Making It Real

In addition to experiencing, learning about, and adapting to another culture, you also see your home country from a different perspective. This new perspective can be quite enlightening, and it’s something you retain even after you move back. I think it makes you a more discerning individual. —Jackie, Alcon

After working six months with little or no sleep on a grueling assignment for a client, I decided to take an extended vacation—in Hong Kong. I had done a semester abroad in London and had traveled much of Europe, but had never been to Asia. I stayed with an American friend working on the new Hong Kong International Airport. We traveled to Guilin, China; sailed down the Yangshuo River; and even survived a class 8 typhoon in Macau.

What impressed me most, however, was the lifestyle of the young expats I met; everybody had a fascinating job and a fantastic flat. I was working twelve to fourteen hours a day in Manhattan and paying $1300/month to live in four hundred square feet. In the game of life, the overseas professionals seemed to be winning. I wanted to live the life of an expat: work hard, play hard, and have the company pay my rent! Five months after that vacation, I was living and working in Asia. —Joanne, USAID

To all women considering taking an international position and moving abroad, I say, “Do it!” Working and living abroad provides a level of experience that 99 percent of your peers will never achieve. It gives you a boost, an added dimension to your skill set, because you will have a “worldview” or approach to solving problems. Most organizations find this skill rare—and priceless. —Pamela, Westinghouse

Related posts:

1. Thinking Globally
2. Going to Vacation or Buying A New Car?
3. Do You Have the Right Stuff? (2)
4. Going to Vacation or Buying A New Car? (2)
5. Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance