Expats Sharing Experiences Online

One of the things I like best about global living and working is regularly having new and interesting experiences. Whether it is meeting new people, experiencing new cuisines or discovering how cultural traditions affect daily life, there is always something new to learn.

 
However, sometimes those new and interesting experiences can include navigating through confusing bureaucratic systems in order to secure visas or residence permits, negotiating rental contracts in another language or being unsure of exactly when you will have electricity. In those moments, global living and working can also be extremely frustrating.

 
Fortunately, there are others experiencing the joys and pains of life abroad who are sharing how they navigated through such challenges.   

 
The Expat Blog has a directory that will connect you with blogs from people in Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East and the Americas. Their stories are intriguing, inspiring and give tremendous insight about what life and work is really like in the country in which they are living. It would be difficult to get this sort of ‘insider’ information travel guide or country report.

These expats discuss what preconceived notions they arrived with and how they are being challenged. They share stories about how they managed (or not) to find those things that were easily accessible in their home country. Some share about how cultural traditions or a current political situation affects people’s daily lives. And others discuss differences in how people interact in the workplace or business world.

 
An additional benefit of visiting an expat blog is that you have the opportunity to start a dialog with the author. If the blog allows for comments then you can post directly onto the blog to share your thoughts or ask questions. The author then has the option to contact you directly. You may find a new neighbor if you are living in the same country, or find someone willing to help you with some of the initial challenges you will face when moving abroad.

Technology and the Internet are not only revolutionizing the way we communicate, they are also allowing us to explore and experience the world in whole new ways. They are helping to redefine the idea of a global community.

Have you explored how the Internet can help you connect with people successfully living and working abroad?