From the category archives:

Cultural differences

By the Way – Happy Canada Day!

July 1, 2010

July 1st is Canada Day. Happy Canada Day!! This is my first time in the country for the holiday ever. My wife’s first time in many years. We’re spending the day with my wife’s family and many more in a small rural village in northern Nova Scotia. Local events include dancing, concerts of local talent, [...]

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What Makes an Expat?

January 28, 2010

A few days ago I read an article called “What Makes an Expat?.” I really enjoyed it. I liked it so much, I immediately looked up the author, Kathy Hamilton, and asked if I could repost it here for you. I like the article because it’s personal, introspective and it just seemed to resonant with [...]

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Hey- An ExpatYourself Forum!!

January 26, 2010

I’m not just adventurous in real life (yeah, right), I’m adventurous in website administration. My dream of helping people live overseas suddenly found a glass ceiling – enough time to answer e-mails. So, one idea I came up with is to create a forum where people could ask questions (and I still answer them), but [...]

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How Expats Greet Each Other

January 21, 2010

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.” 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. [...]

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Happy Birthday ‘Round the World

January 18, 2010

Last Friday, I celebrated my birthday. Drinks, dinner, dancing – expat style. My favorite thought of the night: “What a small world we are!” Let me share with you why…

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“This Isn’t What I’m Used To”

December 16, 2009

This article isn’t about culture shock. It’s about how we adapt and accept our new surroundings. (culture shock happens regardless) Let me start with a personal story about my wife coming down to the USA from Canada. Occasionally, she would utter “Oh, okay, that’s just not what I’m used to back home.” How do you [...]

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Foreigners (Not) Welcome in Czech Republic?

November 16, 2009

Just a few years ago, it was too easy getting a job as a foreigner (that’s expat to you) in the Czech Republic. Finally, after the recession has hit Europe hard, the Czech Republic is trimming back the fat. And, again, that’s expat to you. Update: And in China, too!

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