Yes, I lived in Kunming, China for a year

Links:

• http://youtube.com/watch?v=RDyqkN_UhrI

posted July 3, 2007

Lived in Poland (3 years), Somalia (3 years), Suriname (3 years), India (3 years), Namibia (3 months). Great opportunity to reinvent oneself, if necessary, and to get a new perspective on the world.

posted July 3, 2007

Belgium, Luxemburg, France, Poland. The best way to get acclimatized is to talk to or go out, have lunch/dinner with collegues, expand one's social network. Assignments lasted usually between 3 and 6 months. No extension. Challenges mostly included language, housing and formalities regarding one's stay. But this usually worked out with a little help of one's collegues.

posted July 3, 2007

Yes, I lived in Germany for 6 months. Even though it is very close to my home country of the Netherlands, it is enough to give one an entirely new perspective on cultural differences. As another poster has already stated, the easiest way to fail is to be blind to the fact that there actually may be differences.
However, it is an experience I would recommend to anyone and an experience I'd like to replicate someday.

posted July 3, 2007

Many years ago I decided I needed an adventure so, at 19 I bought a ticket to Brazil, took off, got a job there, and loved it. The first month was tough, until I learned some of the language and got settled. Best advice to someone working as an expat would be to immerse yourself in the culture and keep an open mind. It's been thirty years and I'd go back in a heartbeat - anyone out there need someone with purchasing experience to work between Dallas and Brazil?

posted July 3, 2007

yes, I was born in the Netherlands, lived in Montreal, Canada for 7 years and have been in Baton Rouge LA for the last 10 years. I think living in a different country is a wonderful experience. The hardest part is to adjust to your new environment while still staying the person you are

posted July 3, 2007

Agree with some of the others upstairs -- keep an open mind and dont equate "different" with "bad" i.e. something different is not necessarily something bad.

Spent my first 28 years in India - in fact more or less in the same city: Mumbai - before moving to first Saudi Arabia and then Kuwait. Now have also travelled for short durations to Bahrain, Dubai, Jordan, Sudan, Qatar (and Africa next on the cards) and I seem to like each new place I visit.
Which brings us back to the first point - keep an open mind.

Best Regards
Gautam

posted July 3, 2007

Yes I have. My general advice:
- work to learn the language (if you don;t already speak it)
- listen a lot
- don't be afarid to ask questions when you are uncertain of something - most people are willing to help a friedly newcomer
- assume goodwill on both sides when there's a misunderstanding
- give yourself time for aclimiation - handle your own needs and those of your family - work to make the situation work for you.

posted July 3, 2007

This is the 3rd time I have made the decision to go to live abroad: after England Spain again. This is an experience that I would recommed for everyone- you will know yourself better and you will be able to deal with situations/decisions in unknown/uncertain circumstances

posted July 3, 2007

Italy-France-Denmark-France-Japan-Netherlands

The best advice is to stay open minded, enjopy the differences and the new things, learn the language and get some local friends.
International people can help in the beginning but do not stick on them.
Regards,
Cosimo

posted July 3, 2007

The world has become a global village and if you haven't traveled to another country your horizon in most cases maybe still narrow. I've lived in many states in India, have lived for around 4 years in the USA and traveled to London too. Cultures are vivid and each one of us should at first try to "Respect" the other persons culture. There is a variety in India from north to south and east to west and I had the opportunity to learn different things in India. When I first landed in New York City I was all by myself with not a person to help me out. I was unarmed, without guidance, that was my problem. Learned a lot of things the hard way out. I must say the initial 1 month was tough and I wanted to go back. I went back and came a second time and it was more fun. I've now begun enjoying every moment. I would say if you travel to another country, do a self study, understand the new place, take a cross cultural training if possible and you would be all set.

posted July 3, 2007

Yes, I was in Australia for two years doing my Master degree course.
Experience-wise, I must say that Australia is a really good and healthy place to study and to retire.
The air is fresh and clear, the fauna really colourful.
One thing to get used to is the demeanour of the locals. Their slang can sometimes leave you confused and misunderstood.

Links:

• http://salocinten.bur.st
• http://www.visitmelbourne.com.au
• http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/

posted July 3, 2007

I've been living in another country for 20 years now, having left Ireland as a young man.

Any change in location (even city) can be very healthy, in terms of new perspectives. I occasionally work in England (I live in Scotland), and I can get home at weekends when I do so. If I were further afield, I would probably bring my wife & kids with me.

When on assignments, I try to balance 3 things:
the work - is it interesting
the pay - does it meett my targets, inc allowing for any inconveniences of travel
the location

Kevin

posted July 3, 2007

Hi, like a small group of citzens of the world, I have never lived in my own country. I am Dutch, my childhood was between Belgium, France, Italy, Gemany and the USA. Since Ifinished school, I have lived in France, Belgium and the UK. And for work I travel a lot (I need to change my passport before it expires because it is full).
There are countries wher it is easy to adapt integrate, others, it just takes longer.
The fastest I have adapted to is Mexico and longest is Russia (Moscow).
If there are a few pointer I can give:
- We are all human, regardless of race or sex - I know youd'd think "duh!" but the thing is that, as a human being, there are afew basic things we all look for: food, drink, love, ... respect. Respect the other like you would want them to respect you. Respect what they eat how they live, etc.
- Cultures & behaviour defer, but if you have a little knowledge of local history, a lot of things just make sense.
- If you have to work in regions, I always keep in mind the regional urge to survival.

