Part II, Is Expat Life Right For You?
About once a week I get an email from an expat-hopeful asking me about Italy, telling me about his or her dream to move abroad and thanking me for my positive and “inspirational” posts about living in a new country.
Gulp.
No pressure here …
So, last week over at ACC, we began a discussion on what it takes to be an expat and I shared some things I’ve noticed over the years that the most successful expats don’t do.
Go ahead and check out that post … but be sure to come back.
Well, did any of those things sound doable? If so, you might be on the right track towards expat dream reality. But just to be sure, here are four things I have noticed expats DO to ensure they are happy and successful in their new lives.
Expats Do …
- Share a sense of adventure
We know how envious the expat-life can be to our friends and family back home and even though we might complain from time to time, we know it is pretty darn cool to live here.
The expats I know all share a sense of adventure, whether that includes traveling, cooking new dishes or mustering up the courage to talk their neighbors. And when there isn’t an adventure, we create an opportunity for one.
For example, right now I see my father-in-law walking through the garden with a plastic sack of snails he is gathering for lunch. I mean, you just don’t see THAT every day.
- Enjoy meeting new people
While it is possible to move to a new country, lock yourself up tight and hide out in a hole … it’s certainly not the way most expats do it.
In fact, many expats like to meet new people, especially the locals.
And I don’t know, maybe it is just me … but I kinda like talking to the old folks. There is just something about their patriotism and wise patience that makes me want to know more.
- Like to learn
And speaking of knowing more, every expat I have ever met likes to learn.
Yep.
Every one of them.
Whether we are learning a new language, taking up a new sport or talking to our new friends about their culture, we like to soak up the knowledge, then share that with you on our blogs, on Facebook or via Twitter.
- Realize that nothing is forever, and if we want to, we can Just. Go. Home.
And once I realized that, I was much, much happier here.
Even though it is fun and exciting and adventurous to move overseas, leaving the comfort of your home country, your friends, your job and your family is scary stuff.
This doesn’t mean many expats would take the easy way out and leave our new lives, but that when things get tough-and I’m sorry to tell you, they do get tough-we take it one day at a time until things get better.
What characteristics and traits do you think successful expats share?
Buon Weekend!
* This post is written on behalf of AffordableCallingCards.net. Click here to read similiar posts written by other expats in the ACC expat community.
Another trait of successful expats is that they learn to accept the fact that things just don’t get done as fast or as efficiently most places as in the USA. You stand in line more. You have to bargain more. The sands shift more easily and more frequently. You may have to go to more stores to get what you need today. If you can learn to live with that, you’ll stress a lot less and have more fun. After all, what better place and time than standing in line to renew your driver’s license or cash a check to strike up a conversation with a local?
I am convinced that my sole purpose in moving to Calabria was so I could learn patience. Great point, Peter and thanks for pointing out that those “difficult” situations can be learning opportunities.
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a great post Cherrye with some very good points. I also agree with Peter… I learned patience. You need to remember that even if you think your way may be better, it’s not about your way anymore. I would also say that you should give yourself a chance. Set a time-frame… a “no matter what, I’m going to stick it out for at least X amount of time.” I think you hit a grove after a while and things change.
I couldn’t agree more, Joe. Moving overseas isn’t easy, but once you can hit that groove you can make a non-emotional decision about whether to stay.
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One of the things I noticed that successful expats do is relish the differences rather than focus on how ‘it’s not like home’. Well, of course it’s not like home. I lived in Australia. Not quite the culture/language barrier that you would have in a country like Italy, but still different. One of the things many expat Americans complain about in Australia is that most shops close early, around 5pm (grocery around 7pm), except one night a week (late night shopping night). Personally, I thought this was FANTASTIC. Yes, I had to plan better if there was something I needed to shop for, but I still thought it was better for the employees and for everyone in general. Shops don’t need to be open all the time. It’s ridiculous. There are lots of other similar examples, but if you think about WHY something is and take yourself (and what you are used to) out of the equation, it gets easier to understand and accept, I think. And, in some cases, appreciate.
*Such* a great point but unfortunately one that is easier said than done. Personally, I am still working on this one! ha
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I think just the chance to live abroad (and in my case very far away from your home country) is an extraordinary opportunity.
Agree with you on everything.
Maybe I will add been an expat makes you more tolerant; to other cultures, ways of living, eating (!!….
Heidi, mexican living la vida loca in Greater China
Great point, Heidi. Tolerance is such an important trait to possess and being an expat does wonders for that!
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Excellent advice Cherrye!
My tips: Patience. Patience. Patience.
Be open minded.
Adapt.
Appreciate the differences.
Stop and enjoy the little things.
And, as was mentioned in previous comments, stop comparing everything to how things are where you moved from!
Great tips! Grazie for sharing!
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Great points Cherrye and great comments! Especially agree with being patient, and trying to understand WHY things work the way they do. Usually there’s a good reason (or at least a reason)
Such a great point on the WHY. Sometimes if I can understand the why, I am ok, it is the not “getting it” that kills me.
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I agree with the other comments. The expats who constantly compare Italy to America are very unhappy.
You can’t compare them as they are two very different countries.
I’m still working on the patient thing.
Me, too, my friend … me, too.
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[...] a post recently about knowing whether expat life is right for you. (She also continued the topic here.) I luckily can relate to everything she wrote, but I understand that relocating abroad [...]
Very, very good post – and it made me realize exactly why some of my best friends are expats. Not an expat yet, I already share all of those characteristics with you.
Looks like you are ready, Annika!
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[...] There are also some things I’ve noticed happy expats DO. Be sure to check on My Bella Vita next week for Part II of Is Expat Life Right For You? [...]
[...] Post continues here. [...]