Expat-CIT had asked me to write an expat challenge, something to inspire those who, like her, are preparing to move to Brussels or other countries. She left the interpretation of her request up to me, and for more than a week now it's been rolling around in my head.

A challenge. Hmmm. The advice I'd give any expat-to-be is to understand that no matter how much you research and prepare to move to a place, you will still be knocked flat by the experience. Give yourself time to adjust, not just weeks, not months, but as long as it takes. You'll vacillate between revelling in all that is foreign and exciting about your new home and wanting to just have a day where you can do ordinary things like driving, shopping and transacting business without having to think so much and feel so inept.

If you've been an expat before, maybe this process of adjustment is smoother, but for first time expats, there's a lot to get through. Give it time. Don't rush it, don't berate yourself on the days you don't like being an expat. They'll pass. You'll find your place in this unfamiliar corner of the world and probably come to love it.

Some expats want to live like natives and work toward full integration,  but most expats that are here under an employment contract just want to be students of the culture: to travel, to learn, to see what they can see, and enjoy the ride while they're here. 

My challenge to the latter group is to broaden your horizons. Most American expats here arrive as part of a corporate community or through a diplomatic or military assignment, and they immediately get pulled into an established expat social circle that revolves around that association. Those connections are wonderful; they offer support, camraderie, and a place to belong. They're invaluable in easing the discomfort of a move and making friends. However, if you're not careful, those connections can become the sum total of your expat experience. You can live your entire existence in a little American bubble.

Don't limit yourself. Dare to burst your bubble. The more people you encounter from other walks of life, the richer your experience will be.  Look for ways to meet and interact with natives or other expats who aren't associated with your place of employment. You might join a church. Attend an expat event (see expatica.com). Volunteer with an organization. Join a club. Take a class. Host a party and invite all your neighbors whether you know them or not. Or better yet--start a blog--you meet the MOST interesting people that way.

August 21, 2007