Vanessa L and her family are Brazilian Expats who relocated to the United States for a new job. The family moved to Florida, which is the Southernmost part of the continental United States Learn what Vanessa found challenging about her first two months as an Expat, and find out what tips she has for decreasing stress during your move.
VANESSA 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 [my] husband and one child. We are getting adjusted well. I enjoy the weather, beach, outdoor entertainment and security.
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 2 months were challenging as there were too many things going on at the same time to settle down (new house, car, documents, work, school for my kid, shiping from my home country etc). All this overwhelming activities combined with the emotions of leaving your country, far from everyone we ever knew before can be stressful. No specific challenges but the overall feeling is not easy.
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 change in culture, lifestyle, behaviors etc. Yes, there are very helpful resources.
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. Plan everything in advance, think about taking 2 week vacation during the move time as combining work (specially if it is a new job like me) with this big moves can be stressful
