Product Description

This book not only covers the practical aspects of relocating; it enters unchatered territory, laying emotional and cultural groundwork to help the expatriate thrive.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #266716 in Books
• Published on: 2002-04-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 270 pages

Review
"The authors draw on their vast global experience to give suggestions for dealing with the transition challenges that can so easily overwhelm both the new and the veteran traveller. The information in this book lets the reader follow one of the authors' most fundamental adjustment suggestions: 'Talk to people in a position to know.' These authors know." Terri L Williams, Vice President, Association of American Foreign Service Worldwide,

About the Author
Melissa Brayer-Hess is creator of a Foreign Service Website. She recently relocated from the Ukraine to Washington, D.C. Patricia Linderman is a writer, translator and U.S. Embassy liaison coordinator. She lives in Leipzig, Germany. The authors met, collaborated and wrote the book entirely over the Internet, first meeting face-to-face months after the manuscript was completed.

Customer Reviews

Not Very Helpful for Setting it up Yourself
This book offers some great advice for moving when you have a company or government moving you and a network to tap into who has done your similar move previously. If you are going it alone, the advice is very rudimentary. For example, it offers little advice on how to pack things and ship them except to contact those who have done it previously for advice. Well duh!? It also focuses on language barriers, etc. but I am moving to an Engligh-speaking country, so that did not apply. Advice such as - have your organization set you up with another American who can get your apartment, buy your first groceries, etc. - is a nice idea IF that type of person is available. We're the first Americans in our organization doing this, so we can't ask previous Americans in our situation to help us out. Some of the psyhological issues it addresses, however, are very helpful! There is a BIG focus on moving a FAMILY (big chapter on PETS too!). This book was not as helpful to a single girl moving!!!

Packed with Knowledge!
Melissa Brayer Hess and Patricia Linderman's indispensable book covers all the practical aspects of adjusting to life in a foreign country. They pay particular attention to factors that can help or hinder an expatriot's adjustment. Every chapter includes short, personal sidebars recounting the experiences of those who've lived and worked abroad, an addition which brings the book to life with insightful, useful and often hilarious detail. We from getAbstract recommend this book to anyone who is considering relocation to another country. To be at home anywhere on the globe, supplement it with a couple of books about the specific country where you are going. Pay attention to the advice about planning ahead, then get your shots, tuck your passport in your pocket and head for the airport. (Don't forget to pack this book; you may need it for re-entry.)

Stresses Family Matters
I am a new expat on my first assignment with my spouse and 2 children. I wish I had this book before I left the United States. It is full of extremely good information.

The authors stress the importance of handling family issues. They really hit the nail on the head in describing the feelings and emotions that can arise on the part of family members involved in an international relocation. There are numerous sections of the book that address the special issues of spouses and children, and provide excellent advice on how to deal with them.

Read in conjunction with The New American Expat: Thriving and Surviving Overseas in the Post/9-11 World, and a couple of the top expat websites, like www.expatexchange.com and www.transitionsabroad.com, these sources provide all the necessary information to make your overseas experience enjoyable and successful.