Expat Life
This is a continuation from the Chef Shane – The Culinary Globe Trotters’ feature article in the Chef-a-Go-go Newsletter.
Life experience
One thing about changing jobs is that it provides experience.
You have different people to work with, unfamiliar equipment, new challenges. These things tend to build us as people, with “human skills” as well as developing a CV that displays confidence and ability across a variety of work genres or properties.
Similarly, working outside one’s own country and “comfort zone” also builds a new set of life skills, and some are quite unexpected.
It is very common for those at home to believe that you will learn the secrets of your host nation and become skilled beyond belief as things overseas are “done better”.
It comes as a shock for some to find that things are often done MUCH better at home – and this is why you are there!
As one experiences the differences in a new region, the first few months can become quite intoxicating and overwhelming, in either a pleasant, or an alarming way.
This can manifest in great enthusiasm and excitement in the new environment just noticing all the great things, or general glumness and lethargy about missing everything back home.
More often than not though, this is the “honeymoon phase”, and like that fabulous institution, can be very memorable indeed!
In either case however, life trudges on, and you begin to notice the bad things, and the “deeper” things about your new home.
Life suddenly becomes a little more real as you start to see yourself as actually being overseas, and getting beyond the usual shallow “visitor experience”.
This is all pretty normal, and experienced by many.
After a reasonable time from around 6-12 months, the balance is struck between the dream and the reality of being in a different environment, and one comes to terms with it.
Most job contracts are of 2-3 year duration, but anything is possible, and one certainly cant be defined as an expat by the type of contract you do or don’t have.
Generally speaking though, the whole process is one of growth and learning to cope with new and or unforeseen circumstances. This no doubt encourages the ability to deal with the unexpected, and respond to changes in plan or resources in an ‘appropriate” way.
I feel this is a far superior skill to have than the perfect ability to memorise a new menu in a new place!
But everyone has a different idea of what working internationally has achieved for them.
Definitely the exposure to different cultures, ingredients and cuisines is a benefit for a chef.
In many cases, the money is a motivating factor, and can kick off a great lifestyle, a good savings plan, or a secure financial base for the family.
In some nations it is obviously an improvement in lifestyle, or law and order, climate or economy.
Generally however, working overseas will widen your perspective and allow you to see from more than one angle.
You will experience different ways of living and different rules, which generally reflect on your culinary skills and allow you to evolve in a different direction.
This is not necessarily positive – we all know larger than life expats, jolly stereotypes who develop lifestyle of great intrigue and dubious diplomacy.
But overall, tempered with a good career action plan, some life goals and a quick wit – travel can be very beneficial for many areas of life – and more often than not, it gives one a much deeper, more heartfelt appreciation of home also.
Feel free to add your comments to this section of the article at the bottom of the post
Finishing up and getting ready
The complexity of this depends on your circumstances.
If it is just you moving, with few ties and commitments, it can be quite easy. Moving permanently, or with family, pets, partners can require a whole lot more thought and planning.
Typical things to watch out for include:
- Firstly – PASSPORT! Make sure that you have one, and that it has 6 months validity on it as a MINIMUM, or else you will not be allowed to leave the country. A passport takes about 6 weeks on average. Faster (and more expensive) in many countries, but always allow maximum time for this.
- CHECK that your passport is valid for the intended country of travel. (Some countries do not allow people in their country who have stamps in their passport from countries they don’t recognise. This can be a problem)
- Breaking or ending a home lease, or renting out your home
- Visa requirements – any vaccinations, documents, etc required in order to process your visa must all be in order
- Pets – if taking them, it can be a nightmare. This can take weeks, and lots of vet visits and documentation. Travel can also be stressful and involve risk, quarantines and delays or rejection. Triple check everything at both ends if taking a pet. Googling “expat pet” gives lots of hits on great information about exporting and importing pets to most countries
- Phone – forwarding calls, closing accounts, organising to keep your number dormant whilst away etc.
