Adventures Abroad: The New American Expat Generation by Robert Nelson
Published: July 2015
Published by: CreateSpace
Trade Paperback, 170 pages
Content Rating: G
Adventurers Abroad explains in detail who the new American expat generation is, why they are moving abroad, where they are moving abroad and the personal characteristics required for expat success. But the heart of the book is 14 personal stories told through the eyes of American expats living in all corners of the world. Through their experiences, readers will learn how to move, live and work in a variety of countries, with practical advice and information that is useful for any aspiring expat.
Book Review:
Reviewed by Sandra Olshaski
What is an expatriate or expat? Webster's dictionary
describes an expat as "to withdraw
residence in or allegiance to one's native country" - a somewhat
negative term that may question a person's loyalty to their country. Today, due
to global mobility and economic globalization, the most common understanding of
expatriate is a person who chooses to live abroad, for whatever reason, without
renouncing their citizenship. This book focuses on some Americans living
abroad.
Contrary to the notion that expats are mostly retirees,
research shows that the largest group of aspiring expats is between the ages of
25-34 years who are looking for adventure, a need for new experiences in life
and the desire to start their own business abroad. The second largest group is
the 35-44 age group. The author documents the lives of 14 Americans who share
their stories about life as an expat, as well as the characteristics a person
needs to successfully integrate into life in another country. My absolute
favourite story is about the American woman now living in Marseilles, France.
Some expats attributed their successful integration into
their new surroundings by avoiding other
American expats or as one young woman put it "I realized that I was part of a worldwide community of people without a
single homeland." She discovered that those are the expats she is
drawn to. In her words "getting involved with local people and
activities is what really makes life living abroad – perhaps anywhere – truly
enriching."
Almost all of the 14 expats featured in the book agree on
this. Their adventures living abroad changed their world view. They developed a
completely different perspective on life that is not centered solely on
America. One 31-year-old living in
Argentina commented "one of the real blessings of being an expat is that
it gives you a different perspective on your home country, something I hear
constantly from many other expats."
The best advice they give is to thoroughly research life
in the prospective country, the language, the history, money, climate, the
foods, and the cultural differences a couple of years before moving abroad.
And finally, what characteristics are needed to be a
successful expat? Open-mindedness, flexibility, cultural sensitivity, and
curiosity, among other positive qualities.
This is a fascinating, yet realistic book that documents
the ups, downs, challenges, likes and dislikes of those who have ventured
abroad. It is a must-read for those wanting to successfully join the ranks of
expats.
Disclosure by Sandra: Thanks to the publisher for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.
Buy the book:
About the Author:
A long-time expat, Robert Nelson wrote his first book, "Boomers in Paradise:Living in Puerto Vallarta," while residing in that Mexican international resort city for seven years. He has also lived in Germany, Turkey and Greece and has traveled to over a dozen countries on three continents. He also is a co-founder of www.MyInternationalAdventure.com, an on-line publisher of international relocation planning information and resources.
Connect with the author:
I really enjoyed reading this one too, Sandra! Especially the stories of the expats. Made me appreciate what my own sister is experiencing.
ReplyDeleteSandra, thanks for the review! If any of your readers have follow-on questions they would like to ask, they can reach me at bob@myinternationaladventure.com or through out Contact page on our website.
ReplyDeleteThe book description tells me I will enjoy this.
ReplyDeleteI love to travel but have never been abroad. Looking forward to reading it!
ReplyDelete