3 Things that Enrich the Expat Experience

I have been an expat in Europe now for over three years, and during this time, I transitioned from a studying foreigner to a knowledge migrant.

Arnhem, Netherlands recently became the third European city in which I have lived, in three years. It is home to the corporate headquarters of Medline in Europe. Currently, 42 expats comprise the workforce, representing 23 nationalities.

If I am honest, constantly moving has given me a greater appreciation for being an expat miles away from Kingston, Jamaica. I feel more wholesome and although I was arguably detached from any one location, I somehow feel more connected to what ‘living’ truly means. However, getting here is the result of an alignment of a number of things I had to learn—with the universe’s help of course.

‘Expathood’ begins at home

Most, if not all expats will tell you they have had the idea of leaving home long before they eventually did. It was the same for me. The other thing they would tell you is that you not only have to be mentally prepared but also practically. The answers to these questions will prove quite helpful:

• Where is your target location?
• How would you make relocation possible?
• What resources do you need?
• What kind of expat will you become?
• When is the best time to take the leap?

In my case, I had my sights set on Europe. It is a completely different world on a continent with which I had no previous experience. Where specifically would be dependent on the school I would attend because the most reasonable avenue for me to access the region was education. I also needed to complete my bachelor’s degree, and do so well enough to score a full scholarship to pursue a master’s degree abroad. I would do one anyway, so why not make an experience out of it?

With that figured out, I successfully completed my degree at the top of my class, identified a scholarship, submitted my application and waited. A response came, but not one I needed. I was accepted into the programme but unsuccessful in getting the scholarship, which was key to everything. I did not have enough of a very important resource—competitive work experience, so, it was back to the drawing board.

A year later, after gaining this additional experience, I was on my way to Denmark with a scholarship to begin a two-year programme that would also take me to Germany. My expat journey was in full swing and I felt secure in knowing what I was after, having ideas of how I would get there and anticipating all the frontiers to explore.

Travel, travel, travel

So after visiting 17 countries (and counting), living (and travelling) abroad has become second nature. It also helps to keep home with you. Your individuality enriches the experience of travelling and, quite often, is a launching pad for fruitful and long-term conversations. And those intercultural dialogues further prepare you for more natural networking in an international (professional) environment.

Networking never hurts

With a thesis submitted, and no more scholarship, I needed a job. It did not take me long to realise I needed to rely on the network I managed to build over the past two years. Word of mouth from different contacts led to internships at two major international organisations. You need to get your foot in the door and earn some money at the same time. Those experiences will lay the groundwork for finding a full-time job. It still will not be easy but you are twice defeated if you fail to use everything at your disposal.

I believe the quality of your network is directly linked to the kind of opportunities that you may find. People make networks, and each person comes with different stories and privileges, and is instrumental in his/her/their own way. The key is to build camaraderie with people who are either firmly situated in the ‘world’ you are hoping to enter or can connect you with someone in their own network. People going nowhere cannot take you anywhere. Be present in company and spaces that are conducive to your goal and take an inquisitive approach. Knowledge is power for the knowledge migrant.

In some places, this might be harder to realise. In Aarhus, Denmark, for example, there is a lot happening. But there is a formidable language barrier and greater need to integrate. You may need to learn Danish and if you do not seek (actively), you may not find, unfortunately.  Meanwhile in Hamburg, Germany, there is less of a language barrier and it is more common for the city to host events that focus on career building and professional networking, for example. These are often free, informative and inclusive. As for the Netherlands, particularly in major cities like Arnhem, you may find it easier to communicate with and meet other expats, as well as interact with people who are your senior in experience because of the classic Dutch flat hierarchical work structure in many businesses.

‘Expathood’ can be anything you make it. You only need to be prepared, open yourself up to possibilities, include people in your journey and do what you must to realise your plan to make a new home away from home.