Posts Tagged ‘International Movers’

Britons Moving Overseas Experience Language Woes, Communication Issues

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Spain has always been a popular destination for British expatriates and holidayers, but as a cultural destination it possesses quite a different way of life. Many British expatriates and overseas workers experience some severe growing pains, particularly surrounding the Spanish language and slight cultural differences.

While furniture removals and Spanish relocations are relatively simple, the cultural side of moving to a new country can be quite a taxing difference. For Brits in Spain, language is often a divide between living a full Spanish life, and remaining in a life as a Briton overseas. Expatriates often tell stories about Spanish taps and bathroom hazards, where ‘C’ could mean hot – caliente – or cold.

While Spain’s consulate services and public assistants are drafting changes to language and expatriate assistance programs, cultural divides remain an issue in many other top expatriate destinations. Beyond the logistical side of overseas removals, a range of challenges can pop up when Britons are exposed to foreign customs and business methods.

For British expatriates in Spain, a common issue surrounds housing. Dream villas and beach-side houses are purchased to fulfil a dream relocation or retirement, only to be declared illegal or unsafe for residency. Similar issues are frequent in the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and other countries where British expatriates reside.

Our advice: sort out the logistics or international removals first, and have a backup plan ready for the practicalities. Cultural divides can result in some scary situations, but are almost always controllable with some pre-planning.



New Zealand, Japan, Denmark Top List of Peaceful Overseas Living Destinations

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

A Presidentially endorsed Australian research group has released its 2009 Global Peace Index, naming and ranking countries according to their peacefulness and lack of violence, both social and political. Popular expatriate destination New Zealand has topped the list, with other top 10 finalists including Japan, Iceland, Denmark, and Canada.

As many Britons tire of military action and global political efforts, peaceful politics are becoming a major factor when deciding which country to move to. A large number of expatriates leave the UK for more peaceful soils, not just in terms of overseas military action, but when at-home crime and social issues are taken into account.

While rankings for the UK are unavailable, the United States reported a poor showing, appearing in 83rd place 144 nations polled. The survey was based around 23 ‘violence indicators’, including military size, jail population, the amount of guns and other weapons, and incidences of urban violent crime. With stories of ‘Broken Britain’ appearing all too frequently on TV, it’s certainly not unusual to think that social issues could be behind Britain’s no-show in the top rankings.

Alongside weather woes, social issues and frequent violence is a major factor behind many Britons leaving for other countries. While international removals are slowing from their peak three years ago, many Britons are still interested in overseas removals for life on more peaceful shores.



Many Expatriates Underestimate Moving Overseas

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

Many British expatriates are finding an international move to be more than they bargained for. With hundreds of thousands of Britons living overseas, a range of resources have appeared for expatriates the world over. Almost all are now making mention of one thing: the incredibly common belief that an overseas move is “easy.”

While a number of international movers firms provide excellent service and flexible moving conditions, many expatriates are finding that the overall moving process can be quite difficult. Culturally different countries carry an extra stress-test for Britons, as many find themselves without a common language or platform for communication.

With the UK economy on the mend, it’s estimated that many expatriates out of the country for financial reasons may consider returning. The lowered value of the pound makes Britain a relatively affordable place to live, especially for expatriates that have been earning in strengthened foreign currencies.

However, reverse culture shock is often an annoyance for expats, particularly those with long-term positions outside the country. Much like many Britons underestimate the physical and mental requirements of moving overseas, a move back home can result in some taxing moments and potentially difficult adjustments.

Beyond furniture removals and business rearrangements, there is a lot going on during an overseas move. Brits considering an international career should consider it in its entirety, much like those returning home should consider the potential adjustments. Long-term overseas placements can be a relaxing and growth-filled affair, but only with the right degree of planning and consideration.



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