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How do you view you professional EXPAT life, living & working in a foreign country?

Do you find it enriching or depriving? Do you often miss home? How are the work conditions & career growth chances? How is your family coping?

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Question added by Khatim Abbas Seed , BUSINESS CONSULTANT , Google
Date Posted: 2014/03/15
Peter A O DAHUNSI
by Peter A O DAHUNSI , TECHNICAL MANAGER , GASTOWN NIGERIA LIMITED

It is a good experience working outside your native country, you meet new people, learn new culture and appreciate the universality of man. I have had to go across borders within my scope of work and it has been a very wonderful experience, meeting people of diverse culture and background, creating relationships and it could be some sort of stress and anxiety of course, you spend more money when communicating with family and friends mostly via telephone conversations.

Antonio Mhek Jr
by Antonio Mhek Jr , Lead Document Controller , Tecnicas Reunidas

Homesickness is the primary hindrance to an expat like me working in a foreign country that is totally different from my country Philippines-Kingdom of Saudi Arabia interms of cultures, climate, social life...etc. But I am always thinking and reminding myself that I did it because I want it and for the sake of my family goodness. I love to do something new in my life and I want to learn more espicially working with other people and for those who are totally stranger to me. I'm glad I enjoy working here and I've learned a lot and my talent and skills are develop as well.

Mohammed Asim Nehal
by Mohammed Asim Nehal , M Asim Nehal & Co , Chartered Accountants

Exchange of ideas and experience is something which you get while working in a country different from your place of studies. You get to learn a lot from the international market.

Deleted user
by Deleted user

I would say it is a privilege to have the opportunity to work in other countries, with other cultures, mentalities and to learn a lot about the mankind. It is a wonderful possibility to develop personally and of course in the professional way. Sure, if we are married it can have some problems, but it is a question of the decision and of course the trust within the marriage.

Mohammed Salim Allana
by Mohammed Salim Allana , Compliance and Assurance Manager , United Arab Bank

I agree with all the answers and add that there is no gain without pains. To get the better quality of life for self and family is not easy; the fight for survival is not easy in the Gulf. To adapt to the extreme hot climatic conditions under the multi-culture working environment is a challenge. Every day give us a new lesson and we continue to learn each day at the cost of missing our own beloved nation, friends and relatives.

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