Ryan L. is a British Expat, who relocated to Connecticut with his family about a year and a half ago. It was tough for Ryan and his family to get started and set up in the United States. He mentioned “not many people have to set up their whole life in a short period of time”. Expats relocating to a new country face many challenges. Read more about Ryan’s relocation experience and what tips and advice he has for other Expats moving to the United States.
Ryan L.
Q. DID YOU RELOCATE WITH FAMILY? CHILDREN? HOW ARE THEY ADJUSTING TO RELOCATING? WHAT DO THEY ENJOY MOST ABOUT THEIR NEW COUNTRY?
A. Yes with 2 children, They have adjusted well, [They enjoy] Baseball, Summer, Fireflies, BBQ’s.
Q. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST FEW MONTHS IN YOUR NEW LOCATION? ANY CHALLENGES? IF SO, HOW DID YOU RESOLVE THEM?
A. Tough getting started and set up, filling out forms and knowing who to contact for what was difficult, resolved by research and asking advice of friends and colleagues but things can differ from state to state so the advice wasn’t always accurate. Not many people have to set up their whole life in such a short space of time.
Q. NOW THAT YOU ARE SETTLING IN, IS THERE A BIG CHANGE IN CULTURE? DID YOU FIND ANY HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR EXPATS?
A. The change in culture is subtle rather than shocking, People in the U.S. seem to take more time to stop and talk and are more relaxed about safety issues and much more quick to engage and offer there opinions. We found that joining in with local clubs for the children helped us to meet and engage with people who already live here.
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. Yes that the banking system is quite archaic and you will need to get used to writing cheques and signing for bills. Also that dealing with the State or local government will require a lot of form filling and that when it comes to food shopping you should sign up for reward cards straight away to get the best prices.