The urge of "survival".
The urge of survival is instinctive and will dictate basic behaviour. Our general behaviour towards work, discipline, ... is invariable influenced by this: the harder a region is to survive in, the tougher, more diciplined, harder worker the people for that area has become.
If you come from a tough climate region, Man had to discipline himself - when you have 4 months a year where the grounds can be cultivated, yopu make use of every bit of time you can.
If there is a all year around aboundance of fruit, vegetables, etc, you will have no need for discipline.

If you would like more, I would behappy to come and talk to you.

Mike.

posted July 3, 2007

Living abroad is a wonderful experience that I can only hope many others will experience in their lives as well. I was born in Italy but even there moved around 12 cities in just as many years before relocating to the US (Miami, Boston, NYC, Las Vegas). Of course, lingual and cultural differences can at first "shock" but quickly become of great interest as one starts to see (or imagine) relations and coincidences with one's native habitudes. Especially interesting when a country and its people act completely differently in comparison, i.e. my 5 years in Hong Kong and more months in Beijing and Tokyo. I find these are the most profound of experiences, the ones where one has the most to learn, to absorb, to discover such new cultures as well as oneself and humanity/communications in general. Being thrown in to a new world and having to adapt is one of life's greatest lessons. Missing home has never entered my mind and to those that think otherwise I would say, home is always home and can always easily be traveled to. It's important to challenge oneself and living abroad presents that opportunity. Funnily enough, I've always found that the grass is typically greener on the other side and that I do miss from the banal to the most unique elements of life from my former residences - luckily I can always visit them too.

posted July 3, 2007

Ed: Born in Scotland, I lived in England, then Denmark for a few months. Brazil (2 times), Peru, and USA on expat assignment. Later returned and became an American. We left Peru as Shining Path activity increased,
Also, sent many employees and families on international assignments as a Corporate HR Executive, and developed many global mobility policies.
I encourage everyone to review carefully for fit, and focus on the family.
Learn languages and study the new culture. Have fun!

posted July 3, 2007

I have lived and worked in Denmark, Liberia, USA and UK.
Seak plenty information especially about the culture of the place - keep and open mind - always eat the local food ...

posted July 3, 2007

I have lived in the UK now for more than 15 years, so visiting my 'home' country, New Zealand, is quite strange. Within the last year I have been living and working in Australia.

Between each transition has been equal amounts of familiarity and weirdness. I remember being absolutely perplexed in the UK about get a National Insurance Number and the frustration of opening and operating a bank account. These things have all been fixed by technology (one hopes) these days.

I was based in Melbourne in Australia. Transport, food and leisure were all easily accessible, and better than London. The things I wish I had known included having photo ID (you need it fly domestically), telling my UK bank I was working out there would mean they didn't stop my credit card ... twice!, and how far away it was from home and hard it is to get to sleep when your nearest and dearest is in another time zone. Ultimately I could not live my life in two places so far removed. I also wasn't ready for the different pace of life. I am used to working and playing at 'full on' speed. Just walking (ambling) down the street was enough to drive me bonkers. On the other hand my stress levels did go down after a while.

If I live in another country again I'd like it to be accessible to home in the UK.

posted July 3, 2007

I moved to US 6 years ago from Brazil.
Move to another country it is always a challenge, new culture , new relations…..For me more important it is understand the new culture and the country you are move too.
So before move research everything you can about the Country, and City you are moving.

posted July 3, 2007

Yes, Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. Approx. 4 months, wonderful and difficult all at the same time. Very little or no infrastructure and wrong minded expectations caused most issues. Could go on for hours...<grin>

Would still LOVE to live in Europe at this point and have been trying to get there very recently without much luck at this point.

Links:

• http://www.nohlimits.com

posted July 3, 2007

Born in the Netherlands, emigrated to Switzerland and the USA. Within both countries we moves as well. In Switzerland we moved from the Italian speaking part of Ticino to the German speaking part of Zurich. That in itself was a world of change. Going to the USA was easier. Within the USA we moved from Illinois to Virginia.

First thing is to speak the language or learn. Always approach locals in their own language first. If they see you struggle they will soon enough switch to another language or help you out. Through this simple gesture you create goodwill.

Second, if you move with your family make sure you do not only work on your new network and circle of friends. Your partner (and children) need their own and should not always tag along yours. If they do, they might not get integrated and adjusted as they could and might want to go back home again.

Third, have address cards made to make sure new people have your home number and do go visit when invited.

We have been abroad since 1992 and have never gone back, do not intend to either.

My biggest challenges were adjusting to the American concept of good credit meaning you have some traceable debts that show good behaviour in making on time payments. We thought having no debts at all was good but alas. The other is being away from family and old friends we miss dearly. And parents aging fast and not being around to help as much as you would like to do.

