Allan K. is an Australian Expat, who relocated to Massachusetts a year ago with his wife and two children. Before moving to the United States, Allan and his family were not familiar with the New England area and what to expect for their move. See what challenges he and his family faced, and his tips and advice for other Expats moving to the United States.
Allan K.
Q. DID YOU RELOCATE WITH FAMILY? CHILDREN? HOW ARE THEY ADJUSTING TO RELOCATING? WHAT DO THEY ENJOY MOST ABOUT THEIR NEW COUNTRY?
A. I moved with my wife and two sons. We are loving New England, USA. New Hampshire has been a favorite place we had no real awareness of prior to relocating.
Q. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST FEW MONTHS IN YOUR NEW LOCATION? ANY CHALLENGES? IF SO, HOW DID YOU RESOLVE THEM?
A. The complexities of getting a license was an unexpected challenge. MA [Massachusetts] has some pretty strict requirements.
Q. NOW THAT YOU ARE SETTLING IN, IS THERE A BIG CHANGE IN CULTURE? DID YOU FIND ANY HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR EXPATS?
A. Momtourage has been a great online network for my wife. The local Recreation department has also been fantastic. A great source of cheaper activities for the kids (and adults).
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. Always read the fine print on a deal that sounds great ($89 a month, is the pretax, pre-service fees and charges advertised amount….). Check the mobile reception in any apartment before signing up to the lease. Yard sales and estate sales are a fun way to pick up things on the cheap, especially for the kids!
