Warwick L. is an Australian Expat who moved to the United States to live in Texas with his family. The family has been in the United States for over a year, and they are enjoying spending their time exploring. Warwick shares what made the first few months in the United States “chaotic”, and gives advice about the two types of people you should find in your new city.
WARWICK 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. The whole family came along. The kids are adjusting well. My wife though is the one who is finding it hardest as she is a stay at home mum. We enjoy the price of nearly everything here (except health care and insurance) and there is so much to do and explore.
Q. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR FIRST FEW MONTHS IN YOUR NEW LOCATION? ANY CHALLENGES? IF SO, HOW DID YOU RESOLVE THEM?
A. The first few months were chaotic. We really didn’t know how things like banks, credit cards, schools, social security, and even some food have different names. The internet was very helpful as was a some expats who live here and a local guy i know.
Q. NOW THAT YOU ARE SETTLING IN, IS THERE A BIG CHANGE IN CULTURE? DID YOU FIND ANY HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR EXPATS?
A. There is a big culture change and it’s all the little things. People are really polite and outgoing, but manners are different here. It’s just different etiquette. Not really. There are some facebook pages and linkedIn groups. It really came down to finding our own way and connecting with other expats who have been through it before.
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. There are too many to share here. I would suggest finding an expat who lives near by that you can visit. That is really useful. You can ask them lots of questions. Then you really want to find a local person who can answer silly questions too.
