Angela

Hey Ann41, whereabouts in N Ireland are you moving to? Just interested cos I live here too - Co Armagh!<BR><BR>Angela

Ann41

Co. Down. I know it's been several months, but congrats on the football!

soccr

(From New England, living in the south, does that count?)<BR><BR>Seriously, I'd love to have a few comments, suggestions, reports, etc. about the pros and cons, logistics, etc. Obviously, the first quid pro quo seems to be have/getting a job and would love some guidelines on that. But one question is whether one has to be bilingual from the outset. After that, is the pay/taxes/financial situation better or worse -- isn't it enormously complicated to deal w/taxes as an expat, or is it a breeze -- as in: no taxes -- where you are? <BR><BR>What has been the most difficult part of being an expat -- missing family? cultural differences? etc.? <BR><BR>Actually, you don't need to list too many of the &quot;pro's&quot; -- I think most of us know why you are all lucky indeed.

Statia

Soccr,<BR><BR>As for myself, there seem to be more benefits than not of living the ex-pat life, at least where I am at (Dutch West Indies). Our tax situation is wonderful and the pay/benefits are good.<BR><BR>I'd have to say that in the tropical climate I'm in, missing the change of the seasons is a downside. It's kind of hard to get into the holiday spirit when it's 90 degrees. However, I can't necessarily complain about 365 days of balmy, sunny weather, either.<BR><BR>Missing family and friends is also tought at times, but you eventually make &quot;family&quot; and friends in your new location, as well.<BR><BR>I can also say that, at times, we have to deal with being the &quot;minority&quot; here and it has opened our eyes to the same situations in our home country.<BR>