- Double and triple checking your contract before signing and making travel plans
- Utilities – electric, gas, internet, cable TV, hot water, etc
- Mail redirection, or cancelling of post office box
- Closing bank accounts, and or setting up facilities for internet / phone banking and international transfers
- Paying outstanding debts – and registering other debts and regular payments with your internet banking or automatic payments
- Quoting, pricing and booking removalists well before the travel date
- Finalising taxation matters and handing over / safekeeping any documents related to this and your finances
- Organising a permanent address to forward to in your new country if possible.
- Making a permanent record of important documents. These can be photocopied or scanned. High res scans are good – they can be kept securely online and accessed from anywhere and can include passports, qualifications, references, citizenship certificates, birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. These can prove invaluable in case of loss – but keep your copies secure.
- Researching the host country. If you have time and motivation, a language course can be helpful. Pimsleur is OK to flip on in the car or the phone for a couple of lessons a day, and can give some basic skills. – Overall though, there is really no need to study too hard as the facts on the ground are usually far different to the results of your research. If it’s possible to hit the ground running with a good idea on the right clothing, good expectation of climate, access to your money, and a bit of knowledge on basic location and culture, then it’s all good!
- Excess baggage charges. This hits a lot of first timers in particular! You are normally allowed 20kg of luggage checked in, and you can often get away with carrying far too much “hand luggage” on board. Normally 30kg can be explained or waived without too much fuss, but anything over that, and you will have to pay. It’s REALLY expensive, so make sure you take only what you need, or only what you can afford. UNACCOMPANIED baggage saves up to 50% if you have to fly it, and want to save money. It may not be at the airport at the same time as you, however.
- Superannuation, trust funds, investments, insurances, wills etc all need updating or forwarding or arranging so they can be managed or handled from overseas.
- Credit cards – try to get one. The most convenient, widest accepted major bank with the least fees on transactions and the best help centre should do just fine. Or the lesser of the evils if in a country with expensive or inefficient banks. It does help to have a source of funds in an emergency though. Make sure you keep a bank account in the home country if it is secure and trustworthy also.
Advice, comments, checklists and extras welcome the many expats within our own network. Feel free to add your comments to this section of the article at the bottom of the post
Culture shock
To a certain extent, this happens even moving from suburb to suburb, but for an overseas move there is less opportunity to escape the problem for a few hours or a few days.
Many things can affect your perception of being alone in a strange place, including different working conditions, a changed social structure, inability to communicate or deal with simple problems etc.
For those with work to get straight into, it is not such a problem.
People deal with stress and change in many ways. Some thrive on it, others throw themselves into their work, or regularly relax with a drink – some even develop a persona and a playboy or pimp lifestyle.
The ones who suffer more are families, kids, pets – who may not be reaping the same rewards from the move, and suddenly have to deal with their losses.
Also those who move overseas with expectations that the only change in their life will be within the workplace.
Also in groups of workers, the popular confident ones who lead the group often fare well compared to the others in the group more dependent on their social structures back home.
Food is also a factor – as well as music, media, movies.
Culture shock is not so sudden, and not so unexpected.
Learning more about what to expect is very important in knowing how to deal with it, and minimise the impact.
The phenomenon is quite well researched and goes a long way to helping you understand more about the changes you are going through, as well as ways of effectively making the transition.
A google or yahoo search on culture shock will keep you entertained, informed, horrified and excited for hours on end, and will provide some valuable upfront knowledge that WILL be of great use.
Handling funds
This is a fairly critical area, and can be an issue of some concern if you need special documents to send money.
Every country has differing regulations and legislation on transferring money in and out of the country.
Be very familiar with the methods in place for transferring your money back home or to your destination of choice, and make sure you have a clear understanding of the costs and procedures involved. In one place I worked it was a monthly dilemma while the company took its time with visas.
Normally it consists of a quick trip to the money exchange with a passport copy and a branch and account number for my home bank.
But be SURE.
Major currency exchanges include Western Union and Thomas Cook, and these can be used to wire money to and from your home country, or any other country.
A quick search for “expat forum” and the country or city you are researching will yield results, and you can ask more questions, or find this info in the archives.
Packages and contracts
These days, money is King!
