Free Guide:
"The Expat Well-being Toolkit – 5 Essential Strategies to Thrive Abroad"
Looking for ways to find balance, form stronger connections, and build resilience while abroad? Download this toolkit and join our community!
Expat life isn’t just exciting—it’s demanding.
We love the excitement, the travels, and the adventures. But that also means we may experience "higher highs" and "lower lows" as expats and frequent travelers.Â
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Our research-based approach helps you put these waves of emotions into perspective. Our programs help you cultivate long-term happiness (eudaimonic) rather than short-term (hedonic). Get off the hedonic treadmill and build more long-term happiness today! At Waves Well-being Services, we offer practical, personalized support to help expats feel better—wherever they are. Founded by long-time expats Julie Allison and Samantha Petree, we provide coaching, courses, and a community space to help you regain clarity, confidence, and emotional balance. We also consult with international schools worldwide to support staff, students, and families on their well-being journey. As experienced expats and coaches, we’re here with evidence-based tools and tailored strategies to help you thrive abroad.
You don’t have to navigate your expat journey alone.
Meet the FoundersÂ
Julie Allison
International School Counselor and Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach
Julie is an American expat who has visited over 50 countries and lived abroad for most of her adult life. She has spent the majority of her time in Thailand and India and has also lived in Japan, Egypt, Australia, Venezuela, Lebanon, Vietnam, and Argentina. As an international school teacher and counselor, she facilitated social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum development, parenting workshops, and well-being programs for numerous international school communities. Now a board-certified health and well-being (NBC-HWC) and Positive Intelligence (PQ) coach, she specializes in utilizing motivational interviewing techniques and positive psychology practices to help clients thrive. She is also a certified wellness coordinator, with experience in designing results-driven wellness programs for international schools.
Samantha Petree
International Educator, Coach, and Yoga and Mindfulness Instructor
Born in California, shaped by India, Spain, Arizona, and now Tokyo, Samantha has spent over 15 years teaching Spanish and English while developing a deep passion for holistic well-being. She is also well-traveled, having been to all seven continents and over 70 countries. Certified in cognitive, instructional, and Positive Intelligence (PQ) coaching, as well as yoga instruction and mindfulness, she has integrated these transformative practices into her work. Her decade of experience living in India has cultivated her approach to combining ancient wisdom with modern scientific practices. She creates mindful, supportive spaces for students, educators, and professionals navigating the challenges of international life.Â
How Waves Well-being Services can help you
Coaching Services
Using specialized assessments designed by Waves Well-being Services, we help you harness your strengths and identify areas for growth in physical, psychological, relational, and environmental health. Our approach integrates resources from Positive Intelligence, Precision Nutrition, counseling, mindfulness, and self-compassion to support you in thriving at work, home, and beyond.
Find out more →
International School Consulting
We are here to listen. We understand many of the challenges international schools face as they work toward developing social emotional programs and community well-being initiatives. We have the experience and skills to assess your needs and provide your school with a roadmap for the way forward. Additionally, we can consult on positive discipline strategies for staff and parents that are aligned with the values of the school.
Contact us→ Asynchronous CoursesÂ
Expat Thriving
Develop daily habits that align with your core values and cultivate a fulfilling personal and professional life abroad.  Enhance Your Psychological, Physical, and Relational Well-being by utilizing practical strategies for maintaining physical health, managing stress, and fostering meaningful relationships across cultures. Navigate cultural transitions and build resilience in diverse and changing circumstances.
Empowered Parenting in the International School Context
Navigate the unique challenges of raising children in international schools with strategies for healthy transitions, conflict resolution, non-violent communication, and meaningful celebrations.
Educator Reset: Let’s Talk About Burnout Â
Explore what burnout really looks like in international teaching—and what you can do about it.
Recognize the difference between emotional exhaustion, disengagement, and burnout, and find out where you might be on the continuum. This course offers real tools, grounded guidance, and a path to reclaim your energy without stepping away from the work you love.
What others say about Empowered Parenting:
I no longer feel alone in my parenting journey.
What others say about Empowered Parenting:
Julie is excellent at what she does. The course provided me with easy to understand content and small changes make a big difference when raising kids. I would highly recommend Julie.  Â
- Alpita S.
What others say about Empowered Parenting:
Julie has been FANTASTIC. She has taught us so much in a loving and firm way. She practices all that she teaches in class. She’s helped me become a more aware, better parent. My relationship with my teenage child definitely has less conflict.
Laila K.
What others say about Reclaim your Energy:
I didn't think I needed this course until a friend of mine recommend it to me. I gained valuable insights into the concept of emotional exhaustion. It's true that they say "you've got to name it to tame it".
What others say about Expat Thriving:
This course broadened my understanding of well-being, especially in the international context. I loved working through the domains so I could prioritize what is most important to me.
You Deserve to Thrive,
Not Just Survive
At Waves Well-being Services, we specialize in helping expatriates build fulfilling, balanced, and joyful lives—no matter where they are in the world. Through expert guidance, personalized coaching, and holistic wellness practices, we provide the support you need to:
- Find connection and community—so you never feel alone in your journey.
- Manage stress and emotional ups and downs with mindfulness and self-compassion techniques.
- Strengthen your resilience to navigate life’s transitions with confidence.
- Create sustainable well-being habits that fit your lifestyle and values.
- Support your family’s adjustment and help your children thrive in new environments.
- Feel empowered and in control of your life, your health, and your future.
Contact us
We believe that well-being isn’t just about surviving the challenges of expat life—it’s about embracing the journey and thriving in it.
Let us help you find balance, fulfillment, and joy—wherever you call home.
