Before I talk about expats, let’s go over a typical ice-breaker conversation in the United States:
Charlie: “Hey, Alice – I want you to meet Bob. Bob, this here’s Alice. Talk amongst yourselves.”
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Alice: Hi Bob. What do you do?
Bob: I’m a butcher/engineer/shepherd/{any trade you want} You?
Alice: I write for the local paper.
Bob: Oh, that must be interesting…how long have you been there?
Alice: About 4 years. Yeah, I like it. I meet a lot of interesting people.
Bob: That sounds interesting.
Should sound familiar. It’s pretty much the dialogue you have each time you meet someone, right?
Okay, now how about the same ice breaker between expats?
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Jeff: So, where are you from?
Martin: UK {note to non-Britons: they never say Great Britain!
}Jeff: Cool. American. How long you been here?
Martin: 8, 8 1/2 years – you?
Jeff: Just 4 years.
Martin: What do you do?
Jeff: I work at {insert multinational company or global datacenter}
Martin: Oh, yes, I know a lot of Americans there. You know Buddy Sowenso?
Jeff: I’ve heard the name, but I don’t know him yet. What do you do?
Martin: I’m teaching English at the {insert language school or city college}.
Jeff: Oh, okay. Do you get home often?
Martin: Once, maybe twice a year. You?
Jeff: Not as much. Been back just one time
[ ...... after more socializing / drinking ..... ]
Martin: I couldn’t believe it …Totally didn’t expect that!
Jeff: Unreal…only here, right? So, plans to return home?
Martin: Yeah, probably after another year or so. You?
Jeff: I’m almost ready. Maybe after another year or so.
See any differences? Talk amongst yourselves.
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
From my personal experience, here’s a couple things I note:
From the earliest conversation with someone, you will find out:
1. Where they’re from.
2. How long they’ve been there (been expats).
3. How often they get to go back. (whether they call it home or not)
After a bit more chit-chat, you’ll likely also find out:
4. What they do for income.
5. Kids, family (so, …married a local or spouse also expat?)
After much more socializing, you’ll also get:
6. Strong feeling whether they enjoy it here.
7. How soon they’re moving on, either back home or somewhere else.
-Jeff