As we delve into a world where international boundaries no longer confide to be an obstacle, it's essential that Americans Abroad have become acutely aware of their surroundings as they navigate through various nations' customs and cultures. The expat insider 2016 has provided us with some insight - many US nationals are living in countries other than America, for instance France saw a whopping number (around about five thousand) jump on the bandwagon to pursue lifestyles that were once deemed anachronistic by their predecessors; "You're braver when you've got kids" my friend's dad used to say as we sat down at his favorite bar sipping our lattes.
The expat insider 2016 report also highlighted a growing interest in lifestyle and travel - it appears that folks are gravitating towards places like Switzerland, where the standard of living is high yet affordable (hence why US americans prefer to dwell there) as they say "it's all about quality" my friend quipped on his recent escapades. One can't help but notice how this relates back home - when Americans abroad find themselves in a foreign land so far from their mother tongue and accustomed ways, it could be the perfect chance for them (or is that just me?) to go beyond what they've always known or ever thought possible... take Switzerland's example: "they have these funny looking chocolate bars" quipped one expat living there.
As I was going over some of my blog entries from last year, it dawned on me - those who choose a life in another land often times end up as fish outta water (not to say this is anything but an exaggeration): you might see the same individual that used to wear all-American threads now garbed with local customs like they've been there since day one. But then again, expats have made their home here and feel integrated into a world where cultural difference isn't seen as such... "Hey would love some chicken parmesan at nighfall" my mom exclaimed - she'd found her Italian favorite dish being served right within the confines of an Americanized eatery near our neighborhood!
A joke I heard recently (and that made me chuckle) was: why did expats go to Ireland? "They wanted a change in their lives, and get away from Americans' constant questions about which sports team won what"... this speaks volumes on its own - it does after all reflect the sort of humor we appreciate. On an other note I think when moving into international lifestyles like these many people see themselves as having been through thick and thin within a different lifestyle before finally jumping ship to another one; meanwhile their American heritage is seen in the limelight: "Hey look at that flag - it looks so cool doesn't?"
When Americans abroad are asked what they feel about an array of cultures, some will say its too difficult or others perhaps not entirely truthful as we all have our own stories and experiences which tend to sway us from any single truth; however there is still a certain amount left for them in common: "It's just like me - I'm the same person" many may agree on this point given how expats feel towards their new cultural surroundings. In contrast, most Americans are aware of what awaits when they choose another nation to make home as an American abroad; thus we find ourselves at a crossroads where old meets anew and somehow comes into existence something fresh... like one I met recently: "Hey - your accent's from New York" she said with glee!
Now, this does allude towards the expats' ability in having to navigate their way through local customs while also maintaining an array of Americanized characteristics (in a manner that appears more as 'uniquely us', i.e., what is distinctly theirs): we can't help but wonder about these situations - meanwhile I've found myself lost at times, trying hard not only for self-introspection purposes; "It's your accent" my friend said with amusement after hearing me speak. As expats ourselves when speaking English to locals our American twang does indeed bring a certain 'je ne sais quoi' (that is also the French term used in such conversations).
There are, however many interesting observations - from personal experience or via stories others have shared about being an outsider within international borders: "It all happened because of something like that" one friend said; meanwhile it appears our cultural compass will always be a defining trait amidst any other factor as we face each day with this expat insider 2016 US Americans Abroad report bringing to light various fresh takes for those American's living abroad, there are indeed times when they find themselves lost in thought - like I did myself at some point.
In conclusion it appears the notion of "expats" does also bring a whole new meaning ascribed by being an expat itself: though this might just be me (as my friend
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