For expats of all types, this cannot be understated. Every company is doing everything it can to save on unnecessary expenditure, and whittle their operational costs. This phenomenon has especially affected HR, and salary packages – even back at home!
As a result, family packages and “full expat packages” are harder to come by, and the “usual inclusions” are being whittled down as costs increase in other areas.
Generally speaking, single packages are the most common, as there is less expense involved with visas, travel, and accommodation, schooling and medical.
This is not necessarily a bad thing, as unhappy children and bored partners are the main reason for non completion of contract, or unsuccessful hires.
The allure of an expat lifestyle and big money does often not live up to its initial promise, or the stresses that such a lifestyle places on families can result in marital break ups.
Think carefully before committing the family and make sure the decision is best for all, and well planned out.There IS often an option to move more thoroughly into a role after establishing yourself there – and opportunities may be available for a partner to work in their own right, providing much needed support system of their own income, friends, responsibilities and interests.
Alternatively, the company may consider providing a family package after a year or two of getting to know you, which for the 5 year move can be just perfect in terms of exposure to a new country, learning the language and making the most of a posting.
Especially if the position has “potential for advancement”
It may be worth discussing this option up front rather than dismissing an opportunity outright due to a single package only being on offer.
Many choose to work entirely on a single package so they can divert attention only into work, although this can lead to a very unbalanced life and unsatisfying existence also. Balance is important across all areas.
Contracts are also not “standard”.
Some popular countries with large expat workforces tend to offer all inclusive packages and/or tax free salaries.
Other countries offer only a salary, after which tax is deducted. Then all expenses are left up to you.
Again, research thoroughly as to what is usually included in the package, and what has to be paid by you. If the list is too long on the payment side, the cost of living high, and the salary low, then best to give it a miss, or bite the bullet for the length of the contract and get that piece of letterhead.
It really is very hard to change your mind once you are there, and realise that you are being underpaid or overworked.
A more important issue than the contents of a contract, is whether or not it is enforceable by law, by an expatriate, in the country of employment. Just how effective are the labour laws, and is there a problem with corruption or dislike of your nationality etc.
This is a bit of a laugh when told after the event, but not so much fun when having problems in a foreign country. It is quite possible that you can be left without funds or recourse in a foreign country, or otherwise inconvenienced or messed around.
Knowing this aspect of the culture and government is important and how to effectively handle the issues and problems as they arise.
Some places are VERY corrupt – and can be great to work in! By the same token, you have to know the right people and move in the right circles without making too many waves.
Many more countries have transparent laws and strong governments with solid judicial systems and labour regulations. Do the research here, as it can save a headache.
Also do not be afraid to research your employer, host country and other expat experiences in the same region or city.
Look for patterns, which will signify
Always research your market value and establish your take home pay.
This feature is coming soon to ProChef360.
ALWAYS research costs of living as well, and overestimate rather than underestimate any expenses you will likely incur.
Most Expensive Cities for Expats
Feel free to add your comments to this section of the article at the bottom of the post
Children can be the hardest hit by a move, missing friends, familiar foods, routines, TV, media and basic communication being suddenly out of their grasp.
Missing friends and familiar things is a biggie, and you need to occupy them straight up and get that honeymoon stage happening and minimise the upset and change in a manageable way.
The right school is really important, but that is not always the most expensive one, surprisingly. It is important to have a look at the school and see what they set out to achieve in terms of values, outcome and attitudes as well as educational style and curriculum.
Those should ideally match your own.
In many destinations, the local schools are great and of International standard. In a great deal more, you would be looking at using an actual International school, or a niche school with your home country’s culture, language, curriculum, religion or qualifications.
Unless you are lucky enough to be employed outright on a full expat family package, you will have to pay the fees yourself, upfront in cash. This is normally USD$ or Euros.
In my own experience, this has been from $4,000 a year (paid monthly) to $19,000 a year paid upfront, to $27,000 a year paid quarterly in advance.
It can be a LOT of money, and it is a big change and upheaval, so it is better to make sure it is a good fit, and either within budget, or unconditionally explained and accounted for in your contract.
