I dream of being free to focus on family relationships and of immersing myself in a culture I am unfamiliar with. Yes, I dream of living and learning with my children in an environment unlike any we have lived in before. The first time I lived in a country outside the United States, I was young and self-involved and had no children. While that had some perks, I believe the most exciting way to experience another country would be through the eyes of my children. What an advantage this would give them in life!

If you have ever thought about living in another country but couldn't figure out how to do it, Elisa Bernick has written a guide that will answer most, if not all, of your questions. The Family Sabbatical Handbook: The Budget Guide to Living Abroad with Your Family is more than a how-to book; it actually gives readers a glimpse into life on sabbatical. The author relies on her own experiences as well as those of 15 other families who have lived in other countries.

Maybe you have never considered taking a family sabbatical and wonder why you would want to live abroad with your children. Perhaps you think that living abroad is just a dream but could never be a reality. If so, reading this book will change your mind. Once you have been convinced that living in another country is a good idea and that it can be done, you'll want to know how you will accomplish such a feat. Beginning in chapter five you will find out how to:

• afford and plan for the trip
• arrange schooling, housing and overcome language barriers
• communicate with the folks back home and overcome homesickness
• host guests, make new friends and keep in touch with old ones
• cope with problems that can arise
• come home and get back to your old life again

The last chapter of the book includes an exhaustive resources list that is a must have for anyone remotely interested in international travel. Resources include books, magazines, and websites that are indispensable for anyone traveling, especially outside of the country.

Product review by Rebecca Huff, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, January 2010