Interview with an Expat: Get Tips and Advice from a Polish Expat Living in America

Boguslaw S. is a Polish Expat who moved to the United States from Belgium. Boguslaw relocated alone and settled into New Jersey in early 2014. He shares his advice for other Expats moving to the U.S., and tells us what he would do differently if relocating again.

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 Boguslaw S.

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 alone.

Q. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST FEW MONTHS IN YOUR NEW LOCATION? ANY CHALLENGES? IF SO, HOW DID YOU RESOLVE THEM?

A. My first months were mostly spent on organizing my life in US. It was quite a challenge for an international coming to this country to understand and follow all of the rules and requirements for SS number (Social Security), opening bank account, renting an apartment, getting a car to commute, etc. However I was offered with support from professionals and they made this period much easier for me, guiding through all steps and explaining everything I needed to understand.

Q. NOW THAT YOU ARE SETTLING IN, IS THERE A BIG CHANGE IN CULTURE? DID YOU FIND ANY HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR EXPATS?

A. Once I get settled I started observing and adopting to local culture. I had some struggles in understanding or follow certain behaviors. I was however offered with cross-cultural training by my company. It helped me to better understand culture differences and adopt. It also helped me to understand how am I or could I be perceived by locals, thus act with more awareness while adopting.

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. If I had to go through international move again certainly I’d like to use help from professionals. They are patient in listening and understanding what your real needs are and what are your struggles and craft solution fitting perfectly and preventing you making mistakes, which often can be expensive. International AutoSource, certainly is on my list of professionals I strongly recommend.

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