The Super Expatriate Working Overseas FAQs List

- all you need to know . . . before you go - 
Over 60 pages of FAQs

The process of decision making, hunting down a job, accepting a job, making the move overseas, adjusting to life overseas, planning for a long time overseas and even returning home - is broken down into twelve directories.

1. Learn about Working and Living Overseas

What is an Expatriate or "Expat"?

Why would someone WANT to move overseas?

What qualities are needed to succeed overseas?

How much can I earn and/or save overseas?

Is there any job security overseas?

Who works overseas and why?

Can I work overseas short-term, long-term, forever?

2. Making the Best Decision for You

What about taking my spouse and kids overseas?

How safe is life overseas?  Especially for women and/or families?

What is Expatriate social life like?  Will I be lonely?

Is life overseas healthy?  Can you drink the water?

What if I have special medical needs?  If I need special medicines?

What about health insurance - health and medical issues while living overseas?

What if I am a vegetarian?  What if I have special dietary needs?

What is the cost of living?

What if things go bad and I hate my job, work, coworkers?

How long does it take to adjust to life overseas?

3. How/Where do I Start Once the Decision is Made?

How do I find where I would fit in best?

Should I search for work from my home country?
Or go where I want to work and seek employment on the scene?

How do I find a financial situation that best meets my needs?

How quickly can I find a job overseas?

4. The Overseas Job Search

Should I use an agent or recruiter to find my first overseas job?

How should I contact overseas employers?

What about resumes and CVs for overseas jobs?  Are they the same?

How should I market myself for an overseas job?

What are overseas job interviews like?  Are they different?

What documents do I need when applying for an overseas job?

What about tattoos and piercings?

What if I am handicapped and/or physically challenged in some way?

5. Accepting that First Job

What questions should I ask before I accept a job offer?

How can I be sure of the reputation of my potential employer?

Should I ask any specific questions about housing?

6. Organizing Yourself to go Overseas

What about health insurance - health and medical issues while living overseas?
(An important repeat from section 2)

What responsibilities do I have to my home country - before I go?

What of my current possessions should I sell versus store before heading overseas?

How should I budget for the transition/move overseas?

Should I open a brokerage account for investing my savings?

Should I sell my house or rent it out - when heading overseas?

I have bills to pay "back home" how do I pay my bills from overseas?
How do I send money back home?

7. Making the Move Overseas - Final Preparations

What should I take with me?  What should I leave at home?

What expenses are involved when moving overseas?

What do I do about getting the proper visa and working papers?

8. On the Job: The Scene in your New Country

Culture Shock!?

Cultural Differences - Cultural Problems in the work place

What about Xenophobia and Jingo-ism - are they problems too?

Can I really get a raise by going out to Karaoke?  Socializing with coworkers.

Assorted Questions on one page:
What should I wear to work?
Should I buy my own transportation?
How do I know if it is safe where I live?
How can I reduce my initial expenses?

9. Planning for a Long Stretch Overseas

Should I keep a "Plan B" or "Plan C" in my back pocket?

What about my aging parents?

Should I keep a webpage or blog while I am away?

Multiple Questions on one page:
How does expatriate networking work overseas?
Should I continue to network back home?
What about improving my credentials while I am overseas?
What about the validity of distance degrees and training?

10. Medical Care while Overseas

What about health insurance - health and medical issues while living overseas?
(An important repeat from sections 2 and 6)

11. Planning for your Financial Success

What kind of banking accounts do I need while living overseas?

Should I invest in real estate or the stock market?

Should I invest my savings in my new country or my home country?

Should I try to manage my rental home/property from overseas?

Do I need a will if I stay overseas for a long time?

12. Planning for your Eventual Return "Home"

How can I avoid trouble finding work when I am ready to return home?

How do I budget for the transition to my home country?

What is "Reverse Culture Shock"?  Will I get it?

 

AND . . .

Don't forget to check the Resources page for learning more
and links to other websites that can help you.