Expat Nest Archives - Relocation Africa

Not only can reading provide a welcome distraction from the stresses of life, but moving overseas can sometimes be made easier by reading about other people’s experiences doing the same.

Expat Nest recently asked Expat Bookshop to round up their top 10 books for expatriates for 2020. Here they are, in no particular order.

#1 Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure

Doreen M Cumberford

(White Heather Press)

In 1995, Doreen Cumberford catapulted herself into an extraordinary adventure halfway around the world. Leaving a comfortable American lifestyle, she moved to Saudi Arabia with her husband and toddler.

A rich and rewarding read.

#2 How to Live the Good Life in France: Attaining Your French Rural Dream

Lorraine Turnbull

(Fat Sheep Press)

This practical and up-to-date book answers the common questions of relocating to rural France, including guidance on how to own animals or set up a smallholding, find and secure the right property for you, and start a rural business. Learn from others who have made the move, including the author.

If you’re dreaming of a simpler life…

#3 Death by Windmill: A Mother’s Murder in Amsterdam

Jennifer S Alderson

(Traveling Life Press)

A Mother’s Day trip to the Netherlands turns deadly when a guest plummets from a windmill. Was it an accident or a murder?

A fun thriller with a Dutch twist.

#4 Expat Partner: Staying Active & Finding Work

Carine Bormans and Marie Geukens

(Lanoo Publishers)

Can you plan your professional future as an expat partner? Can you pursue a career in your new location? What are your expectations and priorities?

Sage advice from the experts.

#5 Hanna and the Flying Carpet

Heidi Olsson

(Springtime Books)

Hanna is a girl who belongs in many places in the world, but she’s sick of goodbyes. Omar got new opportunities in a new country, but he misses his cousins. Abdi is an inventive guy who found a solution when he missed his grandma. Three kids with magic eyes on a magic adventure.

A magical multi-cultural tale for kids.

#6 Life Beyond the Castanets: My Love Affair with Spain: Book 2

Jean Roberts

(Independently published)

With their life in Spain established, Jean and Adrian look forward to an idyllic retirement. But when Mother Nature throws up formidable fires, floods and flu, their dreams, along with much of their house, are shattered.

An absorbing read for these COVID days.

#7 Raising Global Teens: A Practical Handbook for Parenting in the 21st Century

Anisha Abraham

(Summertime Publishing)

Globalization has given many of us unparalleled opportunities to work, travel, fall in love, and raise kids all over the world. But it has made being a teen more complicated than ever.

Enlightening for all parents, regardless of where you are.

#8 The Accidental Business Nomad: A Survival Guide for Working Across a Shrinking Planet

Kyle Hegarty

(Nicholas Brealey Publishing)

An unvarnished, story-driven, practical guide to working across cultures. The book features real stories of companies going global, warts and all. Each is a fascinating lesson on the cultural realities and unexpected surprises of modern globalisation.

Candid, entertaining and packed with real life stories.

#9 What About Your Saucepans?

Lindsay de Feliz gave up marriage and a successful career in the UK to follow her dreams as a scuba diving instructor in the Dominican Republic. She met and married her Dominican man and went on an incredible adventure that also had a dark side – political corruption. Lindsay tells it how it is, and in the telling her deep love for the Dominican Republic, its culture and its people shines through.

A compelling story interwoven with just the right amount of humour

#10 The Winding Road to Portugal: 20 Men from 11 Countries Share Their Stories

Louise Ross

(Moyhill Publishing)

How do men navigate life at a time fraught with great uncertainty and rapid change, working and moving country to country, on their own or with a family? Is their path easy, because they’re men, fortuned with greater liberties than women? Or do they encounter a different set of challenges, faced with the complexities of what it means to be a man today?

Clever and well-crafted book which lets the men do the talking.

For information as to how Relocation Africa can help you with your Mobility, Immigration, Research, Remuneration, and Expat Tax needs, email info@relocationafrica.com, or call us on +27 21 763 4240.

Sources: [1], [2]. Image sources: [1], [2].

This article was first published by Vivian Chiona of Expat Nest.

As expats, we’re often encouraged to “get out there” and make new friends so that we can feel more at home in our host country. If you’re an introvert, this may feel way out of your comfort zone. Expat Nest shares three simple tips for introverts abroad.

How do you think of yourself – introvert, extrovert, or ambivert? (Take this fun quiz and see if you agree with the results.) If you’re a more introverted expat, you probably replenish your energy with time alone. You may be more reserved and will tend to avoid “small talk”, instead preferring deeper connections built over time or through a shared passion.

An incredible perk of being an introvert is that you know how to enjoy your own company. You can be fulfilled spending time in solitude or at home, doing something you truly enjoy. This can be a huge advantage if you live a nomadic lifestyle, as you’re able to feel content no matter where you are.

Introverts also tend to be naturally introspective – the ability to go within, develop self-awareness and continue to grow are important life skills, and introverts really get this!

However, it’s a myth that introverts don’t need other people (read more introvert myths here). We all need some form of social connection. And when the time comes to reach out, the more introverted expat may begin to feel pressured and anxious.

Simple tips for introverts living an expat life

1. There’s no rush

Solitude and silence are important – they top up your energy tanks so you can be present in the different areas of your life. If you’re an expat who identifies as an introvert, it makes sense to take your time before you begin opening yourself up to others. Find the balance between your need to spend time alone and your need to make connections in your adopted location.

2. Take small risks to build confidence

Sometimes it takes just a moment of bravery to change your life. Invite one person for coffee, for example, or attend a group event for a shorter period of time. And remember: even if you prefer deeper conversations, you have to start somewhere. A great technique for feeling more at ease is to focus on the other person—this takes the pressure off you)—and to ask questions so you can open a meaningful dialogue.

3. A shared passion

Discovering a common interest or cause sparks a deeper connection with others. Do some research on events happening near you and become a member of a community of people as passionate as you are. Consider taking up a hobby you were already doing when you were back home or try something you’ve never had the chance to do before. This will give you the impetus to interact with like-minded individuals and grow roots in your adopted home.