#JSETT Twitter Chat Recap: Expat Life
Have you ever thought about moving to another country? Expats Jon Hochstat (@JHochstat) and Kelly Michelle (@80pairsofshoes) co-hosted this week’s chat, during which we discussed the pros and cons of living abroad. Check out some of our favorite responses!
Q1: Have you ever thought about becoming an expat? What is so enticing about the idea?
A1 For me it was fear of the unknown & learning I was most comfortable OUTSIDE my comfort zone. #JSETT
— Jon Hochstat (@JHochstat) July 2, 2015
A1: I’m an expat; living in England (not London) but originally from New Zealand! #JSETT
— Kelly Michelle (@80pairsofshoes) July 2, 2015
A1: I think about it all the time, I love the idea of living life in a new place. #JSETT
— The World Wanderer (@TheWrldWanderer) July 2, 2015
A1: strongly considering right this moment. It’s the freedom and wanderlust that is drawing me. Nothing to hold me here @JetsetExtra #JSETT
— SwankyTravel (@SwankyTravel) July 2, 2015
A1. I was an expat 3 years when I lived in Israel & #Palestine. Much of the draw is in the learning & maturing! @JetsetExtra #JSETT
— Comuse Travels (@comusetravels) July 2, 2015
Q2: What would your dream expat destination be?
A2 Colombia, Colombia, Colombia and here is why #JSETT pic.twitter.com/EI6k22geou
— Pathless Travels (@PathlessTravels) July 2, 2015
A2. My #Expat dream would be #Australia or #NewZealand I’ve never done it because it’s really too far from the family in #Italy #JSETT
— Chiara B. Townley (@chiarabtownley) July 2, 2015
#JSETT A2. Anywhere with a big Asian and international community – Taipei, HK, Tokyo, Vancouver e.g. @80pairsofshoes @JSETTchat
— Scott Norris (@weninchina) July 2, 2015
A2 Either somewhere in C. America to become fluent in Spanish or #Australia. #JSETT https://t.co/wClvSrmG34
— Heather Mundt (@momfari) July 2, 2015
Q3: You decide to live somewhere but don’t speak the language. How do you get by until you become fluent (enough)?
A3: Take a language course before you go so you have the basics down. Try a foreign Lang meetup group @JetsetExtra #JSETT
— SwankyTravel (@SwankyTravel) July 2, 2015
A3.) You can always communicate when you need to; just smile and be friendly! I was lost in Mexico tying to find the Baja 1000 once! #JSETT
— Bar Blogger (@BarBlogger) July 2, 2015
A3 Befriend a local who can. Immerse yourself with locals and learn quick. I learned a lot of Bahasa in 4 months in Bali @JSETTchat #JSETT
— Arnette RTW (@RTWgirl_) July 2, 2015
.@JSETTchat A3: Language apps, pocket dictionaries, and practicing with willingly locals will get you a long way #JSETT
— Discount Park & Ride (@DiscParkRide) July 2, 2015
A3: Practice, practice, practice. If you make a mistake, don’t feel disappointed. Just keep trying. Download an app. #JSETT
— Nicolette Orlemans (@Nicolette_O) July 2, 2015
Q4: What would you miss from home if you became an expat?
@80pairsofshoes A4: In general I would always miss convenience. Specifically @Target (one store will all you need) & @traderjoes 😉 #JSETT
— Travel Italian Style (@Travel_Italian) July 2, 2015
A4: I miss American breakfasts, cheap shoes … and American cable TV (when I’m bored). #JSETT
— Drive on the Left (@driveonleft) July 2, 2015
A4: I miss my family; then it’s toffee pops, fish n chips, Eskimos, NZ lamb….I miss the food! #JSETT
— Kelly Michelle (@80pairsofshoes) July 2, 2015
A4 Maybe some fav local store brands? Can’t think of much we would miss. Family can use the excuse to vacay where we are! @JSETTchat #JSETT
— Fun Family Vacations (@FunFamVacations) July 2, 2015
A4: I would miss salmiakki (finnish candy), my friends and my language. #JSETT
— Auroraholidays (@AuroraHolidays) July 2, 2015
Q5: In your opinion, what are three essential things to know in order to survive in another country (other than the language)?
@80pairsofshoes A5 #JSETT Be nice, smile and trust your gut.
— Backpacking Detours (@backpackdetour) July 2, 2015
A5: Understand customs/traditions, history, and make friends with locals! 🙂 #JSETT
— Nicolette Orlemans (@Nicolette_O) July 2, 2015
A5 Customs, religion, transportation. #JSETT https://t.co/xCs0roBOHj
— Heather Mundt (@momfari) July 2, 2015
A5. Have an open mind, be flexible. Sometimes it’s hard so be patient, keep the curiosity and be happy to learn #JSETT
— Chiara B. Townley (@chiarabtownley) July 2, 2015
Q6: If you knew then what you know now as an expat or someone who has lived abroad briefly, what is your No. 1 piece of advice?
A6 Always be Aware / Don’t be Stupid #JSETT
— Jon Hochstat (@JHochstat) July 2, 2015
A6 Just go, you can always go back if you don’t like it. That applies for living and traveling @JSETTchat #JSETT
— Arnette RTW (@RTWgirl_) July 2, 2015
A6 #JSETT – Don’t compare everything with how things are back at home.
— CruiseWriter (@Cruisewriter) July 2, 2015
@80pairsofshoes A6 always look on the bright side of life *cue song* But seriously: focus on the positives as much as possible. #JSETT
— JT (@angloyankophile) July 2, 2015
Our Twitter chat is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. PST/1:30 p.m. EST, using the hashtag #JSETT. See how the chat works and join us for the next one!
