What can stop people from fully enjoying the experience?
FEELING HOMESICK
LANGUAGE BARRIER
it’s common courtesy
pick up some of the local lingo
avoid the language barrier
reach mega fluency overnight
formulate basic requests
express your gratitude
can go a long way.
the problem is where there is a large concentration of expats
going solo
diving headfirst into the culture and language
causes resentment among the locals
feeling homesick
how much you are willing to let go
surrounded on all fronts
a vastly different culture and mentality
still expect life to be similar to that back home
something very narrow-minded about that
adapting to new settings
compulsory decades ago
the advent of the internet
we can stay in touch with our roots easily enough
venture beyond your front door
CULTURAL DIFFERENCES
no matter how hard you try to blend in
some new cultural characteristics
hard to swallow = culture shock
fundamental to … etiquette
we’re born with some innate desire
should respect the customs of the host nation
HARD TO FIND A JOB
good jobs are scarce and far between
move abroad on a whim to strike it rich
they’re in for the shock of a lifetime/ in for a disappointment
they really that naïve in thinking
everyone in the West is rolling in it
seeking employment overseas
an arduous struggle
they’re on the minimum wage living hand to mouth
working unsociable, sometimes inhumane hours
unless you have a highly sought-after skill.
BORING
I always give a smarmy grin
they want to jack it all in
buy a luxury bungalow overlooking the sea
have a paddle every morning in the glistening turquoise sea
then reality sinks in after two months
you’re pulling your hair out of boredom
It’s just wishful thinking
FINDING FRIENDS
NOT MATURE ENOUGH
finding some mates among the locals
It’s not just about socializing
having a speaking partner to brush up your language skills with
you need someone who can do you favours
pull a few strings
help you with a couple of back-handers
speak god-level…
none of that will help you in the slightest
dealing with all that paperwork
make heads or tails of
pines for mummy
feeling a tad homesick, despite being in your 30s
good luck is all I can say
You won’t even last a day
overly dependent on your parents
Moving abroad requires a degree of maturity
taking calculated risks
HARD TO ADAPT
There’s moving abroad and there’s moving ABROAD.
to brag how culturally enriched we are
you’re dicing with death
the country of destination and its culture
far-removed from our own in every conceivable way
only the most thick-skinned of us
manage to make a life for ourselves