The local school may be of a good standard in the country of employment, but could cause issues if moving onto a new country or back to the home country with a different curriculum or set of values.
Look at the big picture, and consider your needs and future movements to try and plan some consistency for your child. But definitely consider local schools, and look at all options available before committing, especially their attitude towards the kids.
If the change is too radical it can and will result in misery and regret. (This will happen anyway – but is definitely manageable and a bit of work upfront can minimise it)
It is often good to make the move first, to set up the accommodation, visit the school and become comfortable with the style of operation, and prepare more of a home environment and be a bit more knowledgeable yourself about getting around and places to go.
This way, they hit the ground with infrastructure in place for a smooth transition, and hopefully all visas arranged upfront.
You also have a fair idea what is going on by this point, so you are not bringing your loved ones into an inappropriate environment and fixing unexpected issues as they (undoubtedly do) arise.
Council of International Schools
Feel free to add your comments to this section of the article at the bottom of the post
The law should be a primary consideration when moving to a new country.
Having said that, it is important to do your research as you will find some bizarre misconceptions about nations not closely related to your own.
Many ‘dangerous’ places are not that dangerous at all. Much of it comes from vivid imaginations, TV snippets, newsbytes, images of neighbouring countries and past history.
Look into expat websites, Wikipedia, social networks, Google images, Google groups and Yahoo groups, newsgroups and travel websites to get an overall feel for the place and start some local networking.
Chefs forums and networks also can provide some real information. Someone has normally been there and done it before, and has an opinion about it.
In a country where the law is adequately enforced by an honest police and judiciary, life has one less worry.
You have to know up front if the police will help you if necessary, or whether it is best to not even get them involved.
Some countries have less than perfect human rights records, out of control police, or rampant corruption. Certain nations are sticklers for every point of every law while their foreign counterparts are quite relaxed about issues that would result in imprisonment or death elsewhere.
It is so important to understand what you are getting yourself into, and what sort of help or obstruction to expect from Government, police, labour law and culture.
Definitely factor in safety and security before making the decision, as a contract is easy to sign at home, but hard to live with when getting frisked by corrupt police in a foreign country, or being assaulted in a lawless one.
Generally, moving to a safe area with good government and friendly people is a wise move, and allows you to get on with it.
Moving to a less safe area with imminent risk or lack of support causes a great deal of stress, and if problems do arise, a definite feeling of being out of control.
Often there are financial or other incentives to work in a less safe area or ‘hardship’ location, but consider your safety, and make sure the company and accommodation at least are of a suitable standard and well regarded by all who have gone before.
Most Dangerous Cities in the World
Forbes- The Most Corrupt Countries
Feel free to add your comments to this section of the article at the bottom of the post
Basic rights should not be taken for granted. For that matter, neither should a lack of them.
You may find yourself going to a country with values far more liberal and outrageous than your own, and find yourself needing to adapt.
Conversely you may find yourself in a situation where large tracts of your previous life are now illegal or immoral. This is all very relative, and differs widely from town to town as well as between nations, religions and cultures.
Be sure about basic local conditions and customs before you even get serious about negotiations.
Go prepared, with a real, well researched idea of what to expect.
Check to see if your country has consular representation, and get in touch with the local expat community if it exists.
You must definitely know what is out of bounds, and how seriously it is dealt with.
And also, if problems do occur, whether you have any rights at all.
The way things were done in your home country do not help much if things go pear shaped in a distant country with no assistance or support.
Don’t listen to horror stories too much, but do look for patterns, and check out local newspapers online, and google news searches too.
Blogs in or about the target country are also a source of news from the grassroots.
Feel free to add your comments to this section of the article at the bottom of the post
Shane is surviving on the busy streets of Bangkok, and looking forward to learning about and sharing your expat experiences with the network on www.prochef360.com between now and next week.
Please Note- At the time of publication the above links were operational. I offer my sincere apologies in advance if you have trouble accessing the full story via the links provided.
Safe travelling,
Chef Shane – The Culinary Globe Trotter
