Life as an Expat?

[Anonymous]

OP here again - I just saw the last reply before my prior - I would have said that described me several years ago, but my DC has anaphylatic food allergies and I have a serious health history which requires monitoring, so part of my concerns stem from dealing with those areas in a foreign country - we can't be nonchalant about popping into any old local restaurant (whether here or abroad), and adding a language barrier on top makes it a little more daunting - but (I think!) we are game to figure it out!

[Anonymous]

I'm from Bosnia and I can tell you that 99% of Americans I met while they were working in Bosnia (right after the war) LOVED it. The life is just a little more relaxed. Even then there were private international schools and children learned two languages fluently right off the bat. At that time there were still a lot of international doctors that most Americans went to. Right now, I'd say there are enough private practices that are really good that you really wouldn't have to worry about that. All in all, I think you'd have a good experience. If you're from this area the transition most likely wouldn't be that hard. People walk, climate is similar (minus the horrible humidity in the summer), people speak English everywhere you go. Croatia is even better and more advanced. Kosovo is a completely different story. I wouldn't take my kid there in a million years.

[Anonymous]

Definitely contact the U.S. Embassy in that country for information. They can give you answers to lots of your questions, as well as put you in touch with the Embassy's Community Liaison Officer (you don't have to be an employee of the Embassy to speak to these people). The Embassy med unit usually has information on local medical care, food shopping, where to live, etc. Also, has your DH asked his company for information?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here again - I just saw the last reply before my prior - I would have said that described me several years ago, but my DC has anaphylatic food allergies and I have a serious health history which requires monitoring, so part of my concerns stem from dealing with those areas in a foreign country - we can't be nonchalant about popping into any old local restaurant (whether here or abroad), and adding a language barrier on top makes it a little more daunting - but (I think!) we are game to figure it out!

You would be surprised at how many Eastern Europeans speak English. Nevertheless, you might want to learn how to say in the local language, "No peanuts," or whatever it is he's allergic to.

Once your child starts school, the entire expat community will open up to you.