Carla C. is an Irish Expat who moved to the United States with her husband in early 2014. Carla moved to the U.S. to work as an Engineer, and she is enjoying the outdoor lifestyle of her new home in California. Carla shares her best advice for other Expats moving to the U.S., and tells us what tool helps keep her connected with family and friends back home.
CARLA C.
Q. DID YOU RELOCATE WITH FAMILY? CHILDREN? HOW ARE THEY ADJUSTING TO RELOCATING? WHAT DO THEY ENJOY MOST ABOUT THEIR NEW COUNTRY?
A. I relocated with my husband, we have no children yet. My husband is loving California. Mainly the weather and lifestyle that comes with it.
Q. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST FEW MONTHS IN YOUR NEW LOCATION? ANY CHALLENGES? IF SO, HOW DID YOU RESOLVE THEM?
A. I found the first few months very hard. Is a very different culture. I love the weather and the lifestyle, but missed my friends and family a lot. Thankfully Skype helped and now we know more people so is easier to adjust.
Q. NOW THAT YOU ARE SETTLING IN, IS THERE A BIG CHANGE IN CULTURE? DID YOU FIND ANY HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR EXPATS?
A. The culture here is very outdoors based which I like.
Q. ARE THERE ANY TIPS YOU WOULD GIVE TO A FRIEND OR FELLOW EXPAT THAT YOU WISH SOMEONE SHARED WITH YOU BEFORE YOU BEGAN YOUR FOREIGN ASSIGNMENT/RELOCATION?
A. The best advice is to say yes to everything and to everyone for the first few months. Experience what the new culture is about and give it time, things can only get better!
