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Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Adventurers Abroad: The New American Expat Generation by Robert Nelson (Review and Giveaway!)



I was surprised to learn that in 2013, 232 million people were living outside their home country. See why North Americans are included in that number.

Adventures Abroad: The New American Expat Generation by Robert Nelson
ISBN: 9781514178386
Published: July 2015
Published by: CreateSpace
Trade Paperback, 170 pages
Content Rating: G

 Book Description:

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.

To read more reviews, please visit Robert Nelson's page on iRead Book Tours.


Buy the book: 
  Amazon


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: 

  Website  ~   Twitter  ~   Facebook


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4 comments :

  1. I really enjoyed reading this one too, Sandra! Especially the stories of the expats. Made me appreciate what my own sister is experiencing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sandra, 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.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The book description tells me I will enjoy this.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love to travel but have never been abroad. Looking forward to reading it!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for commenting! I appreciate your feedback.

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