In an increasingly small world the number of expats has grown dramatically. According to a survey by Mercer there was a 200% increase in expats between 2005 and 2008 alone. And it’s not just your pretentious neighbour who is always telling everyone to broaden their horizons either, everybody is doing it, young, old, married with a family or young, free and single. Whether you want adventure or riches everything seems more feasible overseas, but think of the cons before you rush into the big bad world of expatriation:
1. Saying goodbye to family
Being wrenched from the bosom of your family is the worst thing about being an expat. No matter how overbearing your mother is or how flatulent your father may be, the toughest decision you will make is leaving them behind.
photo: The U.S. Army
2. Leaving old friends
Maintaining old friendships long-distance can be a test to even the strongest BFF’s.
photo: wrumsby
3. Making new friends
Trying to find your footing in a new social setting is daunting at the best of times, add to this the fact that it is in a different country and culture.
photo: Parker Michael Knight
4. Learning the new language
Studying languages can be a very frustrating endeavour in a classroom setting, not to mention when you are forced to survive everyday life using a foreign vernacular.
photo: ilamont.com
5. Not learning the new language
Many people believe that gesticulating and pointing is a fool proof method of communication. I beg to differ. It is just as frustrating, if not more so, than learning the new language.
photo: Helga Weber
6. Overly friendly countries
Some cultures believe personal space is an over-rated commodity. In Mediterranean cultures for example, it is perfectly acceptable to publicly display your affection for your partner anywhere, anytime. This can be a little off putting when you are at the local market and you are reaching over lip-locked lovers to purchase a kilo of apples.
photo: Denkrahm
7. Overly strict cultures
In many countries something as trivial as holding hands can land you in hot water with the locals and even the law.
photo: kholkute
8. The cost of living is too low
Usually the cost of living is proportionate to the wages that people earn in the country in question. Ergo, if you are living in a country with a very low cost of living, chances are, you are going to be earning much less than you would in a similar post in a western country.
photo: mikecogh
9. The cost of living is too high
Many Scandinavian countries are very pricey and things considered luxury items are astronomically expensive, in Norway it’s not unusual to pay up to €10 for a pint of beer.
photo: tai.
10. Different currencies part 1
Trying to come to terms with local currencies can be a nightmare. Bills are usually straightforward but be prepared to be the annoying person who holds up the entire queue at the supermarket counting out their little coins.
photo: kevin dooley
11. Different currencies part deux
If you need to send money home or have a direct debit from your account beware of currency fluctuation in case it affects your payments.
photo: mueritz
12. Budget misadventures
Although it may seem trivial, don’t live beyond your means, most newbies to the expat game go into holiday mode once they arrive in a new country and this is not sustainable.
photo: zoetnet
13. Getting a job
The contemporary job hunt is mostly internet based. You search for jobs online and upload your C.V. to the World Wide Web in the hopes that a possible employer will grant you an interview, and in general that’s how it works in the western world. In many developing economies the emphasis is placed on personal relationships and networking and therefore makes it very difficult for newly arrived expats to get an interview.
photo: Certs
14. Losing a job
Your dreams of a better life/bank account have brought you to a faraway land, however, starting out in a new country means you have no career safety net. If things don’t work out will it be easy for you to find alternative employment in the area? If you lose your job will you be eligible to receive social security?
photo: Certs!
15. Healthcare
When everything from the ice cube in your glass to the bugs in the street are out to get you, it will probably come in handy to have International Health Insurance. Health systems differ greatly from country to country, some will be miles ahead of your native system others behind. In some countries a simple surgical procedure can end up costing thousands, while others offer free healthcare to all its residents.
photo: Fotos Gov/Ba
16. Choosing the right health insurance
In order to gain entry into many countries you will need some form of health insurance, easy right? Wrong. Choosing the right health insurance can be quite an arduous task, from distinguishing between travel, local and expat health insurance to choosing your specific benefit options and payment plans.
photo: markhillary
17. The move
Moving in general is a herculean task, so when you have to move to a different country it does seem if not impossible, a little insane. Apart from the stress factor it can be quite expensive if employers aren’t footing the relocation bill.
photo: Robert Gaal
18. Settling in
Following the stress of the move itself and then the subsequent culture shock settling in can be a very gruelling process for even the most travelled expat.
photo: Unlikely Ghost
19. Life limbo
Being an expatriate is like being in a bubble , with many complaining you are in limbo, you don’t know whether to settle down in the country you are in, move on to a different country or just go home.
photo: blinkingidiot
20. The weather is too hot
Almost everyone dreams of whiling away their days on a sunny island somewhere, but as clichéd as it sounds sometimes too much of a good thing can be bad. A lot of the time all-year sunshine comes hand in hand with extreme conditions such as humidity, earthquakes and even volcanoes. Also, a 12 month summer can be boring.
photo: Kullez
21. The weather is too cold
In Alaska the cold season lasts for 9 months and temperatures can dip to a minimum of -62.2 degrees. Strong winds, or any wind in the extreme cold are a hazard to anyone who is exposed for even brief periods of time. Most people complain about the long commute in the morning, Alaskans fret about how long it’s going to take them to get suited and booted in readiness for the extreme cold.
photo: Boris SV
22. Not having home comforts
If you are going to visit an expat friend and ask them if they want you to bring anything with you, the answer is almost always some sort of foodstuff from their home country. After a prolonged period abroad most people crave little home comforts like their favourite brand of ketchup or a certain chocolate dessert that can’t be bought in their current country of residence.
photo: FotoosVanRobin
23. Foreign delicacies
Once you start making friends you will be invited to more dinner parties and in almost every culture it is seen as a bit of a slight if you refuse to eat the food so lovingly prepared for you, even if that food is baby squid cooked in its own ink.
photo: George Arriola
24. Expense of travel
If you want to go home for any reason, not only is it an organisational nightmare but arranging flights and transportation is a pricey business.
photo: formalfallacy @ Dublin (Victor)
25. Leaving
After this long list, number 25 may come as a surprise but after overcoming obstacles 1 through 24, you have finally found your niche in this new society, you’ve made BFFs, cultural faux pas’ and linguistic mistakes with the best of them and it’s tough to let something go after so much effort.
photo: MikeBehnken
From worrying about friends to finding a job, all of these problems can be dealt with through good planning and a bit of effort on your part. Before long you will be delighted to be living in the land where seasons don’t exist and the only spring you’ll have is the one in your step. Want more? Check out our Top 25 Best Things About Being An Expat.
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