5 Questions for Kristine Racina, Director
In April 2021, we are reflecting on the past years the EAC has spent collecting and preserving life stories of expatriates worldwide and celebrating people who have played an important role in making the EAC what it is now.
How did you get your start at the Expatriate Archive Centre, and how long have you been working there?
I have been working at the EAC for the past 7.5 years. A friend strongly encouraged me to apply and I was lucky to be selected.
When you started your current job, what most surprised you?
How many stereotypes are attached to the word ‘expatriate’, and how these stereotypes influence people’s perception of what the EAC does and stands for. The EAC defines an expatriate as someone who lives temporarily in a country other than their ‘home’ country. It has nothing to do with the socio-economic status or level of education of a person.
What originally got you interested in your current field of work?
Possibility to combine my professional skills with my personal experience. I am an adult Third Culture Kid, was born in Latvia and as a child lived in different ex-Soviet republics. As an adult, I have lived in Yemen, the Netherlands Antilles, and the Netherlands. I am an economist by training with extensive management experience and a broad interest in areas related to the EAC’s mission and objectives. From a substance perspective, it is a true pleasure to contribute to a better understanding of expatriation and its impact on people’s lives. As a manager, I genuinely enjoy leading a dedicate and talented team of professional staff and volunteers.
What are you most proud of during your career at the EAC?
Built on my predecessor’s accomplishments, we successfully solidified the archive’s further professionalisation as an independent foundation with a clear vision of the future. Together with the staff and volunteers, we were able to launch multiple exciting initiatives. I am proud to see that the EAC continues to attract and keep many dedicated, creative, and highly skilled people. They work hard on our collection and raise awareness about the EAC. In 2019 the EAC attracted a record number of researchers.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve seen outside of your office window?
Different birds that visit our garden. It is a peaceful and private place that everyone loves in our office. It is also a favourite location for office parties, weather allowing, of course.