Anyone ever live/work overseas?

[mom2alix]

DH has a potential job offer that would involve our family living overseas for 2 years and I was wondering if anyone has had some experience they would share? To give some background on what I DON'T know - I've been to Canada and Mexico and that's the extent of my foreign travel, so feel free to talk to me like I'm 2 years old.

 

[Bob Slydell]

I've worked in foreign countries, but not on a permanent basis -- most major foreign cities are relatively easy to deal with, meaning many people speak English, a lot of signs, etc., are in English and stuff like that.

My DW is mulling over an expat opportunity -- the good part about assignments like that are that a lot of expenses are paid for, so you're essentially living for free (and thus, banking your whole salary). Plus, it's a valuable opportunity for your kids to learn a new culture, language, etc.

 

[TLHB70]

We did it!!!! My DH had the same opportunity. It was amazing! We moved to Maracaibo, Venezuela. We had never even been out of the country. We were born and raised in the same city, and we had never moved. WOW! Talk about an experience!!!!!!! We agreed to the 2 year move. However, because of the political situation in Venezuela, it was cut to only one year. It was such a fabulous experience for us, for our family!! I wouldn't change it for anything. I would still go back and do it over again!
We only knew a little Spanish so I had to get a tutor so that I could buy groceries (every container is labeled in Spanish). We needed to know it, too, to go out to eat, read the menu and order. We knew NO ONE there when we moved there! It was awesome to see how God brought new friends into our lives. I still keep in contact via email with almost everyone that I met there! Our two DDs were 7 and 4 at the time. I am so thankful that they had the chance to experience it. They can appreciate now how much we as Americans have compared to the rest of the world.
It truly was one of the best years of our lives!

Yep, as Bob mentioned above, we had all our living expenses paid for, and we received a daily allowance for food. Therefore, DH salary was deposited directly into our checking account back in the states and we really saved a lot of money!

 

[Equidae]

My DH grew up in a military family and spent a lot of time overseas. For him, it was a very positive experience and he's visited many places he wouldn't have otherwise.

 

[golfgal]

I have traveled overseas but never lived there. What a great opportunity! There are some places I wouldn't want to go but for the most part if DH had that opportunity I would jump at the chance. We have a family from our town that is in Kuwait by choice (teaching, not military) and I wouldn't want to do that but they love it. In Europe you go from country to country like we go state to state in the US so you can see a LOT in a short period of time. I think everyone should travel to Europe or elsewhere at least once (Canada doesn't really count because it is so similar to the US ).

 

[NMAmy]

I lived in Germany for a year when my ex and I were first married--he was in the military. To give you an idea how long ago this was--I lived in WEST Germany. I loved it there and didn't want to come back to the States. I knew no German before I arrived--I'd taken French and Spanish in school. Most people spoke English and were just wonderful to me. I'm trying to work out a way to go back for a visit!

 

[rparmfamily]

I lived in Italy from 1997-2000. I LOVED Europe and living in Italy. Simply amazing.

Most Italians spoke English but I did my best to learn Italian, since it is the language LOL. I'd try my italian on them, they'd try out their english on me, and we'd both get a good laugh. You do get culture shock, but your attitude is the most important aspect of living overseas. I know there were times when I really just wanted to go to Target and eat at my favorite resturants and not worry about not being able to read signs or understand what everyone around me was saying.

The goods way outweighed the negatives. I would just be careful about where you go because there is quite a bit of anti-americanism in areas. Where I lived (bunch of Americans) we would get protesters at times.

Overall, super experience and I hope to repeat it sometime again!

 

[mom2alix]

Thanks so much for the replies! You're really convincing me that this might be worth it even if it does scare me a little. Hearing some of your positive experiences actually has me a little bit excited.

A little more info: the opportunity is in S. Korea just in case anyone has even been there? Also my kids are 4 and 1, so info on kids stuff would be great if anyone knows anything.

 

[DVC Sadie]

I lived in the Phillippines for three years when I was in the Air Force and other places in the far east for shorter amounts of time. There is culture shock but I wouldn't have traded the experience for anything in the world. Truly educational and for us enjoyable. Living overseas is what you make it, some people unfortunately never adjusted because they kept comparing everything to the US and always found it lacking. If you go looking for all of the positives I know that you will find it to be a wonderful experience for both you and your family. Best of luck and keep us informed!

 

[Longsx3]

We are currently in Germany and on our way to Okinawa, Japan. Dh turned down a job to Korea because of the timing with a future promotion board, DD (9) and I were disappointed until we found out we were going to Okinawa.

We really like living overseas, sure there are things that we miss about the states but nothing could ever compare to the experiences we haved had travelling here. I can not tell you how much my daughter enjoys travelling and seeing how other people live. Easter weekend she is going to endure a 10hr bus ride to Poland to shop for Polish pottery for 12hrs but while we are there she will get to see how the people live, how the kids will beg for money and candy and how hard the Potter's work for .$25 an hour. This was her choice to go and I am sure it will be an eye opening one.

I can't think of a down side of living overseas, sure it is different but the new experiences make it worth it.

 

[Equidae]

LongSX3 -- my DH lived in Okinawa for several years in high school and still talks about how he loved it there and he wants to go back. I get these "this one time, in Japan..." stories A LOT.