Last but not least, explore and enjoy the new surroundings!

posted July 3, 2007

Having emigrated to the US pretty much right after college, I have to agree with other posters that it is important that you go out and meet people and get involved in activities in your community. That is the quickest way to forge ahead and be successful. It will also leave you less time to doubt your decision to move somewhere. It wasn't the easiest thing I've ever done, by no stretch, but looking back it is probably one of the best moves I've made personally and career wise.

posted July 3, 2007

Thailand (3 months), USA (3 Years), The Netherlands (2 months).

- Learning Local Language helped
- When local language was difficult, learning about their culture, sensitivity about their issues worked well
- changed some of the lifestyle (I used a bicycle for commute in The Netherlands) helped me to assimilate

posted July 3, 2007

Bangladesh (2 yrs), Thailand (9 yrs), Switzerland (1 yr), Spain (3 yrs), Egypt (3 mths), Iran (3 mths) - and traveled too many places and countries to count for varying lengths of time!

Best way to acclimate?
*Learn as much as you can about the laws and customs as quickly as you can (better yet, before you go)
*Reach out to the expat community, especially those who have already done the hard work of acclimating, but do not wall yourself away from the nationals
*Learn the language as quickly as you can
*Assume that customs and perspectives will be different
*Remember, you are in their country so it is up to you to adapt and bend and fit in (to their structure, culture); it is not for them to accomodate you.
*No matter how strange things seem to you, strive not to offend or take offense.
*Be on your best behavior, be the best person you can be - don't fall prey to thinking that because you are out of your normal social environment that you can act without impunity or consequences.
*Don't expect people to speak your language or to know / understand your customs
*Err on the side of caution in all things - including food (some countries have ameobas in the leafy vegetables, some meats carry tape worms, some water has to be boiled to be drinkable, insects that cause health problems)
*Learn quickly, observe carefully and act slowly!
*Enjoy all the wonderful new things - appreciate the differences

posted July 3, 2007

Germany: 1 year
China: 9 months
Italy: 6 months
New York: 2 years

The best advice I can give is don't try to be a celebrity. Too often, I see foreigners deliberately trying not to fit in. Whether it's by being loud, not trying to dress appropriately, not wanting to do activities that seem strange to them, etc. It's important to have the mentality to try everything at least once and move on if you don't like it. Obviously, there are some caveats to this (murdering and pillaging is universally accepted as a not-to-do-while-in-a-foreign-country) but I would try the local food when possible although the advice about not eating salad is good. Food is a universal need and one of the best ways to get conversation going.

posted July 3, 2007

Four years nearly to the day in Santiago, Chile.

Had no job waiting, yet the best career move of my life.

You really don't understand yourself and your own culture until you leave it behind. I highly recommend it, although with one caveat:

Learn the language. Experiencing another culture minus the language is going to the movies with the sound off. Seriously, language is culture, culture is language. It's hard to explain but very, very true.

posted July 3, 2007

I've lived in another country twice. First, when I was in grad school, I lived and worked in Italy for a year. It was one of the best experiences in my life, and opened up my eyes to a different culture. I avoided native English speakers, and learned Italian in 6 months. My biggest challenge was learning that the work culture was very different the further south one went, and I found that frustrating. I left after a year, although I was offered the chance to stay another year.

The experience enabled me to think about foreign countries later in life, and led to my moving to England, where I still live 12 years later. The Italian experience helped me understand that even though the English and Americans speak (mostly) the same language, that I should expect cultural differences. That helped make the transition easier. The biggest challenge in living in the UK as opposed to the US is remembering that the English have a different approach.

It's been a wonderful experience all around,

posted July 3, 2007

I have lived in Dubai (2 years), Bangkok (1 year), Malaysia & Singapore (12 years), USA (on and off now), Romania (1 year), Bulgaria (1.5 years), London (2 years-ish), Hong Kong (2.5 years), Canada (1 year), China - Shanghai (1 year), Jakarta (3 years or so and still going) and India (on and off for about 4 years). Its been good to have lived around the world but as a result, I have no childhood friends. On the other hand, I have many many friends in many countries. I found an attempt to speak/read the local language is received very well and be open to what is the norm locally. I liek to think of myself as very flexible and adaptable to cultures and climes. Also, my father is Spanish and mother Eurasian...that helped abit.

posted July 3, 2007

I have lived in Pakistan, India, England, Scotland, Germany, France, Egypt and USA.
The first thing you have to adapt to is the language, in most countries you can get away with speaking English, but most people appreciate if you try and learn the local language.
The second thing I found was trying to accept what is normal, each country has it's own definition of normal! getting used to that can sometimes take some doing.
The third thing is the food. Having lived in one country for a long time, you sometimes long for food from home! now-a-days it is getting easier to find foods from a very many countries no matter where you are. A few years ago it was not so easy.
Like a lot of people have said, the best way is to have an open mind, not be judgemental, and enjoy life, enjoy the variety and the differences

posted July 3